Government of Canada Launching New Commercial Whelk Fishery in Eastern Nova Scotia
August 18, 2023 | 1 min to read
In Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada is fostering economic growth through a new commercial whelk fishery set to launch in Spring 2024, aimed at connecting the fishing sector with innovation. Announced by Minister Diane Lebouthillier, this initiative follows sustainable assessments by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Area 4Vs, where the exploratory fishery currently provides about 55 jobs and promises to expand opportunities for Nova Scotians.
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia – New fisheries support economic growth and innovation in coastal communities across the country. The Government of Canada is committed to increasing opportunity in the fishing and fish processing sectors to drive economic development without compromising conservation.
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that a new commercial fishery for whelk will be introduced next year in the waters off Eastern Cape Breton. By monitoring the exploratory whelk fishery in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 4Vs, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has determined a commercial whelk fishery in that Area would be both economically and biologically sustainable.
Currently, the exploratory whelk fishery in NAFO Area 4Vs supports approximately 55 jobs in Eastern Nova Scotia. Once the new, commercial whelk fishery is underway in Spring 2024, it will generate even more economic opportunities and benefits for Nova Scotians.