Safety urged ahead of lobster season in Nova Scotia

Lobster season begins Nov. 25 in Nova Scotia. (Marcel Vander Wier)

With lobster season set to begin in southwestern Nova Scotia, the provincial government is reminding crews to make safety a priority.

The new season kicks off Nov. 25, an occurrence commonly known as Dumping Day along the south and western shores — Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34.

“The fishing industry brings great value to our province as one of our largest exports, but it remains a dangerous profession,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

“I want to thank all fishing crews for their efforts. As safety is top priority, I ask them to take the necessary precautions to get home safe.”

It is important for crews to monitor the weather, assess their boats, examine their safety gear, prepare for emergencies and wear their personal floatation devices, he said.

Many Nova Scotians have lost their lives to drownings in the fishing industry in recent years — a somber reminder of the dangers that still exist in this industry, said Stuart MacLean, CEO of the province’s workers’ compensation board.

Provincial law requires fishing crews to wear lifejackets of personal flotation devices.