Organizers of the South Western Nova Scotia Lobster Forum are very pleased with the response from fishermen.
It’s the first time such an event like this has been held in the area.
It’s been organized by the Maritime Fishermen’s Union, the Scotia Fundy Inshore Fishermen’s Association and the
Coldwater Lobster Association.
There are a number of pressing issues affecting the industry that will be discussed.
A large meeting room at the Grand Hotel was packed with lobster fishermen this morning.
Organizer Bernie Berry says he’s thrilled.
“Very pleased. It’s a reflection of the concerns the industry has on so many issues. It’s a learning experience for the guys so we can get more information out to them so that hopefully we’re not the last people to find out what’s going on. Hopefully this is a new start. The key is to get fishermen involved. You get fishermen involved by giving them information. you get feed back from them. Hopefully you approach government and other people in a collaborative way.”
Berry says about 120 people attended this morning’s sessions.
He expects 150 in attendance when the forum wraps up this afternoon at 5.
Issues discussed include Marine Protected Areas, offshore exploration, wind turbines, new entrant criteria and tidal power.
Presentations were being made by the Environmental Issues Panel, Transport Canada and the Lobster Council of Canada.
