Fishing has been restricted off the coast of northeastern New Brunswick after a North Atlantic right whale was spotted.

Several fishing zones have been shut down temporarily, while others are now closed for the rest of the season.

That has prompted frustration from many lobster fishers who have reportedly decided not to remove their traps.

Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier acknowledged in a statement Thursday that the closures are a “significant blow” to coastal communities.

“Our adaptive measures for protecting North Atlantic right whales are challenging for harvesters, however it is important to note they are meant to prevent entanglements and help the species recover,” she said.

“We want to work with harvesters on how we can mitigate the impacts.”

The minister said she is “urgently convening” a meeting with industry representatives on Thursday.