The lobster fishing season in LFA 33 and 34 is officially underway.
It’s Dumping Day in Southwestern Nova Scotia, as hundreds of boats will set their traps.
Yarmouth Waterfront this morning as fishermen in LFA 34 prepare to leave at 6am for Dumping Day. pic.twitter.com/dAYcoFIfhX
— Y95 – CJLS (@CJLSRadio) November 28, 2017
Some of the fleet heading out past the Cape Forchu Lightstation. pic.twitter.com/nlLv6Yzv9F
— Y95 – CJLS (@CJLSRadio) November 28, 2017
At the Cape Forchu Lightstation in Yarmouth early this morning, Reverend Bill Newell led the blessing of the fleet.
Yarmouth Town Crier was also there to give a proclamation.
Boats in LFA 34 left at 6am, and the LFA 33 fleet departed at 7.
Mayor Pam Mood says it’s with mixed emotions to see the fishermen depart.
“We’re tremendously happy because this is what keeps us going, but they are going out on the water, it’s dangerous. We think about the hundreds and hundreds of families and we pray for their safety. That’s what is most important to us.”
Our lobster fishery is one of the most lucrative in the world, with combined landings from the 2016/2017 season at around 30,200 tonnes, valued at over $490 million.
Yarmouth MLA and Education Minister Zach Churchill was also at Cape Forchu to wish a safe season to the lobster industry.
Churchill says it’s important to market our lobster.
“It’s a priority for the province. We want to get our lobster out to as many markets as possible, so we can increase the prosperity of our rural economy. It’s been an exciting partnership so far. I’m pleased to sit here every year and watch these boats go out. It’s an exciting moment for our community.”
DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard have increased their presence off our waters today.
#DumpingDay has begun! LFAs 33 and 34 are open for the season pic.twitter.com/Tqpoacxws6
— DFO Maritimes (@DFO_MAR) November 28, 2017
