New Licence Conditions for Lobster Buyers

As part of a continuing campaign to stop illegal fishing in Nova Scotia, licensed lobster buyers will now be required to keep specific information on the lobsters they purchase or hold.

The requirement will take effect June 1 for the province's 314 lobster buyers.

"Being able to more accurately track the buying and selling of lobster is going to help enforcement," said Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "With this change, my department is taking a big step in conserving and protecting our most valuable catch."

Letters explaining the change are being mailed today to those affected. Along with the letter will be a questionnaire giving buyers a chance to provide feedback and some basic information.

On Tuesday, June 1, Fisheries and Aquaculture staff, assisted by officials from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, will begin hand-delivering the condition document to lobster buyers. The licence conditions will become part of their current licence and no fee is attached to it. This initiative is expected to take six weeks.

"This change is a result of our joint provincial-federal task force," said Mr. Colwell. "I'm happy with this move and I know we are doing more to step up our efforts toward conservation."