Canada: Fisheries ministers argue over illegal lobster in Nova Scotia

Provincial Fishery Minister Kent Smith met with federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to discuss the issue of unlicensed fishing in Nova Scotia. The meeting did not result in any new commitments from the federal government for resources or support to address the issue. An unlicensed lobster fishery of over 25 vessels continues to operate from a federal government-owned wharf in Saulnierville, allegedly connected to an organized crime ring. The provincial government is calling for increased enforcement, while the federal government maintains that it is enforcing the Fisheries Act despite complaints from officers about a lack of support.

After months of requesting a meeting with federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to talk about unlicensed fishing, provincial counterpart Kent Smith finally got one Thursday. It didn’t go well. “I asked Minister Lebouthillier to prioritize enforcement of illegal fishing in our province, to ensure her conservation and protection officers are properly resourced and supported, and that her Department co-ordinate activities with the other relevant federal agencies to ensure there are no enforcement gaps,” reads a statement from Smith about his meeting with Lebouthillier. “While I was encouraged that the Minister was willing to meet, I remain in disbelief with the lack of meaningful actions brought to the table by the federal government and astounded that DFO continues to point to illegal cash sales as the issue at hand. She stated that this is a priority for her Department, but did not commit to any new resources.” An unlicensed lobster fishery of over 25 vessels continues to ...