Lobster Fishery in Southwest Nova Scotia 

The lobster fishery spans the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. Most of the harvest occurs within 15 kilometres of shore. There are 41 distinct lobster fishing areas (LFAs) with various management and conservation controls. This fishery occurs in LFA 34 in southwest Nova Scotia. Fish harvesters bait and set traps in the ocean that are hauled in by lines to retrieve the catch. This method minimizes impacts on seafloor habitat. Rules limiting the number of vessels, traps and days of fishing ensure conservation. Fishing openings and closures are designated for each lobster fishing area to protect summer molts. In Atlantic Canada, lobster landings average between 45,000 and 50,000 tonnes per year.