The Canadian lobster spring fishing season is set to begin this month, with early openings in LFA 31B and LFA 32, signaling a major shift in global supply. Known for their hard shells and plump meat, spring-caught lobsters are expected to arrive in large volumes—triggering a long-anticipated price correction after months of tight supply.

At the Nova Scotia terminal in zone 34, prices this week stood at US$10.16/kg (converted from CAD 14.00/lb), marking a 12.5% decline from the March peak of US$11.61/kg (CAD 16.00/lb). Despite the drop, prices remain well above the US$5.81/kg (CAD 8.00/lb) recorded on November 25, widely referred to as “dumping day.”

Stewart Lamont, general manager of Tangier Lobster, explained the current imbalance: "The recent high terminal prices are related to low production and tight inventory. When a large number of new lobsters come to market, terminal prices will be driven down, and in the current market environment, CAD 14.00/lb is unsustainable."

Supply Delays and Price Spikes in the U.S. Market

The arrival of new-season lobsters has been delayed in the United States wholesale market, exacerbating shortages during the Easter period. This pushed prices sharply higher, with 1.25 lb (0.57 kg) live lobsters reaching US$16.00/lb in week 15 (April 6–12)—a 66.7% increase since the start of the year.

Lamont noted that key uncertainties remain ahead of the first major landings: "We won't be able to make a clearer judgment on the yield, especially the quality, until next Monday or Tuesday. We need lobsters with hard shells, plenty of meat, and high protein. If the quality can be guaranteed, other problems can be solved. So, theoretically, everything will change in 72 hours."

Weather forecasts from the Canadian Meteorological Service suggest favorable early-season conditions, with 15-knot northerly winds shifting to 10–15 knot southerlies, improving fishing prospects. "The catch should be good on Friday and Saturday, which should help alleviate the supply shortage," Lamont added.

Season Expansion Across Atlantic Canada

Additional fishing zones along Nova Scotia’s east coast—including LFA 31A, 28, and 29—will open by the end of April, followed by LFA 27 and LFA 30 on May 8 and 9. Most areas are expected to close by the end of June.

In 2024, these seven regions produced 12,134 tonnes, accounting for 11.6% of Canada’s total Atlantic lobster catch of 104,896 tonnes. Meanwhile, winter fishing areas 33 and 34 contributed 24,448 tonnes (23.3% of national output).

According to Tommy Amirault, president of the Coldwater Lobster Association of Canada: “Fishermen have been battling bad weather since last year. November was stormy with near-freezing water temperatures. When the water is too cold, lobsters are basically not active, so the catch was not ideal. Now it’s April and everyone is just starting to get back on track. We expect to have 7,200 fishing boats operating by the end of April when the peak season begins.”

Beyond Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador will see 14 fishing areas open between April and May (with 2024 production of 9,982 tonnes), while Quebec’s LFA 15–22 will begin operations in May (15,795 tonnes in 2024).

"Buyers will have more options, and market supply will increase significantly," Amirault said.

Global Demand Concerns Cloud Outlook

Despite strong prices, exporters are facing weak international demand. Lamont highlighted growing uncertainty tied to geopolitical tensions, noting that rising crude oil prices nearing US$100 per barrel are increasing transportation and operational costs.

Photo: © 2025 Tangier Lobster Company Limited

"Buyers are very nervous about the situation. Customers will still make purchases, but they tend to be more cautious and more focused on cost control," he said.

In the Chinese market, demand has remained firm, pushing export prices for 1.25 lb (0.57 kg) Canadian lobsters to US$15.16/lb in week 15, a 54% increase since the beginning of the year.

As the spring season ramps up, the global lobster market stands at a critical juncture—balancing surging supply, historically high prices, and fragile consumer confidence.