Licensing

Although the harvesting of seafood is generally regulated by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, it becomes the responsibility of the Province once the harvest reaches the wharf. The Province of Nova Scotia issues licences and permits to ensure that seafood is purchased, transported, stored, processed and sold in a manner that ensure the safety of consumers and maintains quality at every step in the chain.

Commercial Fisheries

Licensing & Compliance Services

• Fish Buyer Licence (Service Nova Scotia)
• Fish Processor Licence (Service Nova Scotia)

Operation Policies and Process Guidelines for Industry

• Roadside Live Lobster Permitting (Service Nova Scotia)
• Fish Processors and Fish Buyers Licence Policy
• Guidelines for the Development of a Live Lobster
  Facilities Protocol

Forms and Reporting

• Fish Processor Annual Report (Excel)
• Eel Buyer Weekly Transactions
• Lobster Buyer Monthly Transactions
• Snow Crab Buyer/Processor Weekly Transactions
• Monthly Reporting Document
• Fish Buyers Online Reporting System
• Appointment of designated agents by licensed buyers of fish

Pay your fish buyer or fish processor licence fees

You can pay for your fish buyer or fish processor licence online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac® Online or debit card. The payment will be credited to your account the next business day.

Licensing and Leasing Invoice Payment

To make a payment, you'll need:

• your licence or lease number
• the name of the licence holder or leaseholder
• your invoice number and balance due

If you don't have an account for making online payments, you'll need to create one.