A rally in Charlottetown that drew more than 700 fishermen to protest low lobster prices is the first time in Island history the fishing industry has stood together, tied up their boats, and shut itself down.
However, a meeting with processors late Thursday to demand higher prices has yet to yield any firm indication that more money is forthcoming.
"No one expected an immediate response, but we're working on it," said Mike McGeoghegan, president of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association, about the private gathering with processors at a Charlottetown hotel.
"It will take some time."
Almost every captain from Tignish to Wood Islands and North Lake to Covehead has tied up their boat, refused to fish, and turned out for the rally in front of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans building to show solidarity in seeking a better price.
But the cheers and chants of hundreds at the rally may not be enough to sway the decision of those that buy the lobster. With millions of pounds at stake, and ready to be landed over the next seven weeks, the race is on to finalize a better price.
“Divided we lose,’’ said Bearded Skipper Norman Peters of North Rustico, during the event that filled the parking lot and vacant lot next door to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans building across the street from the Sears department store.
There were so many cars and trucks, the overflow filled the parking lot at the Sears.
“I’ve never been prouder to be a fisherman,’’ said McGeoghegan, to the enormous crowd gathered under brilliant sunshine. “But we have to stay united on this.”
