Major damage to fishing boats and small-craft harbours has been reported in Nova Scotia's eastern mainland, Cape Breton, P.E.I. and southwestern Newfoundland.

There are concerns the report titled 'Peace on the Water' is stoking anger in communities where lobster is a livelihood.

A federal panel decision that recommends scrapping a northern shrimp policy that protects the pioneers of the multi-million dollar industry is dividing fisheries ministers in two Atlantic provinces.