$100K worth of lobster seized from southwest N.S. facility
1 person arrested after fisheries officers searched facility in Shelburne County
Federal fisheries officers have seized more than 5,900 kilograms of lobster as well as documents and electronic records during the search of a facility in Shelburne County, N.S.
One person has been arrested and is being investigated for potential charges under the Fisheries Act in connection with maintaining a lobster pound without the required licence, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Social media posts from the federal department said officers obtained a search warrant for the operation that happened on Wednesday.
The value of the seized lobster is more than $100,000, according to DFO. A spokesperson confirmed it is the most lobster seized at one time in DFO's Maritimes region this year.
It did not identify the plant in question or the person under investigation.
Illegal fishing has been an ongoing concern in southwestern Nova Scotia with calls for more enforcement.
DFO said in its posts that "fishery officers have been taking enforcement measures ranging from compliance awareness to making arrests and seizing unauthorized catch, equipment and vessels."
The statement it posted also said officers are carrying out other enforcement activities and working closely with provincial partners to deter and prevent the unauthorized sale of lobster harvested without a commercial licence.
