Lobster fishermen will be heading out next month hoping for a plentiful catch.
Fisheries Advisor with the Maritime Fishermen’s Union Luc Leblanc says lobster stocks are one of the best managed that they have, “The rules are pretty stringent, we have a minimum carapace size and that really increases the stability of the stock. It is really a management issue. We have done really well in the past to manage our stock and we’re really reaping the benefits now.”
He adds, “Fishing depends on weather conditions, but stocks are in really, really good shape across Atlantic Canada really. So we are expecting, weather permitting, pretty good landings for this year as well.”
Lobster prices recently hit record highs, but Leblanc expects they will drop 15 to 20 per cent because of an influx in the crustacean during lobster season, but not enough to ever return them to pre-pandemic levels.
Leblanc adds, just like everyone else, fishermen are dealing with increased costs this season, “If you look at the expenses that are incurred, the price of fuel probably went up 40 per cent and that is probably one of the major expenses.”
