HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – The start of the fall lobster season off southwestern Nova Scotia on Monday will be monitored closely by search and rescue officials.

About 1,700 vessels will race out to dump their traps in one of the region’s richest lobster fisheries.

It’s estimated the catch is worth about $275 million to the local economy.

Ten vessels and three aircraft from three federal departments will be on an increased level of preparedness over the first two days of the fishery.

Attention will be focused on an area stretching from Yarmouth to Cape Sable Island.

The Coast Guard said it also will place on standby a number of vessels to react in the event of an emergency.