Lobster fishermen say they were blindsided by new federal regulations introduced this week designed to protect the North Atlantic right whale.
One of the measures would close an area off the Acadian Peninsula to the lobster fishery.
Maritime Fishermen’s Union spokesperson Martin Mallet says that would have a negative impact on industry revenue.
Mallet says they need better communication with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Federal fisheries minister Dominic LeBlanc acknowledged there may not have been sufficient consultation with industry.
A working group has been set up which will meet with DFO officials to hopefully find some common ground.
Mallet adds he’s optimistic at this point but LeBlanc says he has concerns about making any adjustments to the new rules.
