Typically, lobsters are dark colored, either bluish green or greenish brown so as to blend in with the ocean floor, but they can be found in a multitude of colors. Lobsters are used in soups, bisque, rolls, and cappon magro. Lobster meat may be dipped in clarified butter, resulting in a heightened flavor. Cooks boil or steam live lobsters.
It is important to state that lobster farming does pretty well in water logged areas except you want to invest in building artificial ponds. If you are able to locate this business in a water – logged area, an area with the right climatic condition, then you are likely going to struggle less in your lobster farming business, which is why Novia Scotia is the go-to city when it comes to commercial fishing of lobsters.
Nova Scotia is the only lobster fishing area in Canada with a quota, a year-long season, and no trap limit. All of the company’s annual total allowable catch of 720 tones — or nearly 1.6 million pounds of lobster — is caught off southern Nova Scotia, much of it near the 80-kilometer line.
It is important to point out that the season for lobster farming in Nova Scotia depends on what area of Nova Scotia you live in. Largely, there is a fishery in the Spring (before first molting) and Autumn (after molting). Area 33 and 34 from Yarmouth to Halifax season is last Monday in November to May 31.
How Much Do Fishermen Make Monthly / Yearly in Nova Scotia?
No doubt, the lobster fishing business is a very lucrative business in Nova Scotia and statistics show that the average lobster fisherman’s gross salary is $26,103 or an equivalent hourly rate of $13. This is 5 percent lower (-$1,373) than the average lobster fisherman salary in Canada. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $3,968. This is why aside from few exceptions, all the approximately 3,000 licenses are active during the lobster season, employing approximately 7,500 fishermen.
Securing a lobster fishing license in Nova Scotia is hotcake which is why you can find commercial fishermen who have spent large sums, ranging from a going price of $800,000 for a license to fish St. Mary’s Bay to more than $3 million for the lucrative Lobster Fishing Area 35.
Even though the harvesting of seafood is generally regulated by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, it becomes the responsibility of the Province once the harvest reaches the wharf. The Province of Nova Scotia issues licenses and permits to ensure that seafood is purchased, transported, stored, processed, and sold in a manner that ensures the safety of consumers and maintains quality at every step in the chain.
So, if you are interested in farming lobsters in Novia Scotia, here are steps you need to follow to be able to secure your license and permits.
6 steps on How to Get a Lobster Fishing License in Nova Scotia
Step 1: Know the Existing Law Governing Lobster Fishing and the Fishing Industry in Nova Scotia
The first step to take when it comes to becoming a licensed lobster farmer in Nova Scotia is to know the existing laws on ground. The truth is that it will be to your advantage to be well–informed before applying for your license. One major step you need to take in order to get the required information is to visit the Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture.
They will be more than ready to assist you. Better still, for additional information, or to request clarification on other licensing transactions, please feel free to contact Licensing Services via email at fishstat@novascotia.ca.
Step 2: Register a Business
Come to think of it, no one will give you a license to operate a business that is not registered yet. In essence, if you have conducted your findings and you are game when it comes to starting and operating a lobster fishing business in Nova Scotia, then you are expected to register your business.
Please note that whether your organization is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or in some cases, a trust, the said organization must be registered and be in good standing with the Corporations Division. For more information, including assistance with completing the application process, you are expected to contact the Corporations Affairs Division in Nova Scotia.
Step 3: Apply and Obtain Federal Tax Identification Number
You will be required to obtaini a Federal Tax Identification Number before you can be issued a lobster fishing license in Nova Scotia. For an individual resident in Canada, their authorized tax identification number is their nine-digit Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Every individual resident in Canada with income tax filing obligations (or in respect of whom an information return is to be made) is required to have (or obtain) a SIN. In case you don’t have one, you can easily apply.
In order to apply for your ITIN, you must prepare Form W-7 and present proof of residence in Canada. The IRS streamlined the number of documents it accepts as proof of identity and foreign status to obtain an ITIN. There are 13 acceptable documents. Each document must be current and contain an expiration date. Forms are available online at the Internal Revenue Service website.
Step 4: Fulfill the Licensing Requirements
Once you have obtained the requirements, then you should work hard to meet the Nova Scotia fishing licensing requirements. As a matter of fact, in order to run a lobster fishing business in Nova Scotia, you are expected to have a clean criminal record, be a legal resident of Canada, or have a valid document that gives you permission to stay and work in Canada.
Step 5: Apply for Lobster Fishing License
If you meet the expected requirements and you have gotten approval from the regulatory body, it means that the coast is clear and you can go ahead to apply for a lobster fishing license. The basic things you need to have in place before applying for the license are a business registration certificate, physical contact address, application fee, and form.
Fill out and submit the licensing application. Most applications require basic information, such as the business address and a brief description of the business. You will also need to supply your Federal Tax Identification Number. Some applications ask that you describe your inventory in detail or assign an estimated value to your inventory. Once you are done filling the application form, you can send it in to;
The Licensing & Compliance Services
Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture
1575 Lake Road, Shelburne, NS
B0T 1W0
Phone: (902) 875-7439
Fax: (902) 875-7429.
Please note that upon receipt of a completed application, the applicant will receive a Letter of Intent outlining compliances that must be met prior to the actual license being issued. A copy of this letter is also sent to other agencies involved with the process.
Step 6: Pay Your Licensing Fee
The last step to take on your quest to obtain a lobster fishing license is to pay your licensing fee.
- Initial Application: $265.40 (non-refundable)
- Annual License: Calculated by species group and not by the number of species within that group.
Please note that a license issued in Nova Scotia expires on December 31 of the calendar year for which it is issued. In order to renew the license for the following calendar year, the license holder will receive an Application for Renewal form prior to December 31. This form must be returned, signed, and submitted with the appropriate fees. Failure to renew the license within 30 days of the date of expiry will result in the license being canceled.
In Conclusion;
If you meet the expected requirements as stated above, you will definitely secure your lobster fishing license and become a licensed lobster fisherman in Nova Scotia. Please it is important to state that some provinces in Canada have less stringent requirements when it comes to applying for and obtaining a lobster fishing license.
This is why some provinces require a specific lobster or fishing license, while other regions have a broader license. Chicago, for example, requires antique dealers to obtain a Limited Business License. This means that if you are not qualified to become a licensed lobster fisherman in Nova Scotia, you can try other provinces in Canada.
Can a Fishing License Be Suspended or Cancelled?
Please note that a license may be amended, suspended, or terminated by the Minister. The license holder will be notified of the pending action and may apply for a hearing to show cause why their license should not be amended, suspended, or terminated.
A license will be canceled if the fish buyer is not in compliance with the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act, the Nova Scotia Fish Buyers’ Licensing and Enforcement Regulations, or the Nova Scotia Fish Inspection Regulations.