Lobster’s value and importance to Nova Scotia was acknowledged today, Nov. 30, as December was proclaimed the Month of the Lobster.
At a breakfast with fishermen on Cape Sable Island before the southwestern season opening today, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau read the proclamation on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter.
“Lobster fishing is a way of life for many who live in rural coastal communities throughout Nova Scotia,” said Mr. Belliveau. “Including crew members, the number of people employed in the fishery alone is around 10,000 and it is a significant economic engine.
“Nova Scotia lobster has tremendous value as a high-quality seafood that is appreciated by many and served on dinner tables around the world.”
Fishing seasons alternate from now until August in a dozen lobster fishing areas around the province.
The proclamation states lobster is worth $400 million to the economy of Nova Scotia the largest lobster-supplying province in the country. It also says Nova Scotia lobster is managed in a sustainable manner.
“Lobster is critical to the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia.
The economic impact of this resource is incredible, from
harvesting to exporting,” said Stewart Lamont, managing director at Ferguson’s Lobster Ltd. in Tangier. “Those of us in the industry are grateful for the worldwide popularity of Nova Scotia lobster as a premium-quality food.”
In 2008, more than 20 million kilograms of lobster were caught, $353 million of which was exported to more than 50 countries. The lobster industry supports many spinoff sectors, including boat builders, trap builders, marine supplies, engine repair, shipping, bait, marketing, legal, insurance and fuel.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Lobster’s value and importance to Nova Scotia was
acknowledged today (November 30th) as December was proclaimed the
Month of the Lobster.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau, read
the proclamation on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter at a
breakfast with fishermen on Cape Sable Island before the season
opened today.
The minister says Nova Scotia lobster has tremendous value
as a high-quality seafood that is appreciated around the world.
The proclamation states lobster is worth $400 million to the
economy of Nova Scotia, the largest lobster supplying province in
the country.
-30-
Media Contact: Tim Conrad
Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-8258
E-mail: conradts@gov.ns.ca
