MLA questions spring lobster prices

Souris-Elmira MLA Colin LaVie says fishermen getting around $5 per pound for lobster

Souris-Elmira MLA Colin LaVie wants to know what the provincial government is doing to help increase lobster prices.

During Thursday’s question period, LaVie, who is also a fisherman, raised the issue of lobster prices he said were as low as $5$5.50 per pound.

“Do you consider that a good price for lobsters?”

The spring lobster season has been underway for more than a month, and the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association raised similar concerns about prices last month.

On Thursday, Fisheries Minister Robert Henderson said P.E.I. had record catches last year and he is pleased with the catches so far this year.

When dealing with prices, it’s important to look at all the factors, including supply, demand, marketing, the cost of production and the value of the Canadian dollar, he said.

“We look forward to working with the industry to make sure we’re getting the maximum return for our fishers here in Prince Edward Island.”

LaVie asked Henderson what he and the Liberal government were doing to improve prices for Island lobster fishermen.

Henderson responded by saying governments don’t directly influence lobster prices, but the government is involved in marketing.

“From what I’m hearing out there, fishers are pleased with their catches and we certainly will work and see what we can do with the prices to make sure that the prices reflect a positive investment for those fishers into their industry,” Henderson said.