HALIFAX, NS – Lobster fishing in Nova Scotia is safer than it has ever been, but it still takes good decisions by leaders for a safe fishing season.
That’s the message WCB Nova Scotia is bringing to the industry as dumping day approaches. In a few days, thousands of lobster traps will be loaded onto vessels and dumped into the ocean off the coast of Southwestern Nova Scotia, kicking off the longest, most grueling lobster fishing season of the year.
For those captains with three or more employees, WCB coverage protects their crew and their families if something happens on the job.
And the good news is, it’s happening less than it once did, thanks to work led by WCB in partnership with government and industry safety leaders.
“As hundreds of crews load their vessels and say goodbye to loved ones on shore, safety has never been more important,” says WCB CEO Karen Adams.
The sector’s injury rate has improved by 20 per cent over the last six years, in an industry with over 1,000 lobster boat captains in Nova Scotia. The fishing industry is a vital economic driver, but no market value is worth the cost of losing a loved one at sea.
Historically one of the province’s deadliest industries, fishing has been marked by far too much tragedy. The extent of that tragedy has varied: In 2023, there were no deaths, but sadly one fatality has occurred so far in 2024 – a stark reminder of the tragedies WCB and its partners are striving to prevent.
“Part of our job is making sure that Nova Scotia’s fishers follow proper safety measures at sea, even if they seem routine or unimportant. It’s easy to take safety for granted in calm moments, but in an emergency, those same precautions can save lives,” says Adams.
WCB also connects directly with captains and owner-operators. Those who have coverage and were registered for online channels are receiving a safety checklist this week, to ensure their vessels are properly prepared in the lead up to lobster fishing season. Digital resources and risk-mapping tools also help crews identify common hazards in the industry.
“Above all else, we want our fishers to stay safe on the water – not just for themselves but for their family and friends back home,” says Adams.
Additional Info:
- Nova Scotia’s fishing injury rate was 1.33 in 2023, down from 1.69 in 2018.
- The vast majority of injuries in the fishing sector are sprains and strains.
- 20 Nova Scotians have died at sea since 2018.
- WCB’s fishing industry assessment rate has declined to $3.65 for 2025, down from $7.72 a decade ago.
- There are nearly 1,500 employers in Nova Scotia’s saltwater and freshwater fishing sectors.
- Nova Scotia’s seafood export totalled $2.3 billion in 2023.
Helpful Resources:
VIDEO: Nova Scotia Safe at Sea Alliance – Fishing Safety Now