Fisheries and Oceans

Jim knows lobster fishing!

Jim is no stranger to the ocean after serving 25 yrs in the navy. Jim visited South Shore St. Margaret’s where Captain Joe Larkin, planned a day out on a 40′ commercial lobster boat, in Lobster Bay, Nova Scotia. Jim heard first-hand the issues facing the lobster fisheries, such as the effect scallop draggers are having on the lobster beds.

Jim, appreciated the opportunity to learn more abot the issues which face our eastern communities. “We are a federal political party and concerned about the issues which face all corners of our nation. CHP Canada policy states that there should be stringent penalties for wilful or negligent impairment of the ocean habitat. Today, the greatest threat to the lobster fisheries is the fragility of the habitat.”

Jim fishing lobster.

Jim recognises the importance of the ocean to the people of Nova Scotia. A Department of Fisheries and Oceans study completed in 2001, and released in 2005, found that 15% of the provinces GDP can be attributed to the ocean. The ocean sector accounted for the employment of just under 14% of the working population.working population.