Fishing weirs

 One of the interesting scenes in Bay of Fundy are the fishing weirs. Mostly used to catch herring if you have to opportunity to be near a weir at low tide it is an interesting experience. I have seen anything from seals, dolphins, sharks and even whales trapped in weirs. Constructed mostly of wooden poles and netting they consist of a lead net running to a corral. Fish swim up against the lead net and follow it along to the corral area. As the tide lowers they are trapped and dip netted out.

Weir under construction

 For fisherman weirs can be both time consuming and expensive. Usually the harsh winters in the bay force these to have to reconstructed every season

Dave Hamilton at his weir at Morden, NS

  

Dolphin caught in weir being rescued  by Greg Wheeler of Ont

One interesting experience was coming across a dolphin caught in a weir The poor creature was in distress and was injuring itself on the rocks. Unable to reach the owner my cousin Greg and I decided we needed to remove it before it did anymore damage to itself.

  .

Happy creature going home

This was just another interesting day on the Bay of Fundy. No two days are the same. Always a new sunset or sunrise. Beach combing  to do. Shellfish to gather. Life is never boring. To me it is one of the greatest places to visit or live. The weirs just adds more mysteries everyday.

Shellfish harvesting on the bay.

 For shellfish lovers one experience not to be missed is harvesting ones own. Twice a day mother  nature leaves a smorgasbord  of clams, mussels and periwinkles for the taking. There are three major clam harvesting areas in the Bay of  Fundy. The Annapolis Basin and the Minas Basin in Nova Scotia and the Quoddy region in southwestern New Brunswick.
 Before starting out one should contact the Dept.of Fisheries and ask them for open beaches and regulations as to how many  and the size you are allowed. If not sure of yourself many locals are often more than willing to help.

Locals Dave and Lloyd Deveau assist some Ontario tourist.

Lloyd  Deveau

Dave Deveau

 If  clamming plan to get plenty dirty but the rewards are worth it. Picking mussels or periwinkles can be much cleaner work.

Picking mussel and periwinkles

The Reward

  The most enjoyable way to enjoy any shellfish meal is right on beach with some friends and take in all the Bay of Fundy has to offer. Watch  for a passing seal or dolphin and maybe even a whale. Whatever your activity and day at the bay is always a joy.

 If you don't feel like going at it alone another option is Fundy Adventures who offer a clam digging adventure