Charges Laid Against Two Nova Scotia Businesses Accused of Illegal Lobster Buying
Authorities say the investigation found illegal lobster purchases and unlicensed fish sales, and more charges may follow.
- On October 16, 2026, Nova Scotia charged two businesses—Independent Fisheries Ltd. in Lockeport and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. in Shelburne County—for illegally buying lobster following a two-year investigation.
- Escalating enforcement follows reports that up to 30 per cent of annual Atlantic Canada lobster landings remain unreported, potentially representing $400 million in lost taxable income in Nova Scotia.
- Both businesses face charges under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act for buying or processing fish without valid licenses. Nova Scotia raised the maximum fine to $1 million for a first offence in 2024.
- Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, praised Premier Tim Houston and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith for the crackdown as the accused prepare for a November 12 court date in Yarmouth Provincial Court.
- Independent Fisheries Ltd. remains entangled in a separate $10 million civil lawsuit filed by the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, while officials confirmed the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be laid.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The Toronto Star
Charges laid against two Nova Scotia businesses accused of illegal lobster buying
YARMOUTH - The Nova Scotia government has laid charges against two businesses accused of buying illegally caught lobsters in the province.
Two lobster businesses facing charges for illegal buying in Nova Scotia
Conservation officers laid charges after two years to two Nova Scotia businesses for illegally buying lobster in the province. Independent Fisheries and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd., both in Shelburne County, have several charges from the Department of Natural Resources. The press release by the government notes that the investigation is ongoing and it’s possible more […]
Two fish buyers charged with $1 million in fines
Provincial release: Two Nova Scotia businesses have been charged following a two-year investigation into illegal lobster buying in southwestern Nova Scotia. Independent Fisheries in Lockeport and 3329874 Nova Scotia Ltd. in North West Harbour, Shelburne County, both face charges under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. Conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources laid […] More
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