The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it is now investigating multiple sites where dead lobsters have been dumped.
Last week a large pile was found in woods near Weymouth.
David Whorley, Area Director for DFO in South Western Nova Scotia tells Acadia News that at least 11 more locations have since been identified.
“There have been a number of sites that people have made us aware of made aware of. They seem to be in the Weymouth area, that’s what we’ve heard so far.”
Whorley said he could not comment at this time whether or not any suspects have been identified.
He says DFO officers continue to inspect the sites and their investigation is ongoing.
“We’ve had teams out through the weekend visiting the various cache sites, trying to make an assessment and collecting evidence and taking samples for scientific analysis.”
Whorley says he couldn’t speculate as to why the lobsters were dumped.
“You’re asking the sensible question here and I think it’s part of the investigation. There could be any number of reasons what might motivate someone to dump lobster. Certainly the presence of undersized lobster and and reports of berried, egged lobsters are very worrying and certainly the quantity that’s there is very concerning . I don’t want to speculate on anything that’s under investigation right now. We’ll have more to say as the investigation proceeds.”
When asked if any suspects had been identified Whorley replied “nothing we’re prepared to speak to at this point.”
Weymouth is in LFA (Lobster Fishing Area) 34.
The season runs between the November 30 until the end of May.
Whorley says anyone who may have information is asked to contact the nearest DFO office or RCMP detachment .