DFO to increase year-round lobster gear monitoring in Bay of Fundy

Enforcement officers with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will soon have a new tool to lift, check and seize illegal lobster fishing gear from the waters between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The department is seeking a crew and vessel that would be contracted to take DFO officers on patrols to inspect fishing equipment. 

The patrol work isn't new, but this contract represents an increase in surveillance and enforcement in an area where the fishing industry has called on officers to do more to deter illegal fishing operations.

"Charter vessels have been used in this area in the past to augment other assets used to haul and inspect gear," said DFO spokesperson Megan Gallant in an email.

"The purpose of this vessel is to provide additional support to fishery officers as they conduct patrols and inspections, primarily in the Bay of Fundy."

12-hour shifts, 3 days a week

According to a request for proposals published online last week, DFO hopes to be out on the water three days a week for at least 12 hours per patrol.

The contract is set to span January to March 2025, but can be extended through to spring 2026.

That would mean patrols would happen outside of commercial fishing seasons when industrial-scale lobster harvesting shouldn't be occurring. This may help address calls from fishing crews who say there has been insufficient enforcement during the commercial off-season.

The contracted vessel would be responsible for patrolling throughout the Bay of Fundy and "be able to berth at various ports in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia," according to the documents published online. 

Checking gear, seizing if necessary

The vessel will help officers lift, inspect and return trawls of up to 75 pots or traps. If equipment is found in violation of the Fisheries Act, it could be seized.

"Any time fishing gear is seized, officers may retain the items to complete investigation work," said Gallant. 

"Once an investigation is complete and the evidence is no longer required to be in the department's custody, traps may be released back to their owners."

The request for proposals for the vessel is open for bids until Dec. 19.