Summer 2021: Lobster Technician – Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association

The Organization

The Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association (CBFHA) works with local fishermen in eastern Cape Breton (Lobster fishing area 27) to conduct research on the lobster fishery. We work directly with lobster harvesters, from Bay St. Lawrence to Gabarus, monitoring the health and sustainability of our stock. For more information on the Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association and its work please visit www.capebretonfish.com.

For the 2021 season, the CBFHA intends on conducting the following biological research:

1. At-sea sampling of lobster and incidental catches: the student will spend days fishing at sea. Measuring & recording information from lobster and any other species caught in traps (by-catch). This work will be completed during the LFA27 lobster season (Mid-May to Mid-July). Post season, data are to be entered into 2 databases throughout the work term.
2. Larval tows: The student will be working with one fisherman to tow a larval net, count and stage lobster larvae and note other species. This sampling will occur in July and August, after the fishing season.
3. Post Season sampling: Several traps will be set in a few locations to monitor protein and shell hardness in lobster after the fishing season.
4. Industry Promotion: Students are encouraged submit posts to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote the Association’s work and our inshore fishing industry.

Job Description

The Lobster Technician’s primary responsibility will be at-sea sampling of the lobster fishery during the fishing season. Protein sampling and larval tows will take place with increasing efforts after lobster the season. Post season work is primarily data entry on access and excel databases. These and additional tasks may be delegated by Project Coordinators; Adena Peters and Michaela Oravecz and will minimally include the following:

• Participate in at-sea sampling programs for lobster under the direction of the project manager. The sampling programs will include the accurate completion of data sheets regarding the observed catch.
• Lobster sampling at sea will include measuring carapace length, determining sex, and marking observations on lobster health, maturity and presence of eggs. Identification of by-catch and incidental catch will also be recorded (Training provided).
• Participate in lobster larvae tows – stage and count larvae and other observations (meteorological and other species caught).
• Maintain scientific equipment in good working order (GPS, refractometer, thermometer, callipers, plankton net, microscope and camera).
• On-shore work includes entering data into databases and some data analysis using Excel.
• Other duties as assigned by the Project Coordinators.

Qualifications/Job Requirements

Training will be provided for specific tasks however the following qualifications and requirements are essential:

• RELIABLE VEHICLE AND VALID DRIVERS LICENCE are required.
• Must be available from May 3rd – Aug 20th with some flexibility upon hire.
• Must be willing to go out on fishing boats in varied conditions
• Must be outgoing and look forward to meeting new people every day.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Shows initiative, is self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Organized.
• Experience using databases/spreadsheets, in particular Excel.
• Able to keep accurate and detailed documentation of work.
• Basic knowledge of crustacean and fish biology.
• Knowledge or experience in sampling procedures.
• Familiarity with fisheries research and the fishing industry and experience at sea are an asset.

Work Term Outcomes

This is a great opportunity for biology/marine biology students to gain the following experience:

• Field work: collecting fisheries data at sea on a working fishing boat, and collecting data in port.
• Data entry and analysis: Entering data into government & private databases and analyzing data.
• Gain experience in research which would contribute towards management of a natural resource
• Exposure to participatory research, the fishing industry and how research can improve management measures in fisheries.
• Knowledge of the fishing industry, crustacean biology and resource management
• Independent work with minimal supervision while collaborating and communicating with industry workers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and manage time, travel and resources
• Expand knowledge of lobsters and other species of benthic animals as well as planktonic stages and species.

Financial Details:

Wages: $15.00/hr at 40 hours/week
Work Term: May 03 to August 20
Mileage: 40 cents per km for travel to ports throughout the area.
Please send your application (C.V., references and cover letter) by March 1st, 2021 to:
Adena Peters at cbfishassociation@gmail.com