Advertisement

N.S. lobster boats head out of port to set traps in lucrative fishery

Crews head out at the break of dawn for the beginning of the 2017 lobster season for districts 33 and 34 in Nova Scotia. Alexa MacLean/ Global News

Hundreds of fishing boats laden with lobster traps steamed out of ports along the Nova Scotia coast this morning to take part in one of the country’s most lucrative fisheries.

Fisheries spokeswoman Debbie Buott-Matheson expects about 1,500 vessels headed out at onto the water in darkness to begin setting their lobster traps, similar to last year’s numbers.

READ: N.S. lobster fishermen protesting outside DFO offices against illegal poaching

She says that represents about 5,200 captains and crew, with Fisheries boats also on the water to monitor the fishery and ensure safety.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The so-called ‘dumping day’ was delayed by a day due to high winds, but Buott-Matheson said the weather was holding today and there had not been any reported safety incidents.

WATCH: Business is booming for the Halifax lobster industry

Click to play video: 'Business is booming for the Halifax lobster industry'
Business is booming for the Halifax lobster industry

The value of last year’s catch of 33,500 tonnes was $493 million, likely making it the second highest in its history.

Story continues below advertisement

The landed value for the 39,200 tonnes caught in the 2015-16 season was $567 million.

Sponsored content

AdChoices