Island lobster fishermen from Tignish to New London are hoping for the best case scenario after two North Atlantic Right Whales were spotted off the coast of Alberton late last week. That prompted DFO to impose a 15 day shut down of the fishery to protect the endangered species. Air surveillance will be used over the next two weeks. If no Right Whales are seen the lobster fishery can reopen in the area. But if they remain in that area after 15 days the fishery will be closed until November 15th.
The livelihood of many fishermen is at stake for this year with the closure coming only three weeks into the season.
