The catch of scallop in this season is better than recent previous years. Murray Corner fisherman Stewart Field has been plying the waters of the Northumberland Strait for many years. He informed that most local fishermen are getting better catches over those of 2007. Field explained that many local fishermen believe that the construction of the Confederation Bridge, beginning in 1993 and culminating with its opening to the public in June 1997, contributed to the drastic decline in many Northumberland Strait fish species, including scallops, lobster and herring.
According to him after 14 years thing are finally starting to come around and the fishermen have also noted an increase in the number of small scallops now appearing in the strait. Seeing lot of scallop is a good sign and after a long time the water is much cleaner now which allows the small scallop easier access to feed.
Field told that although the catches have improved, the price fishermen are receiving from buyers is significantly less than that of last year. He added that the current price if $6 per pound, that’s down $1.50 from last year, with a 44 meat count (regulation which states fishermen must have 44 or less scallops to make up a pound). Then there is an added cost of fuel that takes out more of the profits, says Field.
