Canada’s largest lobster fishery came back to life last week as more than 1,400 vessels steamed out for Dumping Day in lobster fishing areas (LFA) 33 and 34, covering the stretch from Digby, Nova Scotia, to Halifax. Families crowded wharves and shorelines as crews set out before dawn, hoping for calm weather and strong prices.

Last year, combined landings from the region totaled more than $540 million, showing the importance of this opening to coastal Nova Scotia.

Reported by The Hawk, safety remained the top priority on day one, with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) area manager Dwayne Surette stating that multiple agencies were fully mobilized. “We had preseason weather calls with Environment Canada, JRCC, and the Coast Guard,” he said. “Everyone is on full alert making sure there’s a safe start to the season, and then we want everyone to do well, we want these communities to thrive in the lobster fishery,” He added that both air and water support were available as crews headed out, with the opening days being especially critical.

Due to the forecast of high winds later Monday, LFA 34 fishermen left at 5 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, while LFA 33 boats followed at 7 a.m. The season will run through the end of May.

Local leaders emphasized just how vital the fishery is for southwest Nova Scotia. “There are so many people that I know who are in this fishery that have been preparing for months, to be ready for a very wintery time of year to be fishing. I wish them all the best, and safest possible fishing they can have,” said Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont. The Argyle Member of the Legislative Assembly, Colton LeBlanc, called it “the livelihood of so many people… a circular economy,” adding that reinvestment stays rooted in the region.

The province has urged fishermen to monitor forecasts, inspect their vessels, and check all safety equipment as the season kicks off.