Lobster fishermen talk prices, climate change
Chinese demand drives higher prices as the good times roll… for now
TRURO, N.S. - Jordan Macdougall is a fortunate man.
His fortune comes every time he watches a golden sunrise over the Gulf of St. Lawrence on his fishing boat, happily bantering with his kids as they haul in lobster from the frigid waters.
“It’s a great life,” Macdougall said. “I enjoy the job. I’m glad it’s my career – 35 years.”
The Caper from Inverness South was in Truro Tuesday for the Ocean to Plate – Lobster Industry Research Forum, a chance to meet with industry and scientific experts to discuss everything from pricing to climate change, about three months before their fishing season starts.
Presently, Macdougall can earn $6 to $7 per pound of lobster sold. It is a vast improvement on the $3.25 he received just after the 2008 recession, but still lagging behind the $9 he could fetch if he hauled in catches on the South Shore.
“How much would you want to be paid for your salary?” Macdougall said. “It’s the same for lobster.”
However, lobster prices will likely stay high, thanks to growing demand from China, which imports live product from Nova Scotia during lobster season using cargo jets out of Stanfield Airport.
It is this demand that drives Macdougall to wake up at 4 a.m. and sail out to sea on his boat 45 minutes later. He’ll typically bring along any one of his four children – Amanda, Sabrina, Patrick, or Amber – as well as another helper, while on the boat.
The next eight hours at sea is a constant cycle of sailing to a bait site and hauling up and emptying the lobster traps, before moving on to the next one.
“I love that I get to spend time with my children and enjoy their company, when they work with me and for me,” said Macdougall.