March 21, 2012
PEIFA NEWS RELEASE:
THE CORPORATE TAKEOVER OF THE LOBSTER FISHERY THREATENS RURAL PEI
The Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association is insisting that immediate dialogue take place concerning the future of owner-operators of the inshore fleet here on PEI and throughout Atlantic Canada.
There is worry that Ottawa will enact policy that would allow large corporations to buy owner-operators out of the fishery, thereby gaining control of the price of lobster from the water to the consumer.
These corporations could be outside interests or seafood processors from another province.
Existing owner-operators live in rural PEI and support local businesses in these smaller communities, including processing plants. They also pour their profits back into their boats, gear, employ crews and support local businesses. The existing owner-operator is trying to find ways to get the wharf price of lobster up for boat owning harvesters. To deal with low wharf prices over the past couple of years, owner-operators have been helping to implement positive change through fleet rationalization and the implementation of more conservation initiatives.
Owner-operator driven initiatives are also retiring licenses and reducing the number of traps in the water.
Island fishers are working diligently with both levels of government to ensure that the lobster fishery remains sustainable and becomes more profitable for existing and new entrants. This can only be accomplished with policy development and programs that fishermen help design and support.
Unilateral decisions from DFO are not in the best interests of existing owner-operators. That’s why the PEIFA asks that the current minister, Keith Ashfield meet with Provincial Minister Ron MacKinley, as he has requested and the PEIFA before any changes are made to the commercial fishery regulations.
PEI owner-operators living in rural PEI and supporting their communities and businesses are proud to be harvesting, in a sustainable way, the best lobster in the world.
For more information please contact PEIFA President Mike McGeoghegan at (903) 394-3510 or PEIFA Executive Director Ian MacPherson at (902) 566-4050.
Telephone: (902) 566-4050
Fax: 902-368-3748
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