Research Document - 2002/022

Lobster Fishing Effort on the Outer Coast of Nova Scotia 1983 versus 1998

By R.E. Duggan and R.J. Miller

Abstract

Fishers were interviewed in 1998 to gather information on boat size and construction, electronic equipment, trap construction, number of crew, extent of fishing area, and fishing effort (days and trap hauls). The results were compared to a similar survey conducted in 1983. Annual lobster landings on the outer coast of mainland Nova Scotia were just starting to recover from a near collapsed state during the first interview. Encouraged by the turnaround, between the two interview dates fishers upgraded their equipment and built new boats and gear. The majority were built from fiberglass and powered by diesel engines. All had hydraulic trap haulers and had deck hands for at least part of the season. The use of electronic equipment increased dramatically. Trap hauls increased through the early to mid-1980s but have since stabilized. Fishers have expanded fishing areas by moving to deeper water. Judging from the upgrading of equipment fishing power has increased, but the fleet contains unused effort since trap hauls per season has changed little since the mid-80s.

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