N.S fisheries minister meets with Ottawa on illegal lobster fishing

Nothing new after a long awaited meeting between Nova Scotia and Ottawa’s fisheries ministers.

The province’s Kent Smith met with Diane Lebouthillier in Ottawa Thursday about illegal lobster fishing in southwestern Nova Scotia.

In a statement, Smith says she brought nothing new to the table, blaming the illegal activity on unreported cash sales.

He says harvesters are being threatened, and continue to hear about a lack of enforcement on the water, which is a federal responsibility.

Smith adds the minister did not commit to any new resources.

Lebouthillier says the feds stand ready to support the province in the elimination of cash sales.

She says she shares Smith’s concerns about violence, noting her department continues to provide significant enforcement on the water and on land.