Lobster fishermen are collecting spare traps and line to help out lobster fishermen in southeastern Nova Scotia affected by this week's storm. (CBC)

It will take several days to tally the full damage to lobster gear from this week's storm along the southeast coast of Nova Scotia, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans says.

The storm battered the coast from Cape Sable Island to Sambro, affecting Lobster Fishing Area 33, which started its season just three weeks ago.

As fishermen get out on the water and check their gear, reports are grim, said Ian Marshall of the Fisheries Department.

"Those that have called, reported and requested some replacement tags have asked for full sets. Some of them have lost anywhere from 50 to 75 traps," said Marshall. "One licence-holder lost over 200 traps, so that's quite substantial for a licence-holder this time of year."

Marshall said traps set in deep water are usually safe, but in this case there's damage up to 50 metres deep. He's expecting most fishermen in the area will need to replace missing traps and tags.

"Probably a large majority of LFA 33 licence-holders will probably experience some damage or loss, and those will need to be replaced," said Marshall.

The storm mostly spared Nova Scotia's southwest coast.

Fishermen help each other

Lobster fishermen are collecting spare traps and line to help out those affected by the storm.

The co-chair of the LFA 34 advisory committee, Ashton Spinney, said fishermen who need replacement gear or have traps to donate can contact him or the Camp Cove Harbour Authority.

Spinney, who was out on his lobster boat Friday, said his cellphone was ringing with stories of what happened along the South Shore.

"[If] You're a fisherman, it might be your neighbour today, tomorrow it can be you."

Spinney said since southwest Nova Scotia was spared by the storm, fishermen from his area want to help out.

"Fishermen just started talking on the VHF and saying, 'Well, I've got spare traps and they've got rope'," said Spinney. "All we're waiting for now is to get the word out that there's used traps and rope and stuff available for these people that suffered such losses."

Spinney said he has received calls with offers of dozens to hundreds of spare traps. He hopes the effort will help fishermen get back on the water as soon as possible.