N.S. seafood processor wants accuser to name names in $10-million lobster lawsuit

Independent Fisheries Ltd., a Nova Scotia seafood processor accused of buying illegal lobster, seeks to force its accuser to disclose specific names in a $10 million lawsuit. The Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance filed the lawsuit in 2024, alleging a conspiracy to transport, process, and sell illegally caught lobster that has depleted lobster stocks in the St. Mary’s Bay fishing ground.

Independent Fisheries argues it lacks crucial information to defend itself, demanding the names of impacted lobster harvesters and the precise dates and times of the alleged purchases. A judge dismissed Independent Fisheries' motion to compel disclosure, stating such information would emerge during discovery, but the company is now seeking leave to appeal the decision.