After decades of lobster fishing experience, Tommy Amirault, a seasoned skipper from Lower East Pubnico in southwest Nova Scotia, acknowledges the cyclical nature of the industry, where challenges can usually be overcome. However, this year seems uniquely difficult for him and fellow fishers in lobster fishing areas 34 and 33, spanning from Digby County to Halifax Regional Municipality.
Before the season even began on the last Monday of November, concerns loomed over Chinese tariffs on Canadian seafood exports, a sluggish U.S. market, and escalating costs of bait and supplies. As the fishermen started pulling up their traps, they encountered quality issues like softer shells and incomplete moulting, resulting in lower meat content.
Despite some improvement in quality as the season progresses, the challenges have led to fishermen receiving a wharf price of $8.25 to $8.75 per pound. While this rate may be manageable for established industry players, newcomers who have taken substantial loans to enter the fishery are under financial stress.
Exporters like Stewart Lamont of Tangier Lobster Company are also facing difficulties due to disappointing quality catches, necessitating thorough sorting to maintain the industry’s reputation. The need to sell subpar lobsters at reduced prices to processors adds to the financial strain.
Despite the current challenges, there is optimism that the season may turn around, considering past trends where catches improved as the season advanced. The upcoming Chinese New Year and efforts to explore new seafood markets offer hope for a better outcome. However, industry stakeholders like Lamont and Amirault advocate for collective discussions on potential changes to enhance the sector’s sustainability and resilience.
While the industry awaits potential government support, it is clear that collaboration and innovative solutions are crucial for navigating the current difficulties. Both fishermen and exporters emphasize the importance of addressing broader systemic issues to ensure the long-term viability of the lobster industry, which has far-reaching impacts on various businesses and community livelihoods in coastal Nova Scotia.