The MP of Acadie-Annapolis wants a meeting with the federal fisheries minister.

Conservative Chris d’Entremont made the request to Joanne Thompson, who remains in the role under Mark Carney’s new cabinet.

He says Lobster Fishing Areas from Digby around to Halifax need to be protected, as they are a cornerstone of the local economy.

d’Entremont adds that unregulated and unreported lobster fishing in St. Mary’s Bay is a serious threat to the stock.

He notes commercial catches have declined, and if the fishery collapses it would devastate the region.

He wants the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to lay charges, provide officers with neccessary resources and collect catch data for science-based stock assessments.