Lobster fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia are worried that American and European consumers won’t pay good price for lobster. In addition to the recent economy crisis lobster fishermen have tossed around several ideas this fall to try to improve market conditions as the start of an uncertain fishing season looms in their region. It is said that the ideas include: a ban on Sunday lobster fishing; fewer traps in the water; splitting the season; and delaying the start of fishing to December 1.
The local news agency reported that hundreds of lobster fishermen crowded into the Wedgeport firehall Sunday afternoon to brainstorm. The season is scheduled to open next Monday. Ian Marshall, a regional director with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, expressed that they understand the present situation. He informed that the lobster fishery in southwestern Nova Scotia comprises Lobster Fishing areas 33 and 34.
However, the final figures from the 2004-05 fishery in Area 34, one of the best seasons in recent years, show landings worth $320 million. On Sunday, Area 34 fishermen were talking about the lobster season for Grand Manan Island and southern New Brunswick, which opened last week. It is said that the fishermen here may make even less than that during the opening weeks of the season.
According to Marshall the federal fisheries department is more than willing to support any plans fishermen from Area 34 bring forward to improve market conditions. He added that fishermen are still talking about delaying the opening here for another week in an effort to boost the demand for lobsters over the holidays.
