Groups that represent many lobster fishermen in South Western Nova Scotia claim foreign investors may be trying to illegally
buy up Nova Scotia inshore lobster licenses.
That is contrary to Canadian law.
Ads are being placed in two local publications which are delivered free to households.
The Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters’ Federation, which represents fishermen who own and operate their own boats,
say foreign interests could soon control Canada’s booming inshore fisheries if nothing is done to stop it.
In a news release, Federation President Christian Brun said the government is moving too slowly to deal with the problem.
Graeme Gawn with the Maritime Fishermen’s Union Local 9, also a lobster fishermen from Clare, says they don’t know much about the ads.
“We don’t know who has inserted that ad. We don’t know if it’s serious or a hoax. What we do know is that ad has been published several times in the Clare Shopper and the Lobster Bay Shopper. It’s out there and fishermen have seen it and they’re upset.”
Gawn was just leaving Ottawa today where he spoke to the Standing Committee on the Fisheries and raised the issue prior to the meeting.
“It’s illegal. It’s against licensing policies. Foreign or corporate ownership is not legal.”
