Fishers Urged to Put Safety First During Lobster Season
A boat leaves Cape Forchu, Yarmouth County, this morning, November 24, at about 5 a.m. as lobster fishing season gets underway in southwest Nova Scotia. (Province of Nova Scotia)
NOTE: More photos of lobster fishing boats in Yarmouth County from Sunday, November 23, and today, November 24, are available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/11/24/first-day-lobster-season-southwest-nova-scotia
Another busy lobster season is ahead for fishing crews in southwest Nova Scotia, and the Province is encouraging them to keep safety top of mind.
“Heading out in the cold and darkness, exposed to the elements and the power of the sea, makes fishing a high-risk job,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith. “Safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. We strongly encourage fishing captains and their crews to take every possible precaution to ensure they return home safely to their loved ones.”
Today, November 24, is Dumping Day – as the first day of the lobster season is known – when thousands of traps are dumped along the province’s south and western shores in lobster fishing areas 33 and 34.
Lobster boats round Cape Forchu at 5 a.m. today, November 24, for the opening of the season in Lobster Fishing Area 34. (Province of Nova Scotia)
The Province is encouraging fishers to take the time to prepare and follow key safety measures before heading out each day, including:
- monitoring weather forecasts
- inspecting vessels thoroughly
- checking that all safety equipment is in good condition and easy to access
- being ready to respond to emergencies.
Occupational health and safety laws require all crew members to wear a life jacket or other personal flotation device.
“Fishing is part of who we are in Nova Scotia, and so is looking out for one another,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Through training, awareness and leadership on the water, we can prevent tragedies and support the people who keep this vital industry going.”
The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s safety branch continues to work with Fish Safe NS, the Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council and industry partners to promote safety through its fishing safety awareness campaign about safety roles, responsibilities and general compliance requirements.
Quick Facts:
- Lobster Fishing Area 33 stretches from Cow Bay in Halifax Regional Municipality to Shelburne County; Lobster Fishing Area 34 covers Shelburne County to Digby County
- since 2016, there have been more than 1,700 fishing-related safety initiatives, including man overboard drills, Safety Dock talks and Are You Ready? wharf visits
- fishers are required to conduct a formal, written inspection of hoists annually and conduct a visual inspection of all hoists and rigging equipment before each use
- lobster is the province’s top seafood export by value in 2024, exports totalled $1.3 billion
Additional Resources:
More information on fishing safety: https://www.worksafeforlife.ca/fishingsafety
Fish Safe NS: https://fisheriessafety.ca/
Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council: https://www.nsfsc.ca/