FISHERMEN OF LFA 34
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Coldwater Lobster Association, through services to its members, works to ensure a safe, sustainable, and prosperous lobster fishery in Lobster Fishing Area 34 (LFA 34) for current and future generations.
Established in 2014, Coldwater Lobster Association set course to represent the interests and advocate on behalf of lobster fishermen throughout LFA 34, located along Nova Scotia’s southwestern coast. Coldwater Lobster Association was founded on the guiding principle of a forward-thinking approach to fisheries management, with an open and honest communication that would foster a climate of trust between fishermen and policy makers.
THE BUSINESS OF FISHING
The ‘business’ of fishing and the management of fisheries is constantly evolving.
The complexities of balancing environmental policies, regulatory compliance with social, economic, and/or cultural responsibilities have never been as pervasive as we are experiencing today. Lobster fishermen in Southwest Nova Scotia have witnessed an ever-increasing interest in their waters from offshore exploratory drilling, wind farm proposals, pipeline expansions, undersea transmission cable proposals, increased marine protected areas, bycatch monitoring, and the ever-increasing measures to protect North Atlantic Right Whales. In these times of ‘change’ it is imperative that fishermen are not only aware of the issues that are impacting the lobster industry but that they’re in a position to voice their concerns and provide industry insight to decision and policymakers.
NOW, MORE THAN EVER
Fishermen must join forces as one organized collective voice to address issues that could impact our regional lobster fishery.
Coldwater Lobster Association emerged to engage fishermen and coastal communities in order to tackle the wide range of issues facing the lobster industry today. Coldwater Lobster Association aspires to establish a vision for a better future, to revitalize the industry and generate the most value possible from our fishery resource.
OUR FOCUS
SAFETY AT SEA
The at-sea safety of our members is of the utmost importance to Coldwater Lobster Association. We provide to our members, free of charge, Vessel Safety Operational binders that are up-to-date, user-friendly and comprehensive. We work with industry leaders to promote a variety of safety-related courses, and freely issue the latest Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations as issued by Transport Canada.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Coldwater Lobster Association recognizes the significance which external factors can have on our coastal fishery. CLA is strongly committed to the scientific community and research initiatives. Through partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions and government, CLA continues to strive for a greater knowledge of our fishery with quality data collection and analysis.
SERVING OUR MEMBERS
By joining Coldwater Lobster Association, you’ll engage with a group of well-respected, successful and like-minded fishermen, where your voice will add to the conversation about the future of your livelihood. Membership provides you with the opportunity to stay informed, make valuable contacts, and be a part of influencing government and policy issues. Join today to help to protect and enhance the inshore lobster industry of LFA 34.
APPROVED TAG SUPPLIER
As a DFO-approved gear tag supplier, Coldwater Lobster Association supplies lobster tags and logbooks to our members at a reduced cost in comparison to other tag suppliers in the area. Please contact the office for pricing details. We also provide assistance with online licensing (DFO’s NOLS).