Regulations for Fish Harvesters Strengthened

Government is strengthening the regulations that govern Nova Scotia's fish harvesters and their organizations.

"At the request of fish harvester organizations, we've made regulatory changes to provide fish harvesters with a clear understanding of their regulatory responsibilities," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. "This strengthens government's ability to enforce the act on behalf of fish harvester organizations."

Changes to the Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act include the addition of definitions for terms used in the act and regulations.

"Harvesters are very pleased with the clarifications to the regulations and even more pleased that the act is now being enforced to its full intent," said Eugene O'Leary, president, Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association.

The act requires fish harvesters to pay mandatory dues to accredited associations. The provisions of this act come into force if harvesters vote to implement it in their region. Any licence holder in violation of the act can, upon summary conviction, be subject to fines starting at $1,000.

The act is in force in the three regions encompassing the coast line, from the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border on the Northumberland Strait to the mouth of the Sackville River in Halifax Harbour.

The Fish Harvester Organizations Support Act is provincial legislation that supports and encourages licence holders to develop strong organizations to represent them in matters related to the fishing industry.