Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) officials managed to make at least one arrest in Southwestern Nova Scotia this fall without adverse repercussions.
On Oct. 2, fishery officers executed a search warrant at a facility in Shelburne County, resulting in the seizure of documents, electronic records and more than 13,000 pounds of lobster worth over $100,000.
One individual was arrested for an offence under the Fisheries Act of maintaining a lobster pound without the required licence. The matter is under investigation for additional charges under the Fisheries Act.
“Fishery officers have been taking enforcement measures ranging from compliance awareness to making arrests and seizing unauthorized catch, equipment and vessels. Fishery officers are also conducting other enforcement activities to deter and prevent the unauthorized sale of lobster harvested without a commercial licence; working closely with provincial partners in this effort,” said the federal department.
The department said over the past few months, fishery officers have been facing increasing threats and acts of violence in the course of their duties.
“For example, on Sept. 19 in St. Mary’s Bay, fishery officers were subjected to an attempted assault while conducting routine at-sea enforcement activities. Despite the attempted assault, fishery officers made arrests and seized a vessel and unauthorized lobster traps for offences under the Fisheries Act, including obstruction of a fishery officer. These Fisheries Act offences are currently under investigation for potential charges and the assault was referred to the RCMP.”
“On Sept. 25 in St. Mary’s Bay, fishery officers attempted to board and inspect a vessel when the operator of the vessel made maneuvers to evade the boarding, resulting in the two vessels making contact. DFO is conducting an investigation into a potential charge for obstruction of a fishery officer as a result of this action.”
Illegal lobster fishing activities in St. Mary’s Bay have been a growing concern in 2024.
“We have repeatedly called for the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to address the illegal and off-season lobster harvesting in the Clare region and neighbouring communities in southwest Nova Scotia,” said Kent Smith, Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in a statement after meeting with his federal counterpart, Diane Lebouthillier on Oct. 3.
Smith said once again, he asked Lebouthillier to prioritize enforcement of illegal fishing in Nova Scotia, to ensure her conservation and protection officers are properly resourced and supported, and that her department co-ordinates activities with the other relevant federal agencies to ensure there are no enforcement gaps.
“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,” said Smith.
“We continue to hear directly from harvesters and harvester organizations that there is not enough enforcement on the water. This responsibility falls squarely on the federal Minister and her unwillingness to prioritize actions to prevent illegal fishing is unmistakably the source of the problem.”
Smith said the potential for the issue to escalate is real.
“Our communities need clear, decisive action, and we need it now. I’ve heard directly from fishers who have been threatened, had their property damaged, and who live in constant fear of repercussions for speaking out… The Minister’s inaction continues to have real impacts on public safety, people’s livelihoods and the sustainability of our most valuable seafood resource. We continue to call for DFO to increase their on-the-water enforcement activities to preserve the sustainability of this resource and halt the illegal harvesting of lobsters.”
Smith said the province remains focused on its enforcement responsibilities and will continue to prioritize action.
“We have increased maximum fines for illegal activities under our Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. We have proactively corresponded with all licensed seafood buyers and processors and reminded them of our regulations. We continue to work with our Department of Natural Resources and Renewables’ conservation officers to increase inspections at local seafood facilities,” he said.
DFO said all fishing activity is subject to compliance verification by fishery officers, who conduct patrols and inspections across all fisheries regulate by the department.
“Fishing activity occurring without a required licence or not in compliance with the conditions of the licence is subject to enforcement action. These types of dangerous incidents are unacceptable. Fishery officers have a job to do. They are dedicated, well-trained professionals. Violence or harassment towards fishery officers will not be tolerated and will be reported to the appropriate police force, which could result in charges under the Criminal Code,” said the department.
According to the DFO website, there were 26 convictions under the Fisheries Act in 2024 in the Maritime Region.
