"It is at these times that government must put the budget and penny pinching aside and come through for those who have been impacted," said Reid. "In some cases, these fishermen have lost all their gear and any opportunity to support their families.

"This is not an isolated incident. Fishermen up and down the West Coast have been affected, some of them for the second time this year. I am calling on both the provincial and federal governments to step up and help these people."

The Liberal MHA also believes that the government should assist fishermen to find available replacement equipment due to a shortage from current suppliers. "The priority right now should be to find replacement pots and get them back in the water before the season is lost. Everything possible should be done right now to restore the livelihoods of these people and their families."