Committee formed to tackle lobster fishing challenges

By Kathy Johnson

FOR THE SOU'WESTER

NovaNewsNow.com

The community of southwestern Nova Scotia is stepping up to the plate to push the provincial and federal governments for both short and long term support in the wake of what it's calling a lobster fishery crisis.

A committee comprised of fishermen, business owners, community leaders and industry movers and shakers was formed at a meeting in Barrington Passage last Thursday night, Jan. 22, and they’re not stopping there.

Plans are to hold public meetings in Yarmouth and Bridgewater to gather more input, community support and involvement. The Yarmouth meeting is being held Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church at 6:30 p.m.

About 30 people were on hand for the meeting in Barrington Passage, representing all sectors of the community. “When our fishery is in crisis, our community is in crisis,” said Cape Sable Island businesswoman Wanda Atkinson who organized the meeting.

With lobster prices at the lowest level in 20 years during the opening month of the season, Barrington Passage businessman John Shaar estimates between $50 and $80 million has already been lost to the southwestern Nova Scotia economy, considering that approximately 75 per cent of all lobsters caught during the six month season are landed in December.

Further indications of a troubled economy come from statistics showing that over the past three years, 81 Shelburne County businesses have closed their doors. “That’s quite substantial,” said Shaar, adding, “Many businesses won’t survive another year like this.”

The volunteer committee will have a two-fold agenda, said Atkinson- to secure short-term aid and support for boat captains and deck hands that have been adversely affected by the crisis; and in the long term, to ensure the sustainability of the industry through promotion and marketing initiatives. “We have to have a stronger industry,” said Clark’s Harbour seafood dealer Peter Swim. “Maybe this is the start.”

The core group of volunteers who will be serving on the committee will be meeting to draft a mission statement and preliminary objectives prior to holding public meetings in Yarmouth and Bridgewater.

Membership on the committee will remain open to accommodate other interested parties from those communities who are in the same situation and want to present a united front to government for help.