Lobster boats in Yarmouth Harbour (Y95 CJLS Photo)
Tonight at midnight marks the end of the 2018-2019 fall lobster season in Lobster Fishing Area’s 33 and 34.
Most fishermen have already hauled in their pots and gear and by most accounts, it’s been a decent season.
Fisherman Bernie Berry is president of the Coldwater Lobster Association.
“I think it’s been a good season, overall. Once the final number’s in, I think the catch could reflect a slight decrease compared to last year, maybe 15, 18 percent. It’s going to be several months before we know that.”
He tells CJLS News that weather caused a number of lost days but the price somewhat made up for that.
“A record opening, from anywhere from 7 to 7.50, and the close of the season was up at $7. What really helped was how fast the price went up. I think the second week of the season, the shore price was $9.”
According to DFO figures, last year’s lobster landings in the LFAs 34 and 33 generated a landed value of approximately $502 million.
LFA 34 includes all of Yarmouth County and parts of Shelburne and Digby counties while LFA 33 picks up in Shelburne County and extends to Halifax County.
There are approximately 1700 lobster licences in the two areas.
Reported by Gary Nickerson
