Two Nova Scotia Businesses Charged Following Illegal Lobster Buying Investigation
Independent Fisheries and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. face charges under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act after a two-year investigation into illegal lobster buying in southwestern Nova Scotia. Officials estimate unreported lobster landings could represent up to $400 million in unreported taxable income in the province.
Two businesses in southwestern Nova Scotia have been charged under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act following a two-year investigation into illegal lobster buying.
Independent Fisheries, located in Lockeport, and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd., based in North West Harbour in Shelburne County, both face charges for buying, selling, or possessing illegally caught fish, as well as for buying fish from persons without valid commercial fishing licences. In addition, 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. faces a charge for processing, buying, selling, possessing, or marketing fish products without the required licence or exemption.
The charges were filed with the court on October 2, and pleas are scheduled for November 12.
Officials estimate that up to 30 per cent of annual lobster landings in Atlantic Canada are not reported. In Nova Scotia alone, these unreported landings could represent up to $400 million in taxable income that goes unreported.
In 2024, the Province increased the maximum fine under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act to $1 million for a first offence and up to $2 million for a second offence.
To strengthen enforcement, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has created a new compliance unit to lead efforts related to fish buying and processing. The unit is supported by the Department of Natural Resources.