The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association is introducing Living Wharves, a new tourism program in southwestern Nova Scotia for 2010 that is designed at merging the tourism and fishing industries.
The program begins Aug. 2 and runs until Sept. 17. Living Wharves will provide opportunities for visitors to connect with local residents, and learn skills and stories related to the fishing industry.
Sample skills demonstrations include the hauling of a lobster trap, banding lobsters, splicing rope, the tuna fishery and more. The skills demonstrations will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on specific days at the participating wharves mentioned below:
Mondays: Dennis Point Wharf, West Pubnico
Tuesdays: Port Maitland Wharf
Wednesdays: Wedgeport Tuna Wharf
Thursdays: Belliveau Cove Wharf (Joseph and Marie Dugas Municipal Park)
Fridays: Killam Brothers Wharf, Yarmouth
It is anticipated that this program will become a favourite with visitors, as it provides a venue for them to meet actual fishermen and women in an authentic setting. Living Wharves is the first program of its kind in Nova Scotia and is being promoted throughout the province. The program was tested earlier this year, in both Port Maitland and Meteghan River to much success.
Living Wharves is part of a multi-year effort (called Savour the Local Sea) to make the fishery more accessible to visitors throughout Yarmouth and Acadian Shores. In the coming years, cooking classes, guided tours and other hands-on opportunities will be introduced to allow visitors to experience the fishery.
