Scallop Buffer Zone (SFA 24)
Emplacement: Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Bioregion
Superficie approximative: 727,420 hectares
Date de désignation: 2017
Objectifs de conservation
To protect the habitat of American lobsters, as well as other species such as skates and crabs.
Interdictions
Scallop dragging is prohibited in the area.
Pourquoi (contexte environnemental pour la protection)
The area encompasses habitat that American lobsters use to nurse their young. By protecting nursery grounds from bottom-contact fishing methods like scallop dragging, lobster numbers in the area should increase. The area also offers protection to other important species. The closure contains the last remaining area in which the winter skate (an endangered species) is found during the summer. The closure is also home to lady crabs and rock crabs.