Following the sighting of a North Atlantic right whale in shallow waters off the northeast coast of New Brunswick last week, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) instituted a 15-day temporary fishing area closure in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 23 C. This decision was based on DFO’s sighting data at the time, and in consideration of our international commitments towards marine mammal protection, which are in place to ensure Canada’s world-class seafood products continue to be recognized as sustainable and export markets remain available.