August 30, 2018
For
Immediate Release August 27 2018
As week number
two of the Prince Edward Island Fall lobster season concludes, prices paid for
the first two weeks of the season are being communicated and validated by Island
harvesters.
Despite
warmer than normal temperatures, harvesters report robust product is being
delivered to buying stations in Prince County.
In the past
few months, many harvesters have invested significant amounts of money for onboard
storage equipment to ensure lobster vitality is maintained despite the varying
climatic conditions that occur on the water.
Factors such
as strong international demand, international tariff reductions, and a favourable
US dollar exchange suggest that fair and equitable prices should be paid to all
harvesters that participate in the fall season fishery.
In addition,
the fall lobster season has a lower number of boats participating in the
fishery compared to other seasons.
It is
therefore puzzling that the New Brunswick shore price is tracking 25 cents per
pound higher than prices being paid on Prince Edward Island particularly when
some of this product is being processed in New Brunswick.
The Prince
Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) will continue to monitor this
situation closely on behalf of its’ membership.
In addition,
the PEIFA is seeking from the buying sector on PEI, clarification as to what
factors are contributing to the price differential and why a differential
currently exists.
For more
information please contact PCFA President Lee Knox at (902) 853-5524 or PEIFA
President Bobby Jenkins at (902) 969-8995.
Telephone: (902) 566-4050
Fax: 902-368-3748
Follow us
Instagram:
@peifishassoc
Facebook:
@princeedwardislandfishassoc