On May 17, 2024, an endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted in shallow waters approximately 3 to 4 kilometers off the northeast coast of New Brunswick, east of Miscou Island. After the whale was detected, DFO instituted a 15-day temporary fishing area closure in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 23 C. The 15-day closure count begins on the day of the detection – in this case that would mean from May 17th to the 31st. Under this protocol, if a right whale is not detected again in the closed area, the area would re-open to fishing after day 15.