Shelburne County lobster stocks must be protected – Belliveau

Nova Scotia NDP fisheries critic and MLA for Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau, has written to federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn, asking him to come to southwestern Nova Scotia to meet with concerned lobster fishermen.

“I have visited these fishermen many times over the last two weeks and I fully support their cause,” says Belliveau. “The lobster fishermen contend that the use of scallop rakes off of Shelburne County is ruining sea beds and damaging lobsters while they are moulting.”

Belliveau says these lobster fishermen feel DFO’s science is inconclusive and are requesting further study to include the impact of dragging on the habitat.

In May 2006, the LFA 34 management board sent a letter to DFO requesting appropriate actions be taken to address regional concerns regarding the impact of the Full Bay of Fundy scallop fleet on fisheries habitat, and on fish stocks such as lobster, scallop and other benthic species.

“To date, nothing has been done and the lobster fishermen feel they have no other means but to protest,” says Belliveau. “The Minister should re-examine the LFA management board letter and immediately address their concerns.”

Belliveau says area fishermen believe that many of the decisions in the past that have led to the opening of this area to the Full Bay scallop fleet have been made more on the basis of politics, rather than proper habitat/species management.

“It’s time to take politics out of this issue. It’s time to work together,” says Belliveau. “Lobster fishermen want to see the establishment of a working group, consisting of 2-3 members of each stakeholder group to work with scientists in finding a way to protect lobster stocks. That would be a good first step in working together.”

Belliveau has also written to the Provincial Fisheries Minister, Ron Chisholm, requesting that he appoint a local, impartial facilitator to help all parties involved work together to find a solution.