Matthew Atlantic

Northern lobster near Matthew Atlantic dive site

Acadian hermit crab near Matthew Atlantic dive site (Photos: Kim Langille)

Lobstering

Lobster traps in area proposed for fish farm (December 2006) (Larger Image)

Navigation

Western channel is active use by local fisher (Larger Image)

Lobster Life Cycle

The American Lobster, Reproduction and Life Cycle

Fishing

Port Mouton Bay has supported a vibrant commercial fisheries for decades. Generations of fishermen made a living from lobster fishing within the Bay. Today, there are 40 lobster boats operating in the Port Mouton area. Scallops, rock crab, mackerel, irish moss, whelk, and wild salmon can also be found in the Bay.

Impact of the Existing Fish Farm

Since the existing fish farm (near Spectacle Island) started operations in 1995, there have been significant changes in the Bay, especially the inner harbour (Spectacle Island to Broad River area). See map of the affected area.

A formal survey to these document changes, as observed by fishers and mossers, was completed in January 2007. Review the complete survey results.

In May, 2007, “Friends” working with local lobster fishermen completed a detailed lobster catch survey in the Bay. Lobster traps were dropped in five regions in the Bay. Data on catch-per-trap-fishing-day and number of berried female lobster was carefully recorded. Based on analysis of the data, the area near the existing fish farm had considerably lower catch-per-trap-fishing-day and fewer berried lobsters than other regions. In other words, the data confirms our position that the existing fish farm is harming the lobster fishery in the Bay.

See Map - Lobster Catch, Map - Berried Lobster, Full Document: Port Mouton Bay Lobster Trap Survey (PDF)

As a followup to the May lobster trap report (above), “Friends” has obtained lobster catch data from DFO. This data includes catches for Port Mouton and nearby areas of Port L'Hebert/Port Joli and Hunts Point. By examining when and where lobster are caught, this data does show that lobster catches have been negatively impacted by the existing farm. Read the report Have Lobster Catches in Port Mouton Increased in Recent Years? (PDF).

Changes to the Fishery in Port Mouton Bay

• Lobster fishermen now avoid Spectacle Island and the inner harbour. This area used to be prime lobstering grounds.
• A preliminary trap survey (December 2006 to January 2007), detailed trap survey and report on DFO lobster catch data (see above), all show far fewer lobsters are caught in the inner harbour than in other areas of the Bay.
• The numbers of rock crab, in the western side of the Bay, have also declined. Rock crab are used as the preferred bait for lobster. Fewer rock crab means finding alternate bait, or purchasing bait.
• Clams beds on the western shore of Spectacle Island, near the existing site, are affected by algae and foul smells. Deformed clams have been found here. According to Inka Milewski, deformed snouts on clams is a known effect of aquaculture.
• Clams are no longer found at the long established clam beds at Carter's Beach
• Mussels on Spectacle Island shorelines have died.
• In 2002, mounds of dead periwinkles were observed on Spectacle Island shoreline.
• Irish moss beds no longer flourish in areas near the existing fish farm. Wireweed has killed off moss beds in Summerville, and is spreading. Sludge has killed moss beds on Spectacle Island harbour to the cove used to access the Coast Guard Lighthouse. Mossers have had to find alternate beds to harvest.
• Recreational scalloping has dropped sharply in the inner harbour.

The economic impact on the fishers and mossers include:

• Setting lobster traps outside the Bay means travelling further, and incurring more expenses, and added risk that comes with fishing outside the protection of the Bay.
• Fouled or contaminated gear (traps, lines and buoys). Picture of fouled lobster trap
• Increased costs for bait as fishers must travel further to catch bait, or purchase bait
• Investment in larger boats needed when fishing outside the harbour

The effect of the existing farm, on the inner harbour has been so pronounced, fishers refer to that area as the “dead zone”.

Potential Impact of Second Fish Farm

The second salmon site is proposed for the western side of the Bay, just off Port Mouton Island. This much larger site will have an even more profound impact on commercial fisheries.

Critical Lobster Habitat

The area of the proposed fish farm is known to be a lobster nursery, moulting and migration area. Interviews of local well-experienced fishers reveal detailed knowledge of lobster life cycle within the Bay. Read the full document (PDF). Fishers report:

• In the spring, seeing lobsters “migrating into the harbour through shoals in the the western channel and over the Reef.” (at the entrance to the western Channel) towards the proposed site
• Prior to 1995, there was an active ground fishery which continued after the lobster season closed in May. From June to November, gill nets were set to catch haddock, pollock, halibut, etc. The area of the proposed fish farm was fished, and also used as a “safe haven” during hurricane season. Fishers found many large egg-bearing lobsters (berried lobsters) accidently caught in the gill nets set in the area of the proposed fish farm.
• Gill net fishermen ceased using this area as a “safe haven” for their nets in hurricane season because so many large moulting and berried female lobsters became entrapped, reflecting their stewardship of the fishery.
• In the summer, lobsters seek out the smooth bottom and calm waters of the Bay to reproduce.

Placing the second fish farm in this area vital to lobster reproduction could have devastating consequences for lobster stocks. Critical habitat for lobster MUST be protected from any possible harmful alteration, disruption or destruction.

Herring Roe Fishery

The Little Hope Herring Roe Fishery takes place each year near Port Mouton. Depending on where the herring spawn, the exact location varies. In the fall of 2006, 44 boats actively fished for herring roe near Port Mouton Island and in inner Port Mouton Bay. A Port Mouton fish plant processed the herring. Once again, a fishery with significant economic benefit to the community and beyond, is put at risk by the proposed fish farm. Read our document Herring Roe Fishery at Port Mouton.

Lobster and Other Fishing Activities

The second fish farm would:

• Displace the lobster fishers who, in the spring, set lobster traps in this area.
• Likely cause a further decline in rock crab in the western side of the Bay.
• And likely cause further declines in clams, mussels, scallops and other marine life.
• Destroy the moss beds in the western side of the Bay, once again forcing mossers to relocate.

Navigation and Safe Haven

• The area proposed for second farm has long be used as a "safe haven" for fishing gear. During storms, fishermen will collect gear from outside the harbour, and drop in the protected area west of Port Mouton Island.
• The western channel can be the only viable channel to access the shelter of inner harbour during storms; especially nor'easters which blow down into the eastern harbour causing rough seas.

Fishing versus Aquaculture

The commercial fishery has been the backbone of the Port Mouton area for decades. The arrival of the newcomer, aquaculture, has had a significant negative impact on the commercial fishery.

If the second fish farm interferes with lobster reproduction, the environmental and economic consequences will be wide-spread. Economic development should not come at the cost of an existing industry. Allowing the expansion of the salmon farm would do just that.

Port Mouton Wharf

(Photo: Blair Davis)

© 2007-2009 Copyright: Friends of Port Mouton BayLast Modified: February 17, 2009Site Design: Arina Winkelman