Early reaction to the announcement that the government is now accepting applications for a short-term assistance aid package contained within a lobster industry sustainability plan was not favourable.
Fishermen who were at an announcement in Escuminac, N.B. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, where Fisheries Minister Gail Shea outlined the criteria for aid were visibly frustrated by what they heard.
Through the program, fishermen can apply for up to $5,000 in one-time help for a $15-million portion of the sustainability plan that was announced back in June. Fishermen who collected under $50,000 in revenue in 2009, and who also recorded a 25 per cent drop in revenue from the year before, can apply for the assistance.
But fishermen have complained that few of them will qualify. They say they aren’t eligible because the criteria measures gross revenue, rather than net revenue, and therefore does not take into account the expenses that took a big bite out of their earnings.
While lobster prices have been low over this past year, fishermen have still had to pay for bait, fuel and expenses.
Shea told reporters following the announcement that an estimated 3,000 fishermen will qualify for the funding. However, she also did say that something needs to be done regarding the gap between expenses and revenue.
The fisheries minister said it is hoped marketing initiatives will help boost the demand for lobster, and thereby the price.
Fishermen frustrated by criteria for lobster assistance
- Number of views : 1025
- Rate
- Top of the page
