Local lobster associations are reporting catches are down as much as 75 per cent in Southwestern Nova Scotia – the worst the industry has seen in 25 years.

 

“The lobster fishery is the backbone of our economy and must be protected,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “We have been calling on both DFO and the Houston government to increase the number of enforcement officers on the ground to prevent the illegal poaching of lobster. The province needs to immediately increase the fine for illegal catches from $100,000 to $1 million, and perpetrators should also lose their licenses.”

Fishers continue to wait for the Houston government to make good on their promise to increase fines from $100,000 to $1 million for individuals and businesses caught in illegal fishing activity. Without an increase in both federal and provincial enforcement within the industry, the fishing sector is expected to experience more hardship.

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"Both levels of government have to take steps to protect this industry -- an industry that is so important to the economy of both Southwestern Nova Scotia and the entire province," said Ronnie LeBlanc, Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture. "They both have a role in protecting this industry and should do so immediately."