Out here along the Fundy and down the Shore, we don’t just call it “Lobster Fishing.” We call it Lobstering — and for many of us, it’s not just something that happens offshore.
It’s something that lives in our homes, our families, and our hearts.
For me, with family who go Lobstering, Dumping Day has never been just a date on the calendar. It’s the smell of bait on the wharf, the hum of engines warming in the dark, and the mix of pride and worry that settles in your chest long before sunrise. It’s standing on the shore hoping for good weather, steady hands, and safe returns.
What’s Happening Today
This morning, the men and women of LFA 33 and 34 (Lobster Fishing Areas) are heading out to “Dump” their Pots. Hoping for a successful season — the official start of the Lobster Fishery in the Digby and Yarmouth areas.
- In LFA 34, from Digby to Yarmouth County, boats began setting gear at 5:00 a.m., making use of calmer early-morning winds.
- In LFA 33, from Shelburne County to Eastern Passage, the start time was 7:00 a.m.
But here at home, times are only part of the story.
Dumping Day Is Personal
For many families — mine included — Dumping Day is built into our memories:
- The years when the water was kind, and the traps came up full.
- The years when the winds weren’t so forgiving.
- The relatives whose stories we still tell, and the ones we still miss.
This morning always brings with it the reminder that Lobstering is a proud way of life… but it is not an easy one. These men and women don’t just put their traps in the water — they put their lives in the hands of the sea.
And every family who’s ever waited at the window knows that truth all too well.
A Day of Reflection, Hope, and Prayer
On Dumping Day, our thoughts naturally turn to the dangers that have claimed lives in seasons past.
We remember the boats that never returned.
We remember the families forever changed.
And we pray.
We pray for safety — calm seas, steady footing, strong gear, and protection for every crew heading out. We pray for success — a good season, a good price, and good weather. We pray for community — because out here, no one goes Lobstering alone.
A Tradition That Still Brings Us Together
Dumping Day carries a weight that outsiders rarely understand.
It’s not just economic.
It’s not just seasonal.
It’s deeply cultural, spiritual, and connected to who we are as people.
Today, families across Southwest Nova woke up early — some heading to the wharf, some watching from shore, some listening for the sound of diesel on the wind.
And all of us, in our own way, are part of this moment.
From Country Air Radio
To all the men and women out there dumping pots today:
We see you.
We’re praying for you.
And we’re proud of you.
May you have a safe, prosperous season — full traps, calm seas, and blessings all the way home.
And to the families waiting on land:
We’re with you too.
Editor’s Note:
As someone with family on the water today, this one hits close to home. Dumping Day is always a mix of pride and prayer in our house — and I know many of you feel the same. Thank you for continuing to support the men and women who keep our communities strong, fed, and connected to our coastal heritage. — Brian, Country Air Radio
A Blessing for Dumping Day
Heavenly Father, Watch over the men and women heading out onto the water today.
Guide their hands, steady their boats, and calm the seas beneath them. Bless their traps, their teamwork, and their safe return home. Be with the families who wait on shore, and let this season be one of abundance, protection, and peace. Amen.
