Opening days delayed for Canada’s largest and most lucrative lobster fisheries

HALIFAX –

The opening days for 2 of Canada’s largest and most worthwhile lobster fisheries have been delayed due to dangerous climate.

The federal Fisheries Department says it’s delaying by sooner or later — to Tuesday — the opening of Lobster Fishing Area 33, which extends from Cow Bay in Halifax County south to Port La Tour, in Shelburne County.

Meanwhile, the division has but to announce the opening day for Lobster Fishing Area 34, which extends from Shelburne County round to the southwest coast of the province, as a result of Environment Canada is forecasting gale situations into Tuesday.

Normally, the launch of the season happens on the final Monday in November for the 2 fishing areas, however the Fisheries Department modified the principles to permit for delays on account of climate and questions of safety.

Representatives from the fishing group in LFA 34 will focus on opening day — known as dumping day — with authorities officers and Environment Canada forecasters on Wednesday at 7 a.m. to find out when it is secure to move out.

The division says opening day is robotically delayed if the forecast requires winds in extra of 48 kilometres per hour.

In a launch final Friday, the provincial fisheries minister mentioned boats are closely loaded with traps and equipment, and security must be the prime consideration.

“Boarding boats in the cold and dark, at the mercy of the weather and the sea, makes fishing dangerous work. Safety is a crucial priority,” Steve Craig mentioned.

“One tragedy is one too many, so we urge fishing captains and crews to make sure they follow their safety training and take every precaution so they are able to come home safely to their loved ones.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 28, 2022.