Local information revealed that the new committee comprised of fishermen, business owners, community leaders and industry movers and shakers was formed at a meeting in Barrington Passage last Thursday night and they’re not stopping there. It is said that the plans are to hold public meetings in Yarmouth and Bridgewater, perhaps as early as this week, to gather more input, community support and involvement.
It is informed that there were about 30 people for the meeting in Barrington Passage, representing all sectors of the community. Cape Sable Island businesswoman Wanda Atkinson who organized the meeting, said that with lobster prices at the lowest level in 20 years during the opening month of the season millions have been lost to the southwestern Nova Scotia economy, considering that approximately 75 percent of all lobsters caught during the six month season are landed in December.
The new committee is said to have a two-fold agenda, to secure short-term aid and support for boat captains and deck hands that have been adversely affected by the crisis; and in the long term, to ensure the sustainability of the industry through promotion and marketing initiatives. Clark’s Harbour seafood dealer Peter Swim, said that they have to have a stronger industry. The committee is said to meet again to draft a mission statement and preliminary objectives prior to holding public meetings in Yarmouth and Bridgewater. The committee is open to accommodate other interested parties from those communities who are in the same situation and want to present a united front to government for help.
