'Stop this right now': Cape Breton fisherman worried about seismic testing

Fishermen in Cape Breton are worried about the impactplannedseismic testing at theDonkin mine will have on theirlobster grounds and livelihoods.

Kameron Coal has been given the green light to blast sound waves out of an air gun in an attempt to survey an area itleases offshore ofGlace Bay. The company operates the Donkin mine, which extends underneath where Herb Nash fishes.

"We're asking them to stop this right now, and put an end to it and not let it happen," Nash told CBC'sMaritime Noon.

He'll bring his concerns to officials from theDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) during meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday nights.

Hewants to know why DFO didn't consult with fishermen about the tests, which will be conducted over a two-week period.

Impact on lobster, snow crab

Nashsaid he believessimilar tests in the area in the past killed lobster and snow crab eggs.

Given the recent rash of right whale deaths, he wonders whyFisheries MinisterDominic LeBlanc is allowing the tests to go ahead.

"The rest of the world is watching us, and he's trying to protect them and other species and at the same timethat the whales are going to be in our areas, is when they want to do the seismic testing ...it's just so far off the wall it's unreal," said Nash.

In a statement to CBC News,DFO said it didn't need approval under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act because the "survey is considered small-scale and of a short duration."

"No impacts to fisheries are expected because of the relatively low sound levels that will be generated and the limited spatial extent and short-term nature of the survey," said DFO.

Future of mine uncertain

Nash said he's not opposed to mining,and knows how important it isfor the economy of Cape Breton, but he questions the future of the Donkin Mine, which recently laid off 49 people.

"It's not something that's going to be here for the next 50 years," said Nash. "By the sounds of things it's in jeopardy and I know fishing will be here for years to come if it ain't destroyed."

Kameron Coal declined comment, but said inan email that it's engaging with its stakeholders on the issue.

Community meetings about the seismic testing are being held Monday at 7 p.m.at the Albert Bridge fire hall, and Tuesdayat 7 p.m. at the Donkinfire hall.