Nova Scotia Lobster Fishers Demand Action Against Crime

In Nova Scotia, lobster fishers are sounding the alarm about organized crime, demanding immediate action from the federal government. Colin Spra, president of the United Fisheries Conservation Alliance, highlights a dire situation in which fishers have faced threats, firebombings, and even the recent burning of an RCMP cruiser. Both the provincial Justice and Fisheries ministers have echoed these concerns in letters to federal officials, citing a fear of repercussions among fishers. Members of the fishing community are reportedly moving their families to ensure safety, while fishery officers are currently on strike. The long-standing neglect of these issues by the federal government has led to a crisis, with the local livelihoods under threat. The fishing industry, critical to the region’s economy, is facing significant downturns, including the closure of a major lobster processing plant due to a lack of product. With fish and fishing families at risk, provincial leaders assert the importance of focusing on conservation and law enforcement to restore safety and sustainability in these communities. Amid ongoing violence and intimidation, fishers feel trapped, needing both recognition and robust governmental action to secure their way of life.