Lobster fishing in Halifax is going to start this week which is the largest fishery in the province and also the most risky. Therefore, much attention should be given to safety norms. And for this the first two days of the opening of the fishery were devoted to many resources of safety.
After having good discussion the commercial lobster fishing season in lobster fishing areas (LFAs) 33 and 34 is slated to open, weather permitting, on Monday, Nov. 24. Together the two LFAs cover an area stretching from Burns Point, Digby County to Cole Harbour, Halifax County – encompassing Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties in between.
The first day of the season is referred as dumping day – vessels stacked with lobster traps, rope, buoys, balloons and other gear head to sea to dump their traps. Some of the larger boats will do it in one trip, loading all 375 traps in one shot. Others will make two or three trips. Barry Smith of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, said that overall the plan doesn’t change much from year to year, nor do the cautions given to fishermen.
Rescue officials were recommending that fishermen keep their radios on Channel 16 so they are aware of any boats that might be in distress close by. And fishermen were told not to hesitate to call for help if they think another vessel might be in trouble. Fishermen were also advised to wear personal floatation devices and to have a registered EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) on board.
