The leader of a newly formed lobster fishermen’s association in Nova Scotia says the group has made gains in its quest to drive up the price of lobster.
The price of lobster per pound has jumped from about CAD 3.50 in early January to about CAD 4.25 as of Monday, according to the Lobster Council of Canada.
James Mood, a former lobster fisherman and dealer in Yarmouth, said that’s because members of the Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association have been withholding their catch since last week to drive up prices.
Mood said members of the group based in southwestern Nova Scotia will continue to fish without selling their catch until the price of lobster reaches CAD 5.50 per pound, a price he considers fair and reasonable for all involved.
“Fishermen have to make money, the dealer has to make a profit and you've got to satisfy the consumer,” Mood said Monday. “On a CAD 5.50 price, that is an affordable price for the consumer to eat lobsters and buy lobsters and enjoy lobsters.”
Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada based in Halifax, said a lobster industry strategy released at the end of 2010 highlights the need for a price-setting system.
“There’s no dispute,” said Irvine last week. “It’s a long-term challenge of the industry.”
