Some P.E.I. fishermen looking to sell directly in Nova Scotia

By Andy Walker

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

While he is personally opposed to the idea, Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair has agreed to look into what steps Island fishermen would have to take to sell their catch directly to the public in Nova Scotia.

Like their counterparts throughout eastern North America, P.E.I. fishermen saw the prices they received from buyers plummet this year. Over 50 fishermen applied for a peddlar’s license to sell directly to the people, following an example set by their counterparts in Nova Scotia and Maine.

Belfast-Murray River MLA Charles McGeoghegan said he has received requests form a number of fishermen about the possibility of selling directly in Nova Scotia. Fishermen in Nova Scotia received $1.50 more per pound compared to P.E.I. for much of the year.

LeClair told the first term MLA (who was a fisherman before entering politics in 2008) in the legislature he would get his staff to check into the issue. However, he added “as a fishery and a province, we would certainly like our fishermen to continue to sell on P.E.I., but we will certainly look into that for you.”

The fisheries minister said he was pleased with the uptake on the direct sell option last spring and fall. He added, “It was well received by the public. The fishers did a great job of it. They looked after the product and worked well with my department to make sure that the safety was of utmost importance.”