Nova Scotia’s vital lobster industry is under severe stress as illegal fishing activity

increases in Southwestern Nova Scotia without any action from the Houston

government.

​

Despite being the authority over buyers’ licenses, the province has remained silent as

tensions rise in St. Mary’s Bay. Fishing organizations have called on the Houston

government to increase the maximum fine for both individuals and businesses caught in

illegal activity from $100,000 to a maximum of $1 million and ensure that neither an

individual nor a business owned by that individual have access to a license again.

 

“The Houston government’s silence on this issue has been extremely troubling for our

communities in Digby and Yarmouth counties. Not only is this a severe economic threat to

our area, but also a significant safety issue,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill.

“Minister Craig can no longer ignore this issue. We need a zero-tolerance policy on illegal

fishing to protect the integrity of our lobster industry.”