American lobster

Homarus americanus

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

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Location

Canada (Southwest Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy, LFA 34-36 & 38)

Technical location

Atlantic, Northwest, NAFO 4X

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 Southwest Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy is high, above the proxy for BMSY. Therefore, there is no concern for the biomass. Reference points are not available for fishing pressure in LFA 35-38, however, in LFA 34 (where most landings occur), indicators suggest that overfishing in not taking place. Therefore, there is also no concern for fishing pressure. There are trap limits and a minimum size limit in place, however, management would benefit from harvest control rules. In Southwest Nova Scotia & Bay of Fundy, entanglement in vertical lines used in trap fishing gear is likely leading to the decline of the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) in Atlantic Canada.Rating last updated June 2022.

How we worked out this Rating

References

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American lobster
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