The PEI lobster fishery underway in LFA 25 is in serious trouble. Just ask any fisherman who is now fishing and losing money with every haul. The rock bottom prices vary but its fair to say fishermen aren’t making enough money to pay their expenses.
The poor wharf prices and market conditions are reasons why the PEI Fishermen’s Association has embarked on a 3 to 5 year strategic plan. It is being funded by the PEI- based Atlantic Shrimp Corporation and the Province. The focus of the $20,000 study is to provide a clear course so the PEIFA can better address a number of challenges the industry continues to face. The Association has instructed the consultants to focus on key areas important to all fishermen, including the development of price setting options and new market penetration.
Over the last few years the PEIFA has worked on a number of initiatives to address both short and long term issues facing the lobster industry.
They include industry rationalization, the provincial low interest loan program, new market penetration and harvester-processor discussions on season- opening prices.
Most of these issues remain unresolved and require a new strategy and action plan.
The current state of the fishery needs to be re-examined, as does an assessment of industry rationalization, more harvester led promotion and the pursuit of new markets that would be profitable for both harvesters and processors.
The strategy is designed to be bottom-up verses the top-down process. Fishermen are taking ownership of any process defining future directions of both their association and industry.
Consultants will be holding one on one interviews with harvesters and organize at least four industry roundtables, open to all fishermen. The consultants will also conduct an on-line and mail out survey. The PEIFA board chose the firm, McInnis-Cooper, to conduct the study. Chris LeClair is leading it. The PEIFA expects the study to be complete and released for discussion in the fall.
The PEIFA continues to track wharf prices. The PEIFA is trying to assist them in finding a solution to that dire situation.
Prices continue to fluctuate but none are adequate enough to make ends meet. It remains puzzling why the price on the other side of Northumberland Strait appears to be somewhat higher.
For more information contact Ian MacPherson at (902) 566-4050
Source: PEI Fishermen's Association.