Harvesting sector not at fault
The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) would like to respond to the recent guest opinion from Stewart Lamont of Tangier Lobster in Nova Scotia. The letter suggests that our harvesters and harvesters in other provinces are out of touch expecting a fair return for a product that is in unprecedented demand world-wide.
In his letter Mr. Lamont fails to answer one key question. If last year, there were buyers that were “temporarily delusional” and “we paid prices beyond what the market would bear at the time,” how is the harvesting sector responsible for this?
What kind of business model is being followed that promotes Lobster setting day for the spring season on the north shore of Prince Edward Island.
a practise requiring primary suppliers to automatically take a pay cut when poor business decisions are made by one part of the industry? One can only surmise that Mr. Lamont was also part of these “delusional” practises.
Mr. Lamont’s letter underlines two areas of concern. One is that there is no meaningful dialogue (in most jurisdictions) in the off season between the supply and buying sectors on these types of pricing issues. Having open and honest conversations would allow business people in both sectors to effectively plan and budget.
His comments also highlight the need for ongoing promotion and marketing so that good prices can be achieved and maintained for buyers and harvesters. Mr. Lamont makes no mention of the lack of any levy taking place in Nova Scotia or any apparent efforts to get one in place. Mr. Lamont’s sector seems quite content to ride on the coattails of Maine and Prince Edward Island when it comes to the promotion of Homarus Americanus.
We know that South West Nova Scotia is a significant supplier to the live market world-wide. We also know that the processing sector serves an important and vital role in the lobster industry in terms of product diversification and year-round supply.
So, for the PEIFA, it is counterproductive to suggest one sector is superior to the other or one region to the other. Any lobster sold is good for the entire lobster industry. As a past and ardent supporter of the Lobster Council of Canada, we are surprised at Mr. Lamont’s comments comparing regions and sectors.
One final point is that Mr. Lamont was invited several years ago to discuss carapace at a LFA 24 meeting on P.E.I. We are not aware of any other recent presentations that were requested by or directly involved the PEIFA.
In conclusion, each part of the lobster industry needs to ask this important question. Are we contributing to the advancement and success of the lobster industry or are we contributing to the ongoing dysfunction of this sector?