Both catches and prices falling for P.E.I. fishermen

By Andy Walker

SOU’WESTER

Declining catches and falling prices mean there is little cause for optimism as fall lobster fishermen head into the final month of their seasosn.

Landings are estimated to be approximately 10 per cent below those of last year. Fishermen are receiving $4 per pound for canners and $4.50 per pound for markets, down roughly 25 per cent from prices paid last year.

"Every indication we receive is that landings from Victoria to Egmont Bay are hardest hit," said Ed Frenette, executive director of the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association. "Moving west to West Point and Howard’s Cove there is slight improvement and then it drops again from Miminegash to North Cape."

Area 25 encompasses 843 active licences from all three Maritime provinces. Studies by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have shown a drastic decline in fishers’ incomes in this area over the past decade as a result of lower landings primarily due to reasons beyond the control of fishermen.

"For a number of years the PEIFA and other fishers’ groups in the Maritimes have been calling for a federally supported buy out of licenses in LFA-25," stated Frenette. "The response from federal authorities has been a resounding no."

In the meantime, Frenette said, "Fishermen continually lose income and gradually go out of business.

"An immediate rationalization is needed to both reduce fishing pressure and to limit income loss to those remaining while allowing others to exit the industry with some dignity," said the executive director. “With a federal election in full swing, fishermen want to know where the political parties stand on this question."

Another issue of concern to lobster fishermen is the provincial moratorium on new processing facilities.

"Fishermen feel this moratorium should be lifted, allowing new enterprises to enter the processing sector and provide improved shore prices through increased competition," said Shelton Barlow, president of the Prince County Fishermen’s Association. "The moratorium is only hurting Island fishermen and the provincial economy.

As the season progresses fishermen, like farmers, are hoping that the situation will improve. "If not," said Barlow, "I’m afraid this will be a sad winter for the fishing community in this area."