Fishery officers have seized, released 4,400 lobsters in southwest N.S. since June

A lobster is seen in the St. Peter's Bay area of Nova Scotia.

Fishery officers have seized and released 4,463 lobsters from traps in southwest Nova Scotia since early June, with most of them attributed to fishing during closed times and violations of licence conditions.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says officers have seized 1,032 lobster traps and 32 crates of lobsters in southwest Nova Scotia since June 1.

“Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times, failure to tag traps, unmarked sunken gear, and other non-compliance issues,” a news release from Fisheries and Oceans Canada reads.

Fishery officers boarded a vessel and arrested four people in St. Mary’s Bay for Fisheries Act violations, including fishing lobster traps without authorization, on Aug. 26. Officers seized 58 lobster traps and seven crates of lobster.

On Aug. 27, officers arrested four people on a vessel for fishing with unauthorized traps and fishing with sunken gear. They seized and released 1,088 lobsters.

“Each summer and fall, the lobster fishing areas (LFAs) of Southwest Nova Scotia (SWNS) see increased activity as Indigenous harvesters engage in a food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) lobster fishery,” the release reads. “The harvesting of lobster for FSC purposes in SWNS – including St. Mary’s Bay (LFA 34) – is authorized to happen outside of the commercial season, by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) licence.”

Fisheries and Oceans Canada notes the 1990 Supreme Court Sparrow Decision upheld the right of Indigenous communities to fish for FSC purposes, but it notes the sale, barter or trade of FSC catches is illegal.

“Anyone caught selling, buying, or offering to buy or sell FSC-caught lobster may be arrested, have their catch and gear seized, and be charged,” the release reads.

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