Premier Wishes Lobster Fishermen Safety, Success

Premier Rodney MacDonald offered best wishes to the lobster fishermen of southwestern Nova Scotia on "dump day", the day the boats set traps for lobster season.

"This is a very important day for many people in southwestern Nova Scotia, as the lobster fishery is a critical component of the economic and cultural fabric of the area," said Premier MacDonald, who was in Yarmouth today, Nov. 26, as the boats set traps.

"I wish everyone associated with the lobster fishery the best of safety and success this season."

The premier also recognized concerns about the impact of the dollar on the industry.

"With so many variables affecting the price of lobster, the dollar always seemed to be one of the few things to remain constant, year-over year," said the premier. "Obviously, that has changed this year, and I've joined my fellow premiers in asking the prime minister for a meeting to discuss the impact of the dollar on our respective industries.

"Having said that, with the best supply of cold-water lobster in the world, and the potential of other export markets in Europe, I remain confident in the strength of the industry."