HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) – Nova Scotia is warning the fishing industry that a failure to curb trade in illegal lobsters will harm the all-important U.S. market for the crustaceans.

Increased American inspections at a Canada-U.S. border crossing in December found illegal lobsters from Canada in almost half of all shipments, resulting in hefty fines.

The Americans at the checkpoint at Calais, Maine, were looking for undersized and female, egg-bearing lobsters, which are supposed to be thrown back in the water to conserve stocks.

Chris d’Entremont, Nova Scotia’s fisheries minister, said Tuesday the province’s fishermen must make sure illegal lobsters do not come ashore.

“Longer waits at the border can be expected as U.S. agents take the time to measure lobsters that should have been checked at sea or at pounds,” d’Entremont said in a statement. “This additional delay will hurt all sectors of the industry.

“Access to our best market could be severely affected.”

He said fisheries officials in the province will be more vigilant with dealers who trade in illegal lobsters, and violators will be charged and fined.

The minister said it’s vital that fishermen protect the lobster industry, with $300 million to $400 million worth of the crustaceans landed annually.

The industry supports about 3,400 license-holders.

“We are very fortunate to have a diversified fishery in our province, but lobster is by far the most valuable sector,” said d’Entremont. “While Nova Scotia lobsters are sold worldwide, the United States is our most important customer.

“Access to this market must be protected. The economies of a vast area of Nova Scotia depend on a healthy lobster fishery and a healthy market.”

The minister said he realizes the industry is facing challenges related to the strong Canadian dollar, as well as quality issues.

“However, practices that put illegal lobsters into the system will make many problems worse. The lobster fishery is crucial for our coastal communities and we must all do our part to ensure it is protected.”

AP-ES-01-31-06 1518EST