On Dumping Day, WCB Nova Scotia remembers lives lost, reinforces messages of safety and collaboration, and recognizes progress (Nov. 24/25)
HALIFAX, N.S. — December 15, 2025 will mark five years since the Chief William Saulis was lost in the Bay of Fundy, claiming the lives of six fishermen.
And as the province marks the first day of the lobster fishing season in Southwestern Nova Scotia, this tragedy remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those working on the water.
“We will never forget the Chief William Saulis and the six fishermen who died at sea,” says WCB Nova Scotia CEO Karen Adams. “Their memory reinforces the importance of prevention and the responsibility we all share to make Nova Scotia’s workplaces as safe as possible, particularly as we get ready for a high-risk fishing season."
The fishing industry was historically one of Nova Scotia’s highest-risk sectors for workplace injuries and fatalities, and it remains a risky line of work. But, thanks to collaboration among industry partners, safety organizations, captains and crews, the industry now has a growing culture of safety.
In the past five years, the injury rate in salt-water fishing has declined by 45% per cent, from 1.73 in 2020 to 0.95 per 100 workers today, a clear sign of the progress being made toward safer workplaces.
Today, less than one worker of every 100 is seriously hurt on the job in fishing.
Despite these advances, challenges remain.
So far this year, two workers in the fishing industry have lost their lives, underscoring the ongoing need for strong safety practices.
Mersey Seafoods Limited, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest privately owned seafood companies, says the fishing community must keep safety at sea a daily focus.
“Safety at sea is not just a priority – it’s a core value for Mersey Seafoods, Fisherman’s Market, and the entire Mersey Group. Everyone deserves to return home safely, and we encourage crews to keep safety top of mind throughout the season. Take time to check your safety equipment, practice emergency drills, and wear your PFD,” says Mike Murphy, president of Mersey Seafoods Limited.
As fishers prepare for the fishing season ahead – the start of one of the province’s most physically demanding seasons – WCB is reminding crews to make safety their top priority.
While safety practices and equipment have improved, managing fatigue, stress, and mental health continues to play a critical role in preventing injuries and tragedies at sea.
To help reduce risks, crews are encouraged to keep these practices in mind:
- Always wear a PFD – every person, every trip.
- Don’t overload your boat.
- Run safety drills before you leave the wharf.
- Watch the weather and make the call when conditions change.
- Take breaks and seek support if you or a crew member is feeling overwhelmed.
Captains and owner-operators who are registered for online services are receiving a safety checklist this week to help ensure their vessels are ready for the upcoming season. Digital tools and risk-mapping resources are also available on wcb.ns.ca to help identify common hazards and guide safer work practices on deck.
Fish Safe Nova Scotia (FSNS), a non-profit committed to strengthening safety in the province’s seafood industry, stresses the importance of preparation and vigilance.
“Dumping Day is more than the start of the season. It’s the moment families watch from the shore and hope for safe returns. Every boat that leaves the wharf carries not just traps and gear, but the expectations of loved ones waiting at home,” says Fish Safe Nova Scotia executive director Richard MacLean. “Our partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia is built on a shared belief that every fisher’s life is worth protecting. Preparation, patience, and safety are what help ensure every crew member comes home. That’s what matters most.”
Later this month, WCB Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), will launch its Safer Workplaces Together initiative, reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve safety across Nova Scotia’s highest-risk industries.