Canada’s largest lobster fishery is underway.
It’s ‘Dumping Day’ in Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34, stretching from Digby around Yarmouth to Halifax.
According to DFO, that includes over 1,400 vessels heading out to set their traps.
Many families watch from wharves and the shoreline every year, as hope for low winds and high prices remains.
Last year, combined landings in the region were valued at over $540 million.
Dwayne Surette, area manager for DFO says safety is the main concern on day one.
“We had preseason weather calls with Environment Canada, JRCC and the Coast Guard. Everyone is on full alert making sure there’s a safe start to the season, and then we want everyone to do well, we want these communities to thrive in the lobster fishery,” said Surette.
He says both air and water support are available to assist, and the first days are critical with so many going out.
LFA 34 fishers were scheduled to leave at 5 a.m, one hour earlier than normal due to high winds forecast later Monday.
LFA 33 were scheduled to go at 7 a.m.
The fall lobster season runs until the end of May.
Lobster fishing is ‘huge’ for southwest Nova Scotia
Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont says it’s an important time for the region.
“There are so many people that I know who are in this fishery that have been preparing for months, to be ready for a very wintery time of year to be fishing. I wish them all the best, and safest possible fishing they can have,” said d’Entremont.
He says it’s the most important piece of our economy, and we need to continue to manage the stocks so it’s there for many generations.
Argyle MLA Colton LeBlanc says it’s a huge industry for the area.
“It’s the livelihood of so many people, and in a way, a circular economy. People reinvest their dollars right here in southwest Nova Scotia,” said LeBlanc.
He says it’s important to support and sustain the industry through tariffs in the U.S, and work to diversify markets.
The province wishes for safety, and reminds fishers to monitor forecasts, inspect vessels and check all safety equipment.
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