Dumping Day Finally Held In LFA 34

Hundreds of fishers are now on the water for Dumping Day.

The start of lobster fishing in LFA 34 was delayed by a week due to weather.

Many gathered at the Cape Forchu Lightstation this morning to watch the boats set sail.

Yarmouth MLA and Opposition leader Zach Churchill says it’s a big day.

“It’s so important to the economy. There’s been a lot of anxiety about the price and getting out on the water. We hope that those things level themselves out and that people do well,” says Churchill.

DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard also have several boats on the water, and are ready to respond to any incidents.

There are just under 1,000 license holders in the district.

LFA 33 fishers from Shelburne to Halifax began their season last Tuesday.

As the boats sailed by the Cape Forchu Lightstation this morning, Reverend Bill Newell shared ‘the Blessing of the Fleet.’

Federal MP Speaks

Well wishes from the federal government for LFA 34 fishers as they set out on Dumping Day.

Nova Scotia MP Mike Kelloway is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

He says license holders bring in millions of dollars in landed value for lobster.

“It enables us to have a strong tax base, it enables us to invest in community initiatives, it enables us to build off the successful industry that is lobster and look at ways to invest and be better at it.”

He says in 2021 the landed value in LFA 34 was approximately $375 million.

NS Fisheries Minister Encourages Safety:

The province is also sharing their well wishes for fishers.

MLA Steve Craig is the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

He wished everyone a safe and prosperous season.

“We want to be able to continue this fishery for decades and centuries and generations to come, but we want to do it knowing full well that all the people out there who are fishing stay safe, and all the people who remain on the docks and the wharfs when you go out, they all want you back, that’s number one.”

He says it’s important to look after each other and be vigilant with gear.