The province’s fisheries minister is demanding action on illegal lobster fishing.
Kent Smith wrote a three-page letter to federal minister Diane Lebouthillier, asking for enforcement in southwest Nova Scotia.
He’d also like to see an action plan from DFO within the next month.
Smith says the letter stems from recent meetings with harvesters.
“The fear and anxiety that was presented to me in those meetings was something that I took to heart. I truly believe the feds need to step up and enforce illegal fishing,” said Smith.
He adds that unauthorized fishing has led to criminal activity in Clare, and it’s putting public safety at risk.
Smith says provincial officers are doing what they can, but they need help from DFO.
“If any of the illegally harvested lobsters end up at our pounds or processing facilities, we’re going to have officers on the ground to investigate to see if they’re from a lawfully sourced fishery or not. But ultimately, enforcement on the water is up to DFO.
He says Lebouthillier asked for a meeting last week, but has since rescinded the request.
Smith notes that there’s a large back-log of fisheries act violations that need to be prosecuted, and the letter is not a reflection of the hard-working front-line officers.
He says as evidenced by recent refuse-to-work actions, the officers don’t feel supported by the federal government.
We’ve reached out to DFO for comment.
