Season opens today off eastern C.B.
SYDNEY — Lobster season off the eastern coast of Cape Breton will open today rather than May 15th this year, “an adjustment of one day, in consideration of the weather forecast and safety at sea considerations,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The season in Lobster Fishing Area 27, which stretches from Bay St. Lawrence to Gabarus, generally runs from May 15 to July 15.
Clouds and light winds of less than 15 km/h are expected for Sunday according to Saltwire weather specialist Allister Aalders, while Saturday morning will start out with low-lying clouds and fog before clearing to a mix of sun and cloud for the rest of the day, with winds ranging from 15-30 km/h with possible gusts of 30-35 km/h.
There is a total of 514 licences issued for Lobster Fishing Area 27, including 14 communal commercial licences.
In addition, DFO announced last month it would renew an understanding with Potlotek to operate its treaty fishery within the established commercial seasons with a total of 1,200 traps distributed across fishing areas 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31A.
“Building on last year’s successful moderate livelihood fishery, DFO has reached a second interim understanding with Potlotek First Nation that will see their members fishing jakej (lobster) in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and selling their catch under Potlotek’s Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and a Dfo-issued authorization. The plan was developed by the community with support from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office,” DFO said in an emailed statement.
Lobster Fishing Area 27 is one of the largest fishing zones in the province after areas 33 and 34, which are both located in Southwestern Nova Scotia and have fall fishing seasons.
Lobster market prices have dropped by more than a dollar since the first areas to launch their spring season, zones 31B and 32 around Guysborough and Halifax, opened in mid-april to just over $12 per pound.
Setting day will open at 6 a.m. today.