PEI / New Brunswick Lobster Season Delayed, but Prices Already Making Seasonal Adjustment
The Canadian lobster fishing season in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and parts of Nova Scotia has been delayed due to ice in the harbors. Fishing was due to open April 30 in most of the regions. Now many expect the season to get going around May 5th. John Sackton reports that the delay will force plants to pack lobsters in a shorter time and with less labor. Prices, meanwhile, are making seasonal downward adjustments, albeit a bit later than normal. Still, Sackton says the spring lobster season is shaping up to be volatile; one that could result in higher priced lobster meat and tail raw materials.
Chilean salmon producers are reporting damage to smolt stocks from volcano Calbuco’s mid-week eruption. About 8 percent of Chile’s entire smolt stock is estimated to reside within the Los Lagos region around Puerto Montt, where a 12-mile evacuation zone has been set up. Marine Harvest and Camanchaca each reported extensive damage to their sites and fry stocks.
In other news Trident will start operations this month as its new fishmeal processing plant in Naknek. The company will start with a herring test run.
Finally, a Canadian Shrimp Committee report found the federal government’s “last in, first out” policy was the worst possible fishery management option and in need of change. The Committee’s report to Fishery Minister Gail Shea disproportionately cut inshore quotas compared to the offshore catch. “Recently, I’ve got a sense and a feeling that there’s a willingness to listen,” Granter said. “I think the evidence itself will lead her to make a decision that’s absolutely right both for the offshore and inshore sector.”
Have a great weekend.
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