According to the fisheries critic N.S. is adding to much red tape for lobster fishermen that hamper the business. Nova Scotia’s NDP fisheries critic and MLA for Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau, explained that red tape to lobster fishermen in Nova Scotia selling their product directly to consumers will not help the Lobster fishing industry.
Belliveau informed that last year he was approached by a number of fishermen who wanted to sell their product directly to the public as it was the only way they could survive. He continue saying adding to red tape to that process, while not addressing the concerns of lobster fishermen, shows how out of touch the fisheries minister is.
It is fact that the price of lobster is already largely out of control of the fishermen. And red tape will further limit their ability to sell directly to consumers and impede these men and women from providing for their families, explained Belliveau. He further told that he has contacted Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture late last year and discussed the concerning matter of fishermen selling their catch of live lobster direct to consumers. He admits that he was told then permits were not required.
