As a DFO-approved Tag Supplier for LFAs 34 & 35, Coldwater Lobster Association continues to receive positive feedback from our members who have purchased their lobster tags, log books, or received assistance with online licensing through our office. The availability of our staff to assist with replacement tags, printing fishing Conditions and navigating DFO’s National Online Licensing System (NOLS), have provided fishermen with the added bonus of the ‘one-stop-shop’ convenience for their fishing regulatory requirements. CLA is pleased to provide these services to our members and at a reduced rate in comparison with other tag suppliers in the region.

Gear tags and logs books are ordered each year at the end of June and members are encouraged to contact the office for pricing if you have not purchased your tags through our office in the past.

Coldwater Lobster Association has secured funding through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund to assist harvesters with the costs associated with vessel re-fitting for infrastructures that can be tied to maintaining the quality of lobster (holding practices on board their vessels). The Vessel Holding & Aeration program is a 4-year program (ending October 2023) whereby vessel owners could be eligible for up to $45,000 non-repaying funds to go towards approved vessel infrastructure improvements. Give us a call today, we’re here to answer any questions you may have surrounding this program.

• Coldwater Lobster Association is committed to keeping our members informed with matters related to our fishery through our website, Social Media (Facebook), Coldwater Connector e-newsletter, mail outs, and a staffed office for one on one discussions.
• We provide assistance with online license renewal (NOLS).
• We work with training partners to secure member discounts on training courses including: First Aid, Marine Emergency Duties (MED), Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC), Fishing Master classes etc.
• We provide Vessel Operational Safety Binders free to our members and tailor each binder based on vessel length to ensure Transport Canada compliance.
• We explore opportunities for discounted services and supplies (based on membership numbers).

Just having an EPIRB aboard your vessel is not enough. They need to be registered with the vital personal, vessel, and emergency contact information to ensure that responders have all the information they need in the event the beacon activates. Members can bring in their EPIRB for assistance with the registration with the Canadian Beacon Registry.

• Continue studies on effort versus return within the lobster fishery – improve productivity.
• Work with industry/government partners to ensure that the lobster fishery achieves its optimum value potential.
• Work to ensure scientific research initiatives are carried out in our region.
• Maintain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) compliance and certification for LFA 34 lobster.
• Promote the socio-economic impact and valuation of the fishing industry to the Maritimes region.

Coldwater Lobster Association communicates regularly with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Maritimes Region and National Head Quarters), Transport Canada, Provincial Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia, Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and others. We take a proactive approach on the issues affecting the lobster industry and are actively involved in fisheries resource management at both the federal and provincial levels.

• Represent members’ interests on various federal, provincial, municipal and industry boards including the Lobster Council of Canada, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Gulf of Maine Advisory Council, Scotia Fundy Roundtable, Seafood Value Chain Roundtable, Fisheries Safety Association of NS, Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, Covid-19 Industry Working Group among many others.
• Support and empower the residents of our rural coastal communities by engaging them in our advocacy efforts on issues that pertain to the environmental health and sustainability of our region, and to encourage effective co-management of our marine ecosystems.