The season has been extended by a little over a week in lobster fishing areas 33 and 34 due to fires in Nova Scotia. Many fishermen as well as several lobster pounds are based in the evacuation areas. There is no power in most effected areas, therefore generators are being used to keep the pounds running, but some are concerned with what will happen to their lobster stock if the generators run out of fuel. 

Warren MacLeod, the City Administrative Officer of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne said that a contingency plan is being prepared to refuel the generators. The lobster season was set to end Wednesday, May 31, which would have required all harvesters to remove their traps and any catch by the end of that day.

Federal Fisheries Minister, Joyce Murray tweeted that the season will be extended within these zones and due to expire over the coming days, however they are monitoring the situation closely and willing to adapt as things change. On June 5, The Department of Fisheries and Oceans stated that they are planning to offer an extension to the fishing season for harvesters impacted by the ongoing fires. 

Minister Murray shared that many fishermen are unable to work because they also serve as volunteer firefighters, and many of them are actively fighting the wildfires that are not only impacting their occupation, but their homes as well. With more rain expected in the Nova Scotia area through Tuesday night, locals are hopeful it will help firefighters get the fires under control.