American lobster

Homarus americanus

3: OK - Needs improvement How we work out the ratings

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Location

Canada (Eastern Cape Breton, Eastern & South Shore Nova Scotia, LFA 27-33)

Technical location

Atlantic, Northwest, NAFO 4

Caught by

Pot, trap or creel

Certification

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Rating summary

Stock indicators show that the lobster biomass in the Eastern Cape Breton, Eastern & South Shore Nova Scotia is high, above the proxy for BMSY. Reference points in relation to MSY are not available for fishing pressure, and fishing pressure vaires between lobster fishing areas. However, exploitation has been stable in recent years. Therefore, there is no concern for biomass or fishing pressure. There are trap limits and a minimum size limit in place, however, management would benefit from harvest control rules. In Eastern Cape Breton, Eastern & South Shore Nova Scotia, entanglement in vertical lines used in trap fishing gear is possibly leading to the decline of the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) in Atlantic Canada.Rating last updated June 2022.

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References

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American lobster
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