Weather hampers opening month of lobster season
Shore price increased to $9 in middecember
While high winds and rough seas hampered fishing efforts during the opening month of the lobster fishery in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34, a strong shore price is helping making up the difference.
“I won’t say the catches are great but the price is,” said Kevin Ross, president of Brazil Rock 33/34 lobster fishermen’s association.
Weather was a big factor for fishermen throughout December, said Ross, describing landings as “fair. The price has made up for lower catch,” he said.
The season opened with an $8 shore price, increased to $8.25 on Dec. 14 and then to $9 on Dec. 17, said Mike Cotter, owner of Cotter’s Ocean Products in Lockeport.
“The industry for some reason feels there’s a shortage and that put the price up,” said Cotter. “In putting the price up the Chinese have stepped back…we’re seeing orders being cut back for Christmas by the Chinese because of pricing.”
The problem, said Cotter, is the weather has been so bad its hard for the fishermen to get out. “We’re not getting two good days in as row here. It’s been tough,” he said, adding some lobster fishing boats in his area only had seven hauling days by mid-december.
“The catches when they do get out have been good, so that’s a good sign,” said Cotter. “The catches, based on per-day catches are a lot better than last year but they can’t get the days in. Last year in December (2018) we had one stretch of good weather that lasted 14 days.”
As for lobster quality, in LFA 33 “it’s beautiful,” said Cotter. “Good hard shells. The percentage of culls are up because of the rough weather so that’s weather related but as far as quality, it’s very good. Hopefully we get a spell of good weather.”
Leo Muise, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, said his sources indicate landings are good this year and have increased in most areas over last year.
“The exception seems to be St. Mary’s Bay where the landings are down significantly,” he said.
“Exports are very strong at this time of year and the shippers, freight forwarders, trucking companies and the airport staff are all focused on getting the product to market in a safe, efficient and timely manner. So far its been very busy but working very well,” said Muise.
“The lobster processors are also active again this year and that is a very positive occurrence,” said Muise, adding the alliance is “anticipating a successful winter lobster fishery in Nova Scotia.”
There are 1,662 lobster licences combined in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34, according to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. LFA 33 extends from Eastern Passage to Baccaro, Shelburne County. LFA 34 encompasses from Baccaro to Burns Point, Digby County.
Preliminary figures show the total landed value was down during the 2018-2019 season, coming in at $498.2 million, compared to approximately $502 million the previous season. The breakdown by fishing area was 8,724 tonnes landed in LFA 33 for a landed value $152.1 million and 19,610 tonnes landed in LFA 34 (southwestern Nova Scotia) for $346.5 million in landed value.
KATHY JOHNSON