Minister will not change date

INVERNESS — The federal minister of fisheries will not change the new date set for the opening of the lobster season in the Gulf region.

Jane Deeks, spokesperson for the minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said Bernadette Jordan and DFO officials have been working closely with member associations, processors and harvesters across the country to determine what the industry partners need in order to move ahead with fishing seasons.

“As a result of these consultations, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has delayed the opening of the 2020 seasons for Lobster Fishery 23, 24, 26A and 26B in the Gulf of St. Lawrence until May 15, 2020,” Deeks said in an email response to questions.

“We recognize that some harvesters have raised concerns with the opening date and Minister Jordan will continue to work closely with all our industry partners to address these concerns and ensure that the women and men in Canada’s fisheries are safe and supported through this unprecedented time.”

In an earlier statement, Jordan said they are maintaining a shared opening date for lobster fisheries across the Gulf region, helping to ensure continued co-operation across the industry and additional time for everyone to put in place the necessary health and safety measures in response to COVID-19 protocols.

However a decision has still not been made on whether the season will be extended.

Jordan earlier said DFO is focused on ensuring the industry has a smooth and safe start to the 2020 season.