A DFO spokesman confirmed the fishing boats left port at 4 a.m. to start the season.

The season in Lobster Fishing Area 34 will officially open on Tuesday at 4 a.m. AT., after an eight-day delay to the season.

Dumping Day - the first day of the lobster fishing season when traps are placed - was supposed to happen on Nov. 30, but high winds and rough seas continue to delay the opening.

While the delay isn't unusual, the union representative and fisherman says it poses challenges for the fleet, because many boats have already placed bait in their lobster traps.

The federal Fisheries Department says fishers in Lobster Fishing Area 33 on the province's south shore can go ahead with dumping their traps this morning.

Earlier this week, Fisheries Department officials suspended the lobster season after right whales were detected off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia.

Chief Mike Sack says the seizures by Fisheries Department officers have undermined negotiations with Ottawa aimed at establishing a moderate livelihood fishery.

'It's a very dangerous line of work and you have people fish next to you who are not your friends.'

One boat even fired off celebratory fireworks as vessels raced towards the horizon, marking the start of the province's lobster season.

The provincial government has issued a reminder to fishing crews to make safety a priority this year.