Two seafood businesses in southwestern Nova Scotia are facing charges following a two-year investigation into alleged illegal lobster purchasing, as reported by the province. Independent Fisheries Ltd. and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. have been charged under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. Each company is accused of two charges related to the buying, selling, or possession of fish caught illegally, as well as purchasing fish from individuals without valid commercial fishing licenses.
Additionally, 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. is facing an extra charge for selling fish products in Nova Scotia without the necessary license. Independent Fisheries Ltd. has denied any wrongdoing and stated its anticipation of proving innocence through the legal process. The company emphasized the responsibility of third-party dealers to accurately determine the lobster’s origin before selling.
The province disclosed that the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be brought forward. The scheduled pleas are set for Nov. 12, with none of the allegations proven in court yet. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith highlighted the province’s implementation of stricter penalties for fisheries-related offenses to enhance enforcement.
The charges come amidst a $10 million lawsuit against Independent Fisheries by a group representing commercial fishermen in the Maritimes. The lawsuit alleges that the company transported, processed, and sold illegally caught lobster. Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA), which filed the lawsuit, stated the relevance of the recent charges to their legal action.
Sproul mentioned that their independent investigation, in collaboration with other operators in St. Marys Bay, uncovered the company’s involvement in a broader scheme of illegal lobster activities. UFCA initiated the lawsuit in November 2024 and stressed that the province’s investigation aligns with their private legal actions from two years ago.
Independent Fisheries had previously challenged the vagueness of the claims made by UFCA and requested disclosure of specific details to prepare their defense. Despite legal disputes, the company reiterated its commitment to complying with the law. The court has been involved in addressing motions and appeals related to the lawsuit.
The lobster industry holds significant importance in the province, and the authorities are dedicated to safeguarding its integrity. The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the allegations and determine the appropriate actions to be taken.
