Woods Harbour fisherman Brandon Crowell holds up the catch of the day while landing traps at the Falls Point wharf in Woods Harbour. KATHY JOHNSON/ Sa

New lobster fishing start date awaited in one southwestern zone

CANADA
Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 06:40 (GMT + 9)

South shore zone 33 launched Nov. 29, but Yarmouth's zone 34 waiting

SOUTHWESTERN, NS – As it has in recent years, once again the weather – specifically the wind – has delayed the opening of the commercial lobster fishery off southwestern Nova Scotia.

Weather permitting, the fishery is scheduled to open on the last Monday of November. However, Monday, Nov. 28 had a gale warning in effect with morning winds of 25 knots increasing to 35 knots.

There is a DFO opening day protocol that states forecasted winds above 25 knots will automatically postpone the season opener.

A map of lobster fishing districts in Atlantic Canada. - Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Government of Canada / SaltWire

The opening day of the commercial fishery is considered the riskiest day of the season as vessels are heavily loaded with traps and gear, therefore there is a huge emphasis on safety. Aside from the safety onus placed on vessels and crews, there are DFO, Coast Guard and military assets on the sea and in the air deployed and tasked in case vessels and crews run into trouble.

The LFA 33 fishery, which runs along the province’s south shore, opted for a Tuesday, Nov. 29 opening. In LFA (lobster fishing area) 33, more vessels fish closer to shore than in the neighbouring LFA 34 off southwestern Nova Scotia. Therefore for LFA 34 it’s considered more ideal to have a longer favourable weather window when the season opens.

Of the two fishing districts, LFA 34 has the most licences, with around 980 compared to 635 in LFA 33. Combined, there are around 5,000 crewmembers on vessels when the season opens.

Lobster vessels remained tied up in their ports on Monday, Nov. 28, as the weather delayed the opening of the six-month commercial lobster fishery. TINA COMEAU PHOTO / SaltWire

On Monday there was still no word on when the LFA 34 season would begin. Through daily industry/DFO conference calls it had previously been determined the season would not open on Tuesday. Wednesday was ruled out during a Monday morning port reps conference call. The forecasted weather for Wednesday, it was reported, had triggered the opening day protocol so no  vote was taken about a Nov. 30 opening.

As of Monday, the weather forecasted for Thursday, and even Friday, was also calling for even stronger winds. Thursday's forecast was for winds of 40 to 50 knots.

On its Facebook page Monday morning, Nov. 28, the Coldwater Lobster Association made this post:

“The LFA 34 port representatives held the pre-season weather call this morning. No decision yet. Next call will be Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 a.m. to examine the weather later in the week. No vote was held (on Nov. 28) – DFO’s protocol will kick in on Wednesday. Fishermen are asked to be on alert and be prepared for a weather ‘window’ – you should be ready to go within 24 hours."

The post said the port reps will also be examining the preseason weather protocol at the next LFA 34 advisory meeting.

Last year the LFA 34 six-month season off southwestern Nova Scotia saw a two-day delay.

Coldwater Lobster Association, through services to its members, works to ensure a safe, sustainable, and prosperous lobster fishery in Lobster Fishing Area 34 (LFA 34) for current and future generations.

In 2020, the LFA 34 season, scheduled to open on Nov. 30, did not open until Dec. 8 due to a prolonged week of strong winds.

DFO had allowed for a two-flexibility for an earlier opening this year. But strong winds prevented the season from opening on Saturday, Nov. 26. While the weather was favourable on Sunday, Nov. 27, with a gale warning coming the following day the season did not open that day either.

Due to weather delays, it’s been over five years since the season actually saw a ‘last Monday of November’ opening.

Author: Tina Comeau / SaltWire

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