Lobster Outlook 2021

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

1

‘TIS THE SEASON

A lobster vessel leaves the wharf in Pinkney’s Point, Yarmouth County, last year on dumping day, which is the opening day of the LFA 34 fishery. TINA COMEAU

Lobster fishery the driver of southwest N.S. economy

TINA COMEAU SALTWIRE NETWORK tina.comeau@saltwire.com

T

he region’s largest employer is gearing up for another season in southwestern Nova Scotia.

The LFA 34 lobster fishery, which takes in all of Yarmouth County, along with large parts of Digby and Shelburne counties, is set to open on the last Monday of November.

But with an added catch, this year.

If the forecast for Nov. 29 is calling for strong winds that would keep boats ashore — and if there is a weather window in either of the two days previous to that — the season could get underway as early as Nov. 27 as DFO has agreed to an industry request for flexibility.

Last year’s season didn’t start until Dec. 8 due to the weather.

Fishery gearing up for its nine-month season start LFA 34 is one of two LFAs (lobster fishing areas) whose six-month seasons in western Nova Scotia are getting underway. The fishery in LFA 33 runs along the south shore — taking in parts of Shelburne County and extending all the way to Halifax County. It has the same scheduled start and end time to the season.

LFA 34 has the most licence holders of any lobster fishery in the county, with close to 980.

Combined with the around 635 licences in LFA 33, the two LFAs — whose seasons coincide — make up the country’s largest lobster fishery, with the longest consecutive season.

With all of the regular crew, and extra crew for the season start, more than 5,000 fishers

will be aboard the boats in the two fishing districts at the start of the season.

Safety is a major concern as lobster vessels, heavily loaded with traps and gear, head to the fishing grounds on what is referred to as dumping day.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and JRCC will have assets tasked throughout the region in case vessels and crews run into problems.

“Because of the high risk associated with opening day we change our stand-by postures, and pre-deploy into strategic positions,” says Krista Elvidge, Regional Supervisor, Maritime Search and Rescue for the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Halifax.

Fishing crews also share

in the responsibility for their safety.

The most important piece of safety equipment aboard any fishing vessel is the personal floatation device (PFD), says Matthew Duffy, executive director of Fish Safe NS. “Even when it’s a flat, calm, beautiful day they should be wearing their PFD,” he says.

While at the start of the COVID pandemic there was cause for concern over the potential impact on the industry with lockdowns in key markets, during 2020 and into 2021 things have rebounded, says Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada.

“The Canadian lobster sector has rebounded very well from

the early fears of the pandemic,” he says, saying demand remains high. “Government support for harvesters and the shore-side sector helped mitigate early concerns and the market “snapback” worldwide has led to very strong market and shore prices for all lobster products.”

Indeed, shore prices have seen record highs, which is of help to harvesters who have seen their expenses rise as well.

The lobster industry has long been the largest economic driver in southwestern Nova Scotia.

“As chamber president, I can attest to the fact that our lobster fishery is the basis of our economy,” says Kerry Muise, president of the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce.

CONTINUED ON A2

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

FROM PAGE A1 ‘TIS THE SEASON “Although we have done a lot to diversify in the past decade, I think the impact of the fishery is still the major driver of our success as a stable economic unit,” she says. “Innovation and adaptability in the lobster fishing business, in the coming years, is going to be key to a healthy fishery and, therefore, economy.”

Aside from the thousands who directly draw their livelihood on the water and other people whose jobs onshore are directly associated with the lobster industry, there are endless other businesses and industries that rely on the lobster fishery

and the revenue it generates.

According to preliminary statistics from DFO, in LFA 34 licence holders had landings of 20,270 tonnes during the 20202021 season, which generated a landed value of $375,825,000.

In LFA 33 during the 20202021 season, fishers landed 20,907 tonnes of lobster, for a landed value of $361,619,000.

The LFA 34 and 33 sixmonth seasons run to May 31.

These aren’t the only lobster fisheries happening in western Nova Scotia. The LFA 35 season in Digby and the upper Bay of Fundy got underway in midOctober. That LFA has a split season that runs from Oct. 14 to Dec. 31 and again from the last day of February to July 31.

WITH FILES FROM KATHY JOHNSON AND JOEY FITZPATRICK FIVE THINGS TO KNOW 1. The season runs from the last Monday of November (weather permitting) to May 31.

2. The opening day of the season is known as dumping day because it’s the day fishing boats and crews set their traps and gear in the fishing grounds.

3. On dumping day, safety is a top priority. Many search and rescue assets will be deployed throughout western Nova Scotia on the water and in the air.

4. Fishing boats in LFA 34 typically have a three-person crew. At the start of the season, extra people (referred to as “banders”) are hired to help the crews, as catches tend to be busy.

5. The lobster fishery is extremely important to the rural economy in southwestern Nova Scotia.

Aside from the thousands employed directly and indirectly by the fishery, the business community is heavily dependent on the industry.

Fishing vessels are loaded up with traps and gear prior to the opening of a previous lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia. TINA COMEAU

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

3

INDUSTRY SEES RECORD PRICES

Lobster industry rebounds well during pandemic TINA COMEAU SALTWIRE NETWORK tina.comeau@saltwire.com

The Lobster Council of Canada says the Canadian lobster sector has rebounded “very well” from the early fears of impacts of the COVID pandemic.

Perhaps even too well.

Geoff Irvine, executive director of the council, says the sector experienced “an overall shortage of lobster for over a year.” This was due to demand.

Irvine says government support for harvesters and the shore-side sector helped to mitigate early concerns related to the pandemic. In addition, the market “snapback” worldwide has led to very strong markets and shore prices for all lobster products including live lobster, tails, meat and whole in shell products (whole cooked, raw and blanched).

“During the early lockdowns, consumers looked for solace in premium protein, which saw lobster and crab hit the top five protein products sold in American retail in 2020,” he says. Lobster was seen as a treat during lockdowns.

Irvine says the demand at the retail level has continued through 2021, with food service demand increasing every month, as well. This has driven up prices in all markets.

The demand for live and processed products has been good for harvesters — who have also seen increases in expenses — as it drove shore prices to record levels for the fall and spring fisheries.

When combined with steady overall landings volume in Canada, the lobster council says this provided harvesters with record years in almost every LFA (lobster fishing area).

Now the largest of the LFAs in southwestern Nova Scotia and along the province’s south shore are gearing up for their next season starts. Weather permitting, the season for LFAs 33 and 34 is scheduled to open on the last Monday of November. The season will run to May 31.

Asked if there are new markets for the product being explored — or whether the council expects to see more activity from some traditional markets — Irvine says even with heavy demand from the traditional markets in the USA, Europe and Asia, the

Lobster traps are loaded onto a trailer at the end of the last season in LFA 34. Another season is now getting underway and getting lobsters to the markets — and marketing in general — is a vital part of the industry. TINA COMEAU

council is working with the provincial and federal governments on other trade development worldwide.

In 2021, the Lobster Council of Canada was the proponent for two trade development projects focused on the food service sector in China — Global Gourmet Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Competition in Shanghai. This included Virtual Export Café business-to-business meetings with importers in Indonesia, Vietnam, Dubai and Japan;

and consumer and food service educational activities in Japan.

“Every market is important, and we work hard to ensure that Canadian lobster and all species are introduced to new markets,” says Irvine.

“The lobster council also does marketing exclusively for Canadian lobster and this year we have developed a Chef Ambassador program featuring four Canadian Chefs; developed and published about a dozen videos and news stories

Best Wishes to our Fishers.

We wish you a safe and prosperous season!

in China, continued our social media marketing in Canada and the USA and established a European Union microwebsite,” he adds.

Meanwhile, Irvine says the council continues to constantly work on market access challenges in industry’s biggest markets.

“In the United States, we manage information around the North Atlantic right whale and what Canada is doing collectively to avoid whale interactions,” he says.

“We also work with DFO on preparing our sector for the regulations in the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In the EU and UK there are new Animal Health Law’s that require new certificates and changes to who signs them and when they will be available. And in China, they are implementing two new decrees focused on food safety that will require new administrative processes and labelling.”

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

SEASON LIGHTING

Barrington lobster pot tree tradition continues

Last year’s lobster pot tree in the Municipality of Barrington. TINA COMEAU KATHY JOHNSON SALTWIRE NETWORK kathy.johnson @tricountyvanguard.ca

The iconic lobster pot Christmas tree in the Municipality of Barrington is back for its 12th season in celebration of the start of the lobster fishery and the holiday season.

The tree stands sentinel on the North East Point waterfront on Cape Sable Island until the new year and is a testament to the many seafarers in the community who have lost their lives to the sea and those who make their living on the ocean.

The tree lighting, scheduled for Nov. 26, will be a virtual affair again this year, with local musicians taking part and Santa reading letters adding to the festivities.

Approximately 200 buoys now decorate the tree, many donated in memory of someone lost to the sea, or in honour of those still fishing.

Earlier this fall, the Municipality of Barrington initiated a lobster pot donation campaign with an ultimate goal to have 300 new or like new traps donated to build the tree.

“We want to build the tree bigger because its outgrown

the number of buoys that we have to put on the tree,” said Suzy Atwood, director of marketing and tourism development for the Municipality.

For the past 11 years, the municipality has constructed the lobster pot Christmas tree from traps deposited at their Construction and Debris (C&D) Landfill site.

“Using the traps that we get from the landfill creates more of an unstable tree,” said Atwood. “They are in a landfill for a reason. Last year the tree was a little bit lopsided based on the fact that we are using traps from the landfill that are various sizes and various con-

ditions. Our crew does have to go up and down the tree to build it and put the buoys on.”

This year the tree will be built from a combination of new and used pots.

Atwood said the municipality hoped to collect 300 15x9 American style traps with brickless bottoms or barbecue bottoms, as they are called, and said they could be any color. All traps will be tagged with the donors name and/or in memory of a loved one.

Having traps that are consistent in size will help make the tree consistent in size and safer, said Atwood.

Also, by getting lobster

traps donated to build the tree, Atwood said it makes it an even more communityminded project.

“The fishery is the backbone of our community and keeps our economy going for sure,” said Atwood. “The tree helps to recognize the industry, how important it is and the lives that it affects; fishermen, boats on the water and those lost to the sea.”

The Municipality of Barrington isn’t the only place in southwestern Nova Scotia to display a lobster trap tree.

Other communities have also added trees in honour of those involved in the industry.

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

5

ALL IN THE FAMILY

‘You’ve got to stay to the grindstone’ Fourth generation takes over helm of Nickerson family lobster enterprise KATHY JOHNSON SALTWIRE NETWORK kathy.johnson @saltwire.com

On the back of the wheelhouse of the MV Nuzzle Loader is a photograph that speaks volumes about family pride and a love of the fishing industry.

“That’s Jeremy when he was three and my dad,” says veteran Woods Harbour fisherman Davis Nickerson proudly.

Just launched on June 22, it will be Nickerson’s son Jeremy, now 38, who will be at the helm of the Nuzzle Loader fishing vessel when the Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 34 commercial lobster fishery opens this fall.

Davis Nickerson has passed his licence onto his son, just as his father Merle did 52 years ago when he passed the licence over to his son.

“Dad was in the air force.

He went to war overseas.

When he came back, he got into lobstering with his brother and then bought in for a quarter in the late 1950s and got his own licence,” he says.

“I went with him after high school for about 10 years then took over the rig in 1978 and from there, I’ve been going 52 years,” he says. “My son Jeremy, he started out of high school and has been with me ever since and now he’s the fourth generation. This is his boat. He has the licence.”

But it’s not always been easy for the family.

Tragedy struck the first generation of the Nickerson family involved in the lobster

Woods Harbour fishermen Davis and Jeremy Nickerson stand by a photo of Jeremy when he was three and his grandfather Merle that is on the back of the wheelhouse of the Nuzzle Loader. The father and son are the third and fourth generation LFA 34 commercial lobster fishermen. KATHY JOHNSON

fishery in 1942.

“My grandfather Edward Nickerson, who I never met, was fishing with his son, not my dad, his other son,” Davis

says. They were fishing in the waters near the Falls Point wharf. “The wind was blowing. The boat broke down and was going ashore, so they

threw the anchor overboard.

He was caught in the anchor and before they retrieved him, he was deceased. It happened just off the wharf here.”

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Tackling the lobster quality issue at the forefront KATHY JOHNSON SALTWIRE NETWORK kathy.johnson @saltwire.com

Lobster catch quality being optimized with vessel holding improvements being made through Industry programs

Lobster fishermen in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34 are taking advantage of two industry programs being funded through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) for vessel improvements that will optimize the quality of the catch.

Both the Coldwater Lobster Association and the Brazil Rock 33/34 Association have received funding to deliver programs that will pay 75 percent, up to $45,000, for costs associated with enhancing lobster holding capacity aboard vessels owned by their members.

“We’re receiving a lot of positive feedback from our program,” says Heather Mulock, executive director of the Coldwater Lobster Association.

“We set out to address live lobster quality by tackling the issue at the forefront of the value chain and that’s the harvesters themselves by encouraging our harvesters to make the required modifications to their holding practices.”

In early November Mulock estimated that so far about 50 Fresh seawater bubbles up through two of the four live wells on the fishing vessel Nuzzle percent of Coldwater members Loader. The vessel owner took advantage of the Lobster Quality Improvement Project grant that is available through the Brazil Rock 33/34 Association. The Coldwater Lobster is also adhad gone through the assoministrating a similar program. KATHY JOHNSON ciations’ Vessel Holding and Aeration program, or were currently going through the program or have intentions of going through the program next summer.

“Harvesters take pride in their catch,” says Mulock. “They want to make sure the product we put out on the market really does show the reputation of Nova Scotia lobster, that we have the best lobster in the world especially coming from southwestern Nova Scotia, where we supply 40 percent of the lobsters coming out of the Maritimes region and 25 percent of all lobsters in Canada.”

Mulock says the program covers “basically anything that tied to maintaining the quality of their catch.” This includes aeriation equipment, water circulation pumps, flow meters, water quality monitoring systems, on-deck conveyer belts, electrical work, and upgrades to Gen Sets for operating the equipment.

“This program offers harvesters the opportunity without Woods Harbour fishermen Jeremy Nickerson (left) and Davis Nickerson talk with Dan Fleck that financial burden because it (centre), manager of the Lobster Quality Improvement Project manager for the Brazil Rock is expensive to do upgrades to 33/34 Association aboard Nickerson’s vessel, the Nuzzle Loader. KATHY JOHNSON your boat,” says Mulock.

She says licence holders have hold off because of the cost,” Dan Fleck is the Lobster now fish anywhere from 25 to seen major increases to their she says. “This gives them the 50 nautical miles offshore.

Quality Improvement Project operational costs in recent opportunity to get 75 percent “That’s one of the reasons the manager for the Brazil Rock years, including fuel, rope, bait of the equipment upgrades 33/34 Association. He says program went forward,” she and insurance. covered under this program.” says. “Some of these vessels stay almost 95 boats have gone “So in many cases, these opMulock says over the past 10 out two or three days with the through that association’s protional added costs for aeriation years a notable shift in LFA 34 catch being held in live wells, so gram so far. or flow meters or water quality has been emerging where har“I think that’s phenomenal having the proper infrastrucmonitoring systems, it’s just vesters are fishing further offture in place to ensure the catch considering COVID, labour one extra thing that is an added shore. It is estimated 50 precent is in optimal condition is critishortages, supply shortages,” cost to their enterprise and they of the LFA’s 979 licence holders cal for the catch.” he says, noting one of the big

“That’s the harvesters themselves by encouraging our harvesters to make the required modifications to their holding practices.”

Heather Mulock executive director of the Coldwater Lobster Association

reasons the association went after this program is because it knew COVID was coming on.

“If lobster needs to be held in a tank house for a longer period of time, if the supply chain breaks down, we can’t ship them and they have to held longer… so we want to ship them as healthy and lively as when they came out of the water… so lobsters, wherever they go, are the best quality they can be.”

Fleck says the program is being utilized by not only by fishers having new vessels built, but in retrofits too.

The Brazil Rock program is similar to the Coldwater Lobster program. One option for harvesters through both programs are deck boxes which are “like a mini live well,” Fleck says.

“They are plumbed as well and have a dedicated water supply,” says Fleck.

He says it’s a lobster holding solution for older vessels. But also, he says, some fishers may have a vessel with live wells who may want their capacity to hold a smaller volume of lobster in the spring fishery, when catches aren’t as high. This way they don’t have to fill and run the big live wells.

The deck boxes can hold six crates of lobster and people are eligible to purchase two deck boxes, Fleck says.

Both programs will run until the fall of 2023. More than $9 million in funding was allocated from the AFF for the two programs. The AFF program is funded 70 percent by Ottawa and 30 percent by the province.

“It’s nice to see the money being pumped into this industry, down here in particular because there are so many licence holders,” says Mulock, adding the programs are creating jobs for boat builders, electrical workers and others. “Its been good for industry.”

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

The buoy tree seemed like a good idea. For those who visited it, though, they’ll tell you it was a great idea.

And it’s coming back.

Last year a majestic buoy tree at Dennis Point Wharf in Lower West Pubnico, Yarmouth County, drew visitors from Clare to Shelburne, and even beyond.

Yvette d’Entremont, spokesperson for the West Side Improvement Society, the organization behind the project, says the buoy tree was an “amazing” hit.

In early November, they continued to be in the planning stages for this,” she said. “We’re just looking at the lights and preparing everything.”

“Last year, those lights (64 sets of 70) just didn’t pan out. It was a full-time job just trying to keep on top of the darn things.”

The location, windy and near the ocean, was a challenge.

Overseers Gail and Allister d’Entremont, who designed the holiday icon, have addressed the issue this year by arranging for 4,200 all-new, guaranteed, white Noma lights.

Last year, Allister had a camera pointed at the tree and could monitor it from his phone.

“When lights went out, off they went to fix them — he or (others),” says d’Entremont.

“Allister said, ‘I can’t have people coming here from Shelburne, and there’s a string of lights not working!’” she laughed.

This year, those who donated buoys last year will have the opportunity to find and write a memorial tribute on their buoys before the structure goes up.

As to how many buoys are used in the project, your guess is as good as the builder’s.

“Before they’re put up this year, we’re going to try to get

7

Buoy tree returning to Dennis Point Wharf

A colourful array of buoys on last year's tree at the Dennis Point Wharf in Lower West Pubnico.

TINA COMEAU

a count because that’s always a question,” says d’Entremont.

She says there was a steady stream of cars to see the tree last year. Even on rainy, windy nights, people came.When the tree was lit last year, a jar was passed around the large crowd for donations, raising money for the local St Vincent Paul Fund.D’Entremont wishes they had left a guest book by the tree to learn how many visitors

there were.

The tree's three sections are made from aluminum and fit together, wrapped with a net for the buoys to be hooked on.

At the end of the season, a tarp was made to cover the mound, and it was left outside one of the fish plants in Lower West Pubnico.

D’Entremont says volunteers worked on getting the tree constructed during November and, earlier this month, had said

a tree lighting was tentatively scheduled for Nov. 28.

Floyd d’Entremont, wharf manager for Dennis Point Wharf, says the fishermen like the tree. Returning to port, they can see its cheerful glow on shore — a beacon of Christmas.

He adds that many viewed the tree last year as a positive thing during a time fraught with high tension between native and non-native fishermen

over lobster fishing rights.

He says most people arrived between 6 to 9:30 p.m. to see the tree.

“It was unreal, and it was actually a good thing to combat the negativity that was going on this time last year. It was a hit," he says.

This year, a powerline was moved out of the way of the tree site, so it won’t be in the way, and better pictures can be taken.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

8

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

LOOKING BACK

Lobster vessels loaded with traps depart from a wharf in Pinkney’s on dumping day morning in 2019. Following a one-day delay due to wind, boats in LFA 34 left at 7 a.m. rather than their normal 6 a.m. departure time. TINA COMEAU

Season-opener starts and misses Looking back on previous dumping days TINA COMEAU SALTWIRE NETWORK

There are years the opening of the lobster fishery off southwestern Nova Scotia goes off without a hitch, but not always.

The season is always slated to start on the last Monday of November.

Sometimes the weather says otherwise.

The opening day, when fishermen head to sea to set their traps, is known as dumping day. After traps have been set, boats can start hauling their catches at one minute after midnight, when day two gets underway.

This year there have been two days of flexibility agreed to in case there's a better weather window one or two days before the scheduled 2021 start date of Nov. 29.

Here’s a look at some past season openers.

2020: A Dec. 8 season start The LFA 34 lobster fishery was supposed to open Nov. 30 in 2020.

But strong winds prevented that from happening and kept pushing things further and further back.

The season – which under decent weather conditions would have started Monday, Nov. 30 at 6 a.m. — only got underway at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 after being delayed more than a week due to strong winds, gale warnings and rough sea conditions.

Eleven industry conference calls took place to determine when the sea-

son would finally open.

At one point the industry had aimed for a Dec. 7 start, but it was determined there wasn’t enough of a weather window to get all the boats out and back safely. Another morning, because of the weather and sea states, the season start was even called off an hour before boats were set to depart from the wharves.

This was the longest weather delay in history.

While the season in LFA 33 had opened as scheduled on Nov. 30, galeforce winds kept the fleet ashore there for much of that week.

The only bright spot was an opening price of around $8.

2019: One day and one hour later Following a one-day delay caused by strong winds, the lobster season in LFA 34 (southwestern Nova Scotia) and LFA 33 (South Shore) got underway Tuesday, Nov. 26. Boats in LFA 34 were permitted to leave at 7 a.m.

— an hour later than usual for this district, which normally departs at 6 a.m.

In LFA 33, boats left at their normal 7 a.m. time.

One thing that wasn’t normal about the season was the COVID-19 pandemic. Fishermen had no idea of what was yet to come when they sailed out on dumping day.

2016: Another one-day delay High winds on the last Monday of November postponed the start of the season to the following day.

Throughout the season, fishermen saw high prices that continued to its end. During the week prior to the season wrapping up, fishermen were still being paid $8 a pound for catches.

Usually, the end-of-season shore price is in the $4 to $5 range.

2014: Six-day weather delay

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After being delayed six days due to the weather, the lobster season in LFA 34, which takes in all of Yarmouth County and chunks of Shelburne and Digby counties, got underway Saturday, Nov. 29. The neighbouring LFA 33 district went with a Friday, Nov. 28, start.

It was the second year in a row strong winds delayed the opening.

The season should have started Monday, Nov. 24.

2012: Should have stayed home

Days into the start of the lobster fishery, many were saying fishers should have heeded the warnings and uncertainty over price and waited to dump their traps at sea. Fishermen were only getting paid $3 a pound and there was fear the price would drop further.

2009: Sundays — yes or no?

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

9

FROM PAGE A5 FAMILY Loader is well equipped for the rugged lobster fishery in LFA 34. Four live wells that will hold a total of 100 crates of lobster will help keep the catch quality at its peak.

The Nickersons were able to take advantage of the Lobster Quality Improvement Project being administered by the Brazil Rock 33/34 fishermen’s association, which will pay 75 percent — up to $45,000 — for costs associated with enhancing lobster holding capacity aboard vessels owned by their members.

“I’ve never been with live wells in my life but I can see right off the bat it’s good for keeping lobsters better,” Davis says. “By putting them in water with oxygen going to them, better quality, better price. Fishermen are very interested in quality as are the buyers.”

As for Jeremy, “I’ve only ever been one day on a boat with live wells before and it was definitely a slick rig,” he says. “It creates a lot more room up here inside the wheelhouse when you’re getting a lot of lobsters. You just put them in the live well, they are out of the way and keeping good.”

He says there were numerous reasons he decided to install live wells in his boat.

“Because you can stay longer, they keep lobsters better, it makes the quality a lot better, it’s more safer and more sturdy,” he says.

“It’s a little bit more aggravating to drag them (lobster crates) back and put them in the fish hold and then unload them. In a live well they float to the surface when you pull them out, you put them on the deck and the buyer comes and gets them.”

Davis says at first, he “wasn’t really gung ho” about applying for the grant under the Lob-

The Nuzzle Loader, which is taking out another generation of Nickerson fishermen. The vessel also has new live wells to improve the lobster catch quality. KATHY JOHNSON

ster Quality Project program, but is glad they did. The grant paid primarily for two pumps, an air circulation system and a Gen Set, a small diesel engine.

“I just know it’s going to be a good thing. The stability, when it’s blowing, you can put water in the live wells and it makes the boat more stable. It’s a win-win situation.

With the Gen Set, we have a power plant,” he says. “We got away from propane, which is dangerous aboard these boats.

We have an electric stove. If the batteries are down we can charge them in the Gen Set and it gives a lot more lighting

on the water at night.”

The live wells can also be used as fish holds if necessary, when fishing for other species.

“We don’t use them for that, we have enough room in the fish hold for the amount of fishing we do in the summer but I could,” says Jeremy.

“They are insulated.”

Davis says he has been encouraging other fishermen to take advantage of the grants that are available to improve lobster holding capacity aboard vessels, pointing out it doesn’t have to be a new construction.

“All the work that was done

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for this grant was all local businesses, about five local businesses so the money stays local,” he says.

Looking back to when he first started in the lobster fishery, a lot has changed in the industry, Davis says. The boats were smaller and the gear was fished one pot at a time. Now, fishing vessels have the capability of hauling 24/7.

“Boats are bigger now, but I think we push the limit. People owe a lot of money. These boats cost a lot of money,” he says. “You’ve got to stay to the grindstone and work hard, but there’s a lot of days out there

that are not really that great.

The folks at home, if they knew how bad it was, they probably wouldn’t be pleased we are out there,” says Davis, adding the boats are well equipped and safe.

He’s is optimistic about the future.

“There’s been good fishing in our family. There’s been some hard times back a ways, but things are looking good now,” he says. “I’m pretty optimistic. This is a good venture for Jeremy and I’m sure he’ll make it.”

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

FROM PAGE 8 STARTS & MISSES lobster landings a break on Sundays during the upcoming commercial season. The intention was not to flood the market with a glut of lobster.

The year before, there was no Sunday fishing the first three weekends of the season.

But that hadn’t given fishermen the prices they were hoping for, so many didn’t see the point of giving Sunday a pass again.

2000: Season opening, election day Grey skies, drizzle and a forecast of an easterly gale set the stage for the season’s opener, but the day got off to a quiet and safe start.

Included in the season were 12 licences being fished by the Acadia First Nation, which had signed an interim fishing agreement with DFO that month, following six months of negotiations.

It was also the 2000 federal election day. It’s a pretty safe bet voter turnout within the industry was low, given that fishermen were busy with the start of the fishery.

1997: Illegal fishing concerns Issues of illegal summer fishing had many fishermen worried they wouldn’t be getting their fair share during the lobster season.

Fishermen also sought a clear indication regarding Indigenous fishers. They wanted to know whether Indigenous fishers had the right to fish year-round and if they were allowed to sell what they caught.

A Supreme Court decision — the Marshall decision — two years later spelled out answers to a lot of these questions. However, as we saw during 2020 and 2021, a lot of questions still hadn't been

It was anything but smooth sailing when the 2020 lobster season in LFA 34 was scheduled to start. Gale-force winds and rough seas kept the fleet ashore from Nov. 30 until Dec. 8, when the season finally got underway. TINA COMEAU

answered, specifically surrounding the issue of moderate livelihood.

1995: Vessels sink, crews rescued The sea claimed two vessels on opening day. The fourperson crew of a vessel out of Lower Wedgeport abandoned their boat after it started sinking. They were picked up by another nearby boat. No one was injured.

Elsewhere, four crew members were plucked from a life-raft and hoisted aboard a helicopter when their vessel, fishing from Abbotts Harbour, started taking on water.

The crew suffered various

stages of hypothermia.

1991: Price too low, we won’t go A handful of fishermen organized a fleet tie-up that kept nearly 1,000 lobster vessels in port a week into the lobster fishery. Fishermen were protesting the low price they were being offered, which hovered around the $2.50 mark.

1989: Lots of issues on land As fishermen were busy getting ready for the start of the season, there was concern the United States might restrict the importation of Canadian live lobsters that

the fishermen. It was reported that these prices were so expensive, restaurants couldn’t afford to buy lobsters.

1966: Opening price 65 cents to $1 1966 saw beautiful opening day weather, with temperatures soaring above normal and calm seas. The opening price was to be anywhere between 65 cents a pound and $1 a pound. The opening price the previous year had been a “record-breaking” 90 cents a pound.

You couldn’t be on a lobster boat without a fishing licence, but not to worry; you could purchase one for 25 cents.

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did not meet the American minimum body size.

Also, a coast guard strike saw vessels tied up ahead of the season, leaving fishermen concerned over safety and search and rescue capabilities.

There were no major mishaps when the season opened and coast guard vessels were on the water.

1972: Restaurants couldn’t afford lobsters A newspaper article in the Yarmouth Vanguard stated: “The price opened at an alltime high of $1 per pound to the fisherman.” Later in the winter, the price climbed to more than $2 per pound for

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

11

LOBSTER OUTLOOK 2021

The new fishing vessel ‘Shermanator’ exiting her building site in Sandy Point, Shelburne County on Oct. 29. PHOTOS BY ERVIN OLSEN

‘The long-game view’ Lobster boat builders on staying afloat amid COVID-19 pandemic

SARAH POKO SALTWIRE NETWORK

The dominating feeling that came with the COVID-19 pandemic was fear of the unknown.

Many workers around the world lost their jobs and businesses had to shut down to adhere to government restrictions. Nova Scotia boat builders, however, were able to coast by without much harm.

Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association executive director Jan Fullerton says things were hard at first because of the uncertainties that came with the pandemic.

“For the first little while, companies were okay, because stuff had already been manufactured that was in store shelves and warehouses,” she says. “But then as time went on ... those warehouses and store shelves were becoming depleted.”

While Nova Scotia lobster boat builders have been considered essential workers throughout the pandemic, Fullerton says they’ve still had to CONTINUED ON A12

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12

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

FROM PAGE A11 LONG-GAME to grapple with things like supply delays, shortage of workers and soaring prices for materials — namely lumber and resin — needed to do their job.

According to Fullerton, some companies voluntarily closed for a short period while they figured out a pandemic plan, while others did partial layoffs then rehired workers.

Some also moved to staggered work shifts to reduce the number of people onsite at any given time.

Gilles Theriault is the president of A.F. Theriault & Son and has been working there for more than 80 years.

He says the pandemic was “a perfect storm” and a lot of changes had to be made to ensure his workers were safe.

“It was a big impact because most of our employees went home to stay in a safe environment as per our government officials,” says Theriault. “It impacted our deliveries due to [that]. A lot of them stayed home, which was very problematic.”

There were also concerns regarding the demand for lobster boats as international markets shut down and borders closed at the beginning of the pandemic. However, Fullerton says that was not the case here in Atlantic Canada.

“It seems like most lobster harvesters kind of took the long game view of sort of saying, ‘well, there’s always ups and downs, and we’re going to need a boat at some point. So even if it’s a tough time now, we don’t want to lose our place in line for a boat,” she explains.

“Especially in southwest Nova Scotia, where you’re still looking at several years' wait time for many boatyards to get a lobster boat built.”

Theriault says about 60 per cent of his workers took a

Gilles Theriault, president of A.F. Theriault & Son. TINA COMEAU

leave of absence at the height of the pandemic, but that as vaccination rates have increased and restrictions are lifted, his workers have all returned.

“Morale seems to be high,” he says. “People are coming to work, productivity is [high], maintenance is getting done, so it seems to be OK.” The slow but steady rebound of the lobster boat industry doesn’t mean boat builders are not experiencing the long-term effects of the pandemic. Fullerton says there are still delays in the supply chain as other parts of the industry are trying to recover.

“What we’re hearing is that the supplies they need are

“I think we don’t really need to overthink it right now. We just need to focus and make sure that we stay safe.”

Jan Fullerton Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association executive director

Journalism matters.

generally available, but not on the same kind of timeline as they used to be available,” says Fullerton.

“So, something that they might have been able to get off a store shelf or order with fairly short notice, now they might need to allow for months to get the same product.”

As the world slowly returns to work and businesses adjust to the “new normal,” the question on everyone’s mind is how they would survive the next global pandemic. Theriault says he worries about that as well, but that it’s not his priority at this moment.

“We're going to overcome that hurdle,” he says. “I think

we don't really need to overthink it right now. We just need to focus and make sure that we stay safe.”

Fullerton says she sees a lot of companies keeping a lot of the public health measures that are in place right now.

“I think that it may change how people approach the workplace in the future and that's probably going to depend on individual companies,” she says.

“I think most companies are so busy just trying to get their products out the door and keep up with demand ...

It’s just not something most people have time to do, even if they'd like to.”

To everyone involved in the lobster industry:

Good luck and stay safe!

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Best Wishes for a safe & abundant season!

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

13

Lobster terms 101

A glossary of terms you might hear during lobster season With the lobster season opening off southwestern Nova Scotia, you may hear the following terms thrown around.

BANDING: Placing a strong elastic around the claws of live lobsters, allowing for handling among harvesters, buyers and processors. It also helps to control the quality of the lobsters. Banding is done on the fishing vessel when lobsters are taken out of the traps.

BANDERS: Extra crew members who are hired on boats to help band the lobsters in the first few weeks of the season in the fall, when catches tend to be higher.

BERRIED LOBSTER: A female lobster with eggs under her tail. Under Canadian law, berried lobsters must be returned to the sea.

BRINE: Salt water.

CARAPACE: The body shell. The carapace of a lobster is measured from the back of the eye sockets to the end of the body shell to determine legal size. The tail is not included in this measurement.

CRUSHER: The larger of the two claws on a lobster.

CULL: A lobster with one or no claws, which is normally sold at a lower price. There is often debate as to whether or not culls should be landed.

DUMPING DAY: The opening day of the lobster season when traps are set at sea.

HARD shell: The term that describes a lobster whose shell has fully hardened after moulting. Hard-

shelled lobsters yield more meat than soft shell or shedders and are therefore considered better quality.

HAULER: An electronic device that is located at the stern of the boat and hauls traps out of the water.

JUMBOS: A whole lobster weighing more than three pounds (1.4 kilograms).

LFA (lobster fishing areas): Atlantic Canada is divided into fishing regions or zones. These LFAs have their own applicable fishing seasons. Some conservation measures may differ from LFA to LFA. For the lobster fisheries that open off southwestern Nova Scotia and the South Shore of the province in the fall, the LFAs are called LFA 34 and LFA 33 respectively.

LOBSTER CAR: You won’t drive this on the highway. This is a large wooden structure that sits under the water in which fishermen can store crates of live lobster.

MARKETS: A size category for lobsters weighing one to three pounds (450 grams to 1.4 kilograms).

MOULT: When a lobster sheds its shell so that it can grow larger.

PINCHER CLAW: Of the claws on a lobster, it is the smaller one.

POPSICLE PACK: It’s not something children eat on a hot summer day. This is a term used to describe a whole cooked lobster that is packed in brine in a cello sleeve and frozen.

POUND: A storage area for holding live lobsters.

SEASONS: Specific periods of the year defined and regulated by DFO for when a particular area or region can be fished commercially.

SELECTS: Lobsters weighing two to 2.49 pounds (907 grams to 1.1 kilograms).

SHEDDERS: Lobsters that are in the moulting or soft-shell stage of growth.

SOFT SHELL: A lobster after it moults or sheds its hard shell. The new shell that replaces it remains soft for a period of time to help the lobster grow. Fishermen generally want to avoid catching soft-shelled lobsters, since the meat yield is lower and the quality not as good.

TAGS: A plastic marker on a trap that identif ies the trap is being legally fished by a licensed fisherman.

TINKERS: A local term used for undersized lobsters.

TOMALLEY: The green-coloured liver of a lobster.

TRAWL: A string of traps connected by a line with two buoys marking each end. Traps are tied along the line. Trawls tend to have 15 to 20 traps attached.

V-NOTCH: A small V shape cut in the second left flipper to mark breeding female lobsters. V-notched females must be thrown back, regardless of whether they are carrying eggs at the time or not.

TIRED: What fishers are after a long day on the water.

A berried lobster is a female carrying eggs. It is illegal to land berried lobsters. TINA COMEAU

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

CH-149 Cormorant helicopters will be among the assets tasked for the opening of the LFA 33 and 34 lobster seasons off southwestern Nova Scotia.

TINA COMEAU

Safety first:Maritime assets deployed for opening day JOEY FITZPATRICK

As anyone who works in the industry can attest, Nova Scotia’s lucrative lobster harvest does not come without its share of dangers. Opening day — or ‘dumping day’ — is

considered the most potentially hazardous day of the year, as boats head to the fishing grounds heavily loaded with traps.

More than 1,600 licence holders in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33 and 34, encompassing the south shore

and southwestern Nova Scotia, are scheduled to commence their lobster fishery on Nov. 29, weather permitting. Personnel and equipment from both the Canadian Coast Guard and DND will be deployed on that day, in position and prepared to respond

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

15

Lobster harvest not without dangers FROM PAGE 14 SAFETY FIRST and marine incidents in a region that measures 4.7-million-square kilometers, of which approximately 80 per cent is water.

A Coast Guard ship will be pre-positioned, with Coast Guard lifeboat stations along the coast double-staffed on opening day, Elvidge says.

DND’s CH-149 Cormorant helicopters will be on enhanced stand-by posture.

Equipped with hoists, the Cormorants have the ability to retrieve personnel from both the ocean and ship deck; and are crewed with searchand-rescue technicians who can provide advanced medical care.

The fishing crews actually doing the fishing must also assume their share of responsibility for safety on opening day, Eldvidge adds.

“There is an element of personal responsibility,” she says. “They have to ensure their vessel is in good working order, and that they are carrying the required safety equipment.”

The single most important piece of safety equipment aboard any fishing vessel is the personal floatation device (PFD), says Matthew Duffy, executive director of Fish Safe NS. “Even when it’s a flat, calm, beautiful day they should be wearing their PFD,” he says.

“We now see a lot of compliance around that, especially on opening day. It’s a different dynamic when the vessel is loaded with traps.”

PFDs should be worn even when the boat is docked, he adds, as the risk of falling overboard remains while a vessel is in harbour.

With lobster vessels loaded with traps and gear on dumping day, there is heavy emphasis on ensuring everyone stays safe when the boats leave their wharves to head out to the fishing grounds. TINA COMEAU

“We’ve lost people in the fishery because they went to check on their boat and fell overboard at the wharf,” Duffy says. “Whether you’re just there to check on your boat, or to put bait aboard, it’s important not to let your guard down.”

Overloading a boat with traps creates a potential hazard for all those on board, Duffy adds.

“We’ve seen vessels overloaded to the point where the life rafts were covered by traps,” he says. “If something were to happen in that situation, it obviously would not be a good thing.”

Before departing the wharf, captains should inspect all of their safety equipment aboard, and run through emergency procedures with their crew, says Duffy.

“Remind them where the safety equipment is located.

Take it out and inspect it, and try on your emergency suits,” he says.

“Take care of your boat and it will take care of you.”

The potential for feet or legs becoming tangled in rope is an ever-present danger, particularly on opening day, and Duffy encourages those aboard to keep a knife on their person to be able to cut

Have a safe and prosperous season

themselves loose in this situation.

The lobster fishery is a competitive industry, with crews racing to the choice fishing grounds on opening day.

But Duffy encourages crew members not to put competitiveness ahead of safety.

“We realize it’s a high-stress time, and people have put major investments into their fleet,” he says. “But you need to take your time and keep a cool head.”

Formerly called the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia, Fish Safe NS was established 11 years ago to help

build a strong, positive safety culture in all branches of the fishery.

The goal is to have fewer accidents, injuries and loss of life; as well as lower Workers’ Compensation costs.

Safety is paramount not just for those upon the water, but for their family members back home, says Duffy, whether that be a spouse, child, parent or sibling.

“Those are the people who are depending on you to come home at the end of the day and be part of their lives,” he says.

“That’s why safety is important.”

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

BETTER WEATHER

Two day flexibility permitted for lobster season opening KATHY JOHNSON SALTWIRE NETWORK kathy.johnson @saltwire.com

In an effort to avoid a repeat of a lengthy delay to the start of the LFA 34 lobster fishery — which is what faced the industry last year due to strong winds — there is flexibility being added to this year’s season opener.

At the request of industry, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has agreed that if needed due to the forecasted weather, the season could open up to two days earlier.

The season is scheduled to start on Nov. 29 in both LFAs 33 and 34. The earliest it could open, if needed — and providing the weather accommodates — is Nov. 27. This could only happen if the weather on Nov. 29 would not allow the boats to head out to sea that day, or the days to follow.

The opening day protocol in LFA 34 says dumping day will not happen if winds are 26 knots or higher.

“The request was made by industry due to multiple delays to the start of the LFA 34 2020 season, caused by poor weather conditions,” says DFO communications advisor Megan Gallant.

Last year in LFA 34 (which takes in all of Yarmouth County and parts of Digby and Shelburne counties) the season start was delayed to Dec. 8 due to countless days of strong winds. In LFA 33 along the south shore, the season opened as scheduled on Nov. 30.

“That was a hard pill to swallow,” says Heather Mulock, executive director of the Coldwater Lobster Association.

“Two days before the season was going to open the guys were laughing and smiling. It was a good time and they were feeling good about it. To lose out on that was difficult, but again safety always comes first.”

Mulock said the two-day flexibility

Lobster boats loaded with gear tied up at the Meteghan wharf last year. Due to strong winds last year, the lobster season in LFA 34 in southwestern Nova Scotia that should have gotten underway on the last Monday of November did not get underway until Dec. 8. TINA COMEAU

will mean fishers “won’t miss out on another slicker.”

The two-day flexibility will allow the pre-season weather calls to begin on Nov. 24. The calls are used to confirm the season's start.

“As per established practice, representatives from each LFA Advisory Committee will participate in conference calls with staff from DFO, Canadian Coast Guard, as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to discuss Dumping Day,” says Gallant.

“These calls provide the fishing industry the opportunity to recommend a delay to the season based on safety concerns."

“Anytime DFO is willing to work with fishermen is good,” says Tommy Amirault, president of the Coldwater Lobster Association. “ I think anytime we can fish it safer and less worrisome, that’s a good thing too.”

While the season opening in LFA 33 and 34 has been delayed by a day or two over the years, last year’s LFA 34 extended opening delay was an exception.

“I think that’s why the change this year," Amirault says. "A lot of people thought we let a really good day go and as the fall went on, I think people felt pressured to go on a day that might not be perfect just to try and get the traps in

the water and get the season started.”

With strong shore prices that have been holding for a more than a year, and the demand for seafood high, Amirault says everyone is hoping for a solid price when the southwestern Nova Scotia lobster fishery opens. Especially given the rising cost of expenses.

“Traps are more, bait is more, fuel is more. I think everybody is hoping the price of lobster will be high enough to offset those numbers," he says.

At the beginning of November, the shore price for lobster fishers in the Bay of Fundy (LFA 35) was in the $12-apound range.

HAVE A SAFE & BOUNTIFUL SEASON

Wishing everyone in the Fishing industry a safe and prosperous season!

We would like to take this special opportunity in expressing our best wishes to all Southwest Nova Lobster Fishermen and the numerous businesses and individuals associated with this vital industry in our area.

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

17

‘STEADY UPTICK IN YOUNG FISHERS’

‘The industry is growing’ Rise in young fishers a great sign for fishing industry SARAH POKO THE SALTWIRE NETWORK

The number of young people becoming fishers is booming, which is good news for the industry.

The Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board says that since they updated regulations to increase the lending limit from $1 million to $5 million in 2018, they have seen a steady uptick in young fishers and new entrants in the industry.

Jennifer Thompson, Director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Loan Board, says the new regulation allows financial flexibility for new, young fishers and reduces the wait times for loan approvals.

“The ordering counselor cabinet takes several months to get an approval for any loan over $1 million,” she explains. “In some cases, the [fishing] seasons aren't even several months long, and other commercial lenders require higher deposits, shorter amortization. So, it was more difficult for a younger person to meet those requirements.”

Thompson says this loan increase is a sign of a changing fishing industry, as the rising prices of commercial licences, fishing vessels and fishing gear also factor into the updated regulation.

“We were seeing some of this before COVID-19,” says Thompson. “There's an increasing cost of labour and supplies with COVID-19 too, so that is playing a role as well.”

Despite the pandemic, the implementation of the new regulation has been smooth. Out of the total 421 loans approved this year, 44 per cent

“I think the industry is growing and ... young people are looking to find opportunities for their future. We believe that the aquaculture sector will have a great future for young people to stay here in the province, work in the province and be part of the industry.”

Tom Smith Executive Director of the Aquaculture Association of N.S. The new regulation allows financial flexibility for new, young fishers. UNSPLASH

were adults between the ages of 19 and 35. This is a significant rise compared to 33 per cent in 2018, when the new regulation was announced.

Tom Smith, the Executive Director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, says this is a good sign for the fishing and aquaculture industry, as youth are integral to its continuation and success in Nova Scotia.

“I think the industry is growing and ... young people are looking to find opportunities for their future,” he says. “We believe that the aquaculture sector will have a great future for

We’re proud to acknowledge all fishermen, suppliers and businesses who are associated with our lobster fishing industry.

Have a safe and prosperous season!

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young people to stay here in the province, work in the province and be part of the industry.”

Now that there seems to be a clear path to attracting young people into the industry, retaining them is another issue. Thompson says the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is starting a student bursary program, with $1,500 contributed per year towards the education of a student interested in aquaculture and fishing.

The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia is also developing a similar program, with a focus on skills development and retaining workers.

They plan to launch the program in early 2022.

“Finding and developing skilled labor here in the province is a significant challenge for the industry,” he said. “But we think that there's a bright future for rural and coastal communities, and for the development of the aquaculture industry here in Nova Scotia ... the availability of labour for those industries is an important part of the growth strategy of the industry.”

With the fishing industry worth more than $2 billion, Smith says there is growing interest in it as an economic venture in the province.

“I think that both the fishing and the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia are being looked at as economic drivers for the province,” he adds. “And I think that more and more people who are looking to join the workforce are starting to see the fishing and the aquaculture industry as great opportunities for their future.”

Best Wishes for a Safe & Prosperous Season

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

LOBSTERS AHOY

The seafood crepe at the Red Cap Restaurant & Motel in Middle West Pubnico is served with lobster sauce, both inside and over the top. CONTRIBUTED

Southwest Nova Scotia eateries serving up delectable crustacean dishes JOEY FITZPATRICK

Clara Harris might not have the global name recognition of Julia Child or Gordon Ramsay.

But in the epicurean circles of southwest Nova Scotia, the late restaurateur and chef’s name carries with it something of a legend.

She is remembered most of

all for creating the recipe for creamed lobster, which over the last half-century has become a true local specialty.

The reason for the recipe’s success is not hard to discern, for anyone who has had the good fortune to taste the dish.

“You’re sautéing your lobster, and when you add the cream the taste of the lobster goes into the cream,” explains Janice

LeBlanc, general manager at Rudders Brew Pub & Seafood Restaurant in Yarmouth.

“When you pour it over the toast you get the full lobster flavour.”

As is the tradition, Rudders serves creamed lobster over toast, as well as in a hot lobster roll and over lobster poutine.

Customers are limited only by their imagination, LeBlanc says.

“Some people like it poured over mashed potatoes,” she says. “You can’t go wrong with it.”

Lobster also figures into the appetizer fare at Rudders, with the hot lobster dip served with nacho chips and toasted baguette.

“It’s heated up with bread crumbs on top,” LeBlanc says.

“It’s a great little dip with

chunks of lobsters.”

While creamed lobster is a staple in southwest Nova Scotia, it is less well known outside the region. This might be why tourists are often curious, but hesitant about ordering the dish, says Lisa Nickerson, a server at Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack in Barrington Passage.

CONTINUED ON 20

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

19

DID YOU KNOW?

Interesting facts about lobsters TINA COMEAU

Canadian Atlantic lobsters are truly fascinating creatures. Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know about this charismatic crustacean.

HARD-SHELLED VERSUS SOFT-SHELLED

Since the Atlantic lobster must moult (shed its shell) in order to grow, it will display a thinner, softer shell after it has moulted. In Canada, the lobster season is staggered around the summer moulting period and the majority of Canadian Atlantic lobsters are harvested hard-shelled.

MOULTING

This is done throughout the life of the lobster to enable it to grow. During its first year, a lobster will moult as many as 10 times. Lobsters will continue to moult approximately once a year until maturity. Older lobsters may moult only once every two to three years.

REGENERATING LIMBS

Lobsters can regenerate appendages lost to predation.

This would include their claws, legs, antennules and antennae. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, lobsters will also drop a claw.

LOBSTER TEETH

Lobsters have teeth. However, instead of being found in the mouth, they are found in the stomach.

THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED

Lobsters are active hunters, feeding on a variety of ani-

Lobsters are an interesting crustacean. FILE PHOTO

mals, including crab, shellfish, marine worms, starfish, sea urchins and fish. Larval and post-larval lobsters are prone to predation by crabs and finfish species. Lobsters become less vulnerable to predation as they grow, except during moulting periods when they shed their hard outer shell.

STEAM SCREAM

The Atlantic lobster does not have any vocal cords and, contrary to rumour, it does not scream. The sound heard

when boiling lobster is only the steam escaping from the shell.

water due to its decentralized nervous system; it has no brain, just a series of ganglia.

GROWTH CHART

LOBSTER CLAWS

It takes a lobster around six to eight years to reach a market weight of approximately one pound. Lobsters grow quicker in warmer water and can achieve market weights in less time.

A lobster has two different types of claws: the crusher claw and pincher claw.

NO PAIN

Researchers say the Atlantic lobster does not feel pain when immersed into hot

NUTRITION

Hard-shell lobster meat is not only considered to be the tastiest, but it is also proven to be the most nutritious.

This is because lobsters that are soft-shelled lose nutrients as part of the moulting pro-

cess. They also absorb considerable amounts of water.

GO TO SLEEP

You can put a lobster to sleep by inverting it onto its back for a few minutes. Some people will do this before cooking and placing the lobster in boiling water.

LONG LIVE THE LOBSTER

Lobsters are said to be the longest-living crustacean, capable of reaching up to 50 years.

Best Wishes

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FOR A SAFE & PROSPEROUS SEASON

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

FROM PAGE 18 CRUSTACEAN “They’ve had a whole lobster or cold rolls, but they’ve never had it creamed,” Nickerson says. “The ones who do venture outside their comfort zone to try the creamed lobster are really thrilled with it.”

As the name might imply, lobster holds a prominent position on the menu at Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack. While visitors might be tentative about the creamed lobster, no such hesitation is seen with the locals.

The Fisherman’s Delight offers fresh haddock topped with a generous portion of creamed lobster, and the Causeway Creamed Lobster features fresh lobster in a rich, buttery cream reduction, served on toast with a choice of potato.

“It’s served either on toast or on a roll,” Nickerson says.

“Customers will sometimes ask for the creamed lobster on the side, because they like to pour it over the dish.”

Capt. Kat’s has also put a lobster twist on some old favourites, such as the lobster grilled cheese served on sourdough bread, and the lobster poutine, with golden fries topped with creamed lobster and cheese curds. The Lobster Quesadilla is another Capt. Kat’s original, featuring chunks of lobster meat, green onions and lobster spinach dip grilled between two soft tortillas.

At The Red Cap Restaurant & Motel in Middle West Pubnico the Haddock with Lobster Sauce Dinner is one of the more popular items on the menu.

“The lobster sauce is made in-house daily,” explains Catrina LeBlanc-Adams, manager at The Red Cap. The sauce recipe, created at the Red Cap, is a closely guarded secret, she adds.

“We began serving it on special occasions – as a weekend feature – but it’s been on the menu for the last 14 years.”

The Red Cap also serves a

Possibly the only way to improve poutine is by putting lobster on top. The lobster poutine is a popular menu item at the Red Cap Restaurant & Motel in Middle West Pubnico. CONTRIBUTED

seafood crepe that features the lobster sauce, both inside and over the top, as well as lobster poutine, and a hot lobster dip, served as an appetizer with toasted baguettes.

If there is any way poutine could possibly be made more delicious, it would be by adding lobster on top. Originating in

Quebec in the 1950s, the fries and cheese dish has become a staple menu item across the Maritimes, and is a big seller at both the Red Cap and a few kilometers away at Dennis Point Café in Lower West Pubnico.

“We still sell a lot of regular poutine,” says Wanda Devine, manager at Dennis Point Cafe.

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Visitors to Dennis Point Café on the opening day of the season can get the full-sensory lobster experience, as the restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Dennis Point Wharf, “There are some 140 fishing boats,” Devine says. “It’s the largest commercial fishing wharf in Atlantic Canada.”

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“I’ve noticed that the lobster poutine is really popular with younger people.”

The Lobster Linguini is another popular menu item at Dennis Point Café. Fried with peppers, green onions, celery, lobster and a special spice, the linguini is made to order and is served with a home-made roll.

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

21

Lobster vessels were loaded with traps and gear at the wharf in Pinkney’s Point, Yarmouth County, on Nov. 28, 2020. The season that was to have started two days later in LFA 34 did not get underway until Dec. 8 due to strong winds and poor weather. The bright spot of the season, however, was a strong shore price throughout the season. TINA COMEAU

Strong shore price prevailed in 2020-21 KATHY JOHNSON SALTWIRE NETWORK kathy.johnson @tricountyvanguard.ca

A strong shore price throughout the 2020-2021 season made for a successful season for fishers in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34.

The opening shore price of $7 to $7.25/lb went to $8 a week or so later where it stayed until late January. From there it climbed as high as $15

a pound, then settled out at $12 and $13 until late April, when it dropped to $10. It then stayed in the $9 to $8 range for the remainder of the

season which closed May 31.

Such a high price at the end of the season is not common.

CONTINUED ON 22

Best wishes for a safe & successful lobster seas ason

COUNCIL & STAFF OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BARRINGTON

22

LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

While the 2020-21 season may not have had the best numbers, Coldwater Lobster Association Tommy Amirault says “the price definitely made up for it.” UNSPLASH

FROM PAGE 21 SHORE PRICE The season, however, was not without its challenges.

In LFA 34 (Baccaro, Shelburne County to Burn’s Point Digby County), the season start was delayed due to weather. The season that was supposed to open on Nov. 30 did not opening until Dec. 8.

In LFA 33 (Eastern Passage to Baccaro, Shelburne County), the season did open as sched-

uled on Nov. 30.

“Last season was a successful season. I think everybody was really happy with what went on the entire season even with the eight or nine day delay, however you want to count it,” says Tommy Amirault, president of the Coldwater Lobster Association.

Amirault says catch-wise, although the 2020-21 season “might not have been the best numbers ... the price defi-

nitely made up for it,” he says.

“I didn’t hear anyone complaining.”

Most importantly last year was a safe season with no fatalities in the lobster fishery.

“Fishermen are doing a really good job of making sure their boats are upkept,” Amirault says. “That goes with the success of the fishery.”

“More money, the boats are safer, better maintained. The safety equipment is kept up,” he says. “The boats are little

BEST WISHES FOR A SAFE & PROSPEROUS LOBSTER FISHING SEASON!

bit bigger, a little bit sturdier, maybe instead of having one bander you have two, so that takes care of some of the fatigue. With the success of the fishery, more money in the fishery, I think its translating into a safer fishery.”

According to preliminary statistics from DFO, in LFA 34 licence holders had landings of 20,270 tonnes generating a landed value of $375,825,000 for the 2020-21 season. For the 2019-20 sea-

son, LFA 34 fishers landed 20,907 tonnes of lobster, worth $361,619,000 wharf side. The 2018-19 season saw landings of 20,443 tonnes worth $365,283,000 in LFA 34.

LFA 33 licence holders had landings of 7,125 tonnes in 2020-2021, with a landed value of $138,963,000. For the 2019-20 season, LFA 33 fishers landed 6,345 tonnes with a landed value of $112,636,000.

Best Wishes

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK

Colton

LeBlanc MLA/Député - Argyle

Best Wishes for a Safe & Successful Lobster Season!

Constituency Office: 6-4200 Highway 308 Tusket, NS B0W 3M0 Tel: (902) 648-2020 Email: info@coltonleblanc.ca

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

23

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Wear it for the ones who wouldn’t know what to do without you.

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LOBSTER OUTLOOK