Advertisement

Lobster season in southwestern Nova Scotia delayed due to weather

Fishing boats sit loaded with lobster traps.
Fishing boats sit loaded with lobster traps. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Foul weather expected for Saturday night into Sunday morning throughout most of Nova Scotia has lead to a delay of lobster season in Atlantic Canada’s most lucrative area.

Representatives for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Southwest Nova told Global News they, along with Environment Canada and industry representatives made the call to delay the start of the season off southwest Nova Scotia in lobster fishing areas 33 and 34 until Tuesday.

READ MORE: Lobster season off Nova Scotia closes with high prices, good catches: fisherman

David Whorley, area director in Southwest Nova said their safety protocol dictates that any wind above 26 knots results in an automatic no-go for the start of the season. They held a conference call on Sunday morning and decided to push the start of the season ahead by one day.

Lobster season in southwestern Nova Scotia delayed due to weather - image
Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Boats in were originally scheduled to depart at 6 a.m. Monday in area 34 and at 7 a.m. Monday in area 33.

Story continues below advertisement

According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, commercial lobster fishing in area 34 had the highest landings and the most participants of any area in Canada as of 2015.

READ MORE: Capital Seafood hopes live lobster operations continue after devastating fire

The province is reminding fishermen to keep safety at top of mind ahead of Dumping Day.

“We know fishing is dangerous work,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

“Here in Nova Scotia, fishermen have been working to improve safety in their industry over the last few years. I urge them to keep safety top of mind on Dumping Day and all through the season.”

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices