Low prices and high Canadian dollar last fall. High cost of bait and fuel. Also spoke of buyers and harvesters needing to work together for the common good of the fishery. NS embarked on a marketing plan last fall when low prices were of large concern. They were able to market their product in Western Canada. Minister suggested that Industry look at ways to slow down landings when inventories get high.

 

Noted that all three provinces needing to work together. He also noted the need to ship higher end products. He also spoke of the importance of MSC certification and sustainability in the fishery. 

 

The PEI Lobster roundtable initiative was explained. Supply and Inventory issues. The Minister also spoke of lobster health and he understood there was approx 25% mortality rate furthering the need for optimum conditions for maximum value. The Minister also noted that fishermen had requested the use of electronic data collection in regards to their lobster fishery. He also spoke of the need for cooperation between all stakeholders. 

 

The budget was referred to and more details are coming out soon. She did mention access to credit. She noted that Small Craft Harbours budget has been doubled over the next two years. Employment Insurance has been extended for a 5 week period. The community adjustment fund was also noted as a source available for sectors such as the the fishing industry. The regional development agency. She would like to see control in supply and produce high end product. The Minister spoke of the tough economic times and that some fees would have to be reduced to compensate for such loss. She also noted that she is on the Economic Committee of the Federal Government. 

 

Federal Government has placed $510,000 (75% Federal and 25% Provincial) towards a for marketing initiative for lobster.

 

LFA 31 fishermen (Gregg Thompson) spoke of oversupply and that a trap reduction would be a good solution. Minister Shea responded by saying that she did not want to impose changes on the Industry without their support.

 

He spoke of the importance of bringing all stakeholders together for this Roundtable.

 

Inventory tracing and how this could be used more effectively.

 

He noted that the minimum size for lobster should be raised in order to sustain the fishery. 

 

John spoke of Darden’s restaurant and that they have a discouraging outlook in the seafood industry. He noted that the Casino business was down 40%. The fourth quarter retail for lobster was up 75% in the Western US and 87% in the Eastern US. John stressed the importance of having both the canner and market fishery. He also noted that canners, being cheaper support sales for markets. John noted that the low prices on PEI were attributed to currency and not the markets. 6.6 million pounds of live inventory in Atlantic Canada and $25 million dollars in processed product.

Ken Drake, PEIFA:He spoke of the importance of different size lobster within the current marketplace. Also he noted the importance of science in the fishery. Ken also noted the promotion of all seafood in the industry not only lobster, basically in order to promote fish they also have to promote the fishing industry and suggested a film could be made demonstrating the good practices and management within the fishery to the public. Ken also noted the stability of our communities was also very important.

 

Rogers made a presentation on marketing and MSC certification for lobster. 

 

Atlantic lobster development agency: this type of group was suggested to be hosted by the lobster roundtable.  

 

Presentation was devoted to MSC Certification.

 

Lamont believes that we should move on with a long-term management plan.

 

Barry pointed out that there were currently no long-term objectives in the lobster fishery.

 

Maine lobster is currently in full assessment. 

 

Another meeting of this Regional Roundtable will be scheduled next month. The Atlantic Lobster Development Agency will be a top priority at this meeting.

 

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