Lobster Markets - Globefish Research Programme - Volume 87

Lobster Markets

GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Lobster Markets Volume 87

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fishery Industries Division Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome, Italy Tel.: +39 06 5705 5074 Fax: +39 06 5705 5188 www.globefish.org

Volume 87

Lobster Markets by

Nicki Holmyard Nicole Franz (November 2006)

The GLOBEFISH Research Programme is an activity initiated by FAO's Fishery Industries Division, Rome, Italy and financed jointly by: -

NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service), Washington, DC, USA FROM, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Madrid, Spain Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Copenhagen, Denmark European Commission, Directorate General for Fisheries, Brussels, EU Norwegian Seafood Export Council, Tromsoe, Norway OFIMER (Office National Interprofessionnel des Produits de la Mer et de l’Aquaculture), Paris, France VASEP, Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, Viet Nam ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute), USA DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Canada SSA (Seafood Services Australia), Australia

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, GLOBEFISH, Fishery Industries Division Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy – Tel.: (39) 06570 56244 E-mail: GLOBEFISH@fao.org - Fax: (39) 0657055188 – http//:www.globefish.org

The designation employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Acknowledgement The research for the lobster market report has been initiated by Nicki Holmyard, journalist and researcher, who prepared the structure of the report and the original draft. Chapter 5 and the updating of statistics was handled by Nicole Franz, GLOBEFISH Trade and Marketing Consultant. We are also thankful for the information provided by Alice Hurlbatt, Project Manager, SW Australia.

Layout was prepared by Tony Piccolo, the cover selected and inserted by Turan Rahimzadeh, both GLOBEFISH staff.

Photograph on cover page by courtesy of OAR/National Undersea Research Program (NURP)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Information Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy.

Š FAO

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1 1. LIVE LOBSTER – Characteristics, Storage and Transport ............................................. 5 1.1 Characteristics................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Storage ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.3 Transportation................................................................................................................. 7 2. PROCESSED LOBSTER – Product Forms, Considerations and Opportunities .............. 9 2.1 Fresh, Whole Cooked Lobster ........................................................................................ 9 2.2 Fresh Lobster Meat ......................................................................................................... 9 2.3 Frozen Lobster ................................................................................................................ 9 2.4 Frozen Lobster Meat ..................................................................................................... 10 2.5 Frozen and Canned Secondary Processed Lobster Products......................................... 10 2.6 Adding Further Value ................................................................................................... 10 2.7 Quality Considerations.................................................................................................. 11 2.8 Market Considerations .................................................................................................. 11 3. WORLD LOBSTER PRODUCTION ............................................................................. 12 3.1 Landings by Species ..................................................................................................... 12 4. MAJOR LOBSTER PRODUCING COUNTRIES ......................................................... 15 4.1 CANADA ..................................................................................................................... 15 4.1.1 Landings............................................................................................................... 15 4.1.2 Canadian Primary Sector...................................................................................... 15 4.1.3 Canadian Secondary Sector.................................................................................. 17 4.2 USA .............................................................................................................................. 18 4.2.1 Landings............................................................................................................... 18 4.2.2 US Primary Sector................................................................................................ 18 4.2.3 US Secondary Sector............................................................................................ 19 4.3 AUSTRALIA................................................................................................................ 20 4.3 1 Australian Landings.............................................................................................. 20 4.3 2 Australian Primary Sector..................................................................................... 21 4.3.3 Australian Secondary Sector................................................................................. 21 5. LOBSTER MARKETS BY COUNTRY ......................................................................... 23 5.1 NORTH AMERICA ..................................................................................................... 23 5.1.1 Canada.................................................................................................................. 24 5.1.2 USA...................................................................................................................... 28 5.2 EUROPE ....................................................................................................................... 31 5.2.1 Belgium ................................................................................................................ 33 5.2.2 France................................................................................................................... 36 5.2.3 Germany............................................................................................................... 39 5.2.4 Ireland .................................................................................................................. 42 5.2.5 Italy ...................................................................................................................... 44 5.2.6 Netherlands .......................................................................................................... 47 5.2.7 Spain..................................................................................................................... 50 5.2.8 Sweden ................................................................................................................. 53 5.2.9 United Kingdom................................................................................................... 56 5.2.10 Other European countries..................................................................................... 58 5.3 ASIA PACIFIC............................................................................................................. 70 5.3.1 Australia ............................................................................................................... 70 5.3.2 China .................................................................................................................... 71

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5.3.3 Hong Kong ........................................................................................................... 73 5.3.4 India...................................................................................................................... 74 5.3.5 Indonesia .............................................................................................................. 74 5.3.6 Japan..................................................................................................................... 75 5.3.7 Malaysia ............................................................................................................... 76 5.3.8 New Zealand ........................................................................................................ 76 5.3.9 Republic of Korea ................................................................................................ 77 5.3 10 Russia ................................................................................................................... 78 5.3.11 Taiwan.................................................................................................................. 78 5.4 AFRICA........................................................................................................................ 79 5.4.1 Namibia ................................................................................................................ 79 5.4.2 South Africa ......................................................................................................... 79 5.5 CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA......................................................................... 80 5.5.1 Bahamas ............................................................................................................... 80 5.5.2 Brazil .................................................................................................................... 81 5.5.3 Cuba ..................................................................................................................... 81 5.5.4 Honduras .............................................................................................................. 81 5.5.5 Mexico.................................................................................................................. 82 5.5.6 Nicaragua ............................................................................................................. 82 5.5.7 Peru ...................................................................................................................... 83 Annex I – List of contacts ..................................................................................................... 84 Annex II – Useful websites ................................................................................................... 91 References ..................................................................................................................................... 92

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FIGURES Figure 1: World landings by species .............................................................................................. 12 Figure 2: Export and Import unit value of lobster in Canada......................................................... 25 Figure 3: Monthly New York wholesale prices American lobster (1-1.5 lb; live), USD/lb........... 30 Figure 4: US lobster exports 2005 – main countries of destination (1,000 USD).......................... 30 Figure 5: French lobster exports (tonnes)....................................................................................... 39 Figure 6: Irish lobster exports (tonnes) .......................................................................................... 43 Figure 7: Fresh lobster, wholesale prices, Mercabarna (€/kg) ....................................................... 53 Figure 8: Spanish lobster exports (tonnes) ..................................................................................... 53 Figure 9: British lobster exports (tonnes)....................................................................................... 57 TABLES Table 1: World lobster landings by country..................................................................................... 2 Table 2: Lobster Export Volumes (MT)........................................................................................... 3 Table 3: Lobster Import Volumes (MT)........................................................................................... 3 Table 4: Lobster Export Values (1,000 USD) .................................................................................. 3 Table 5: Lobster Import Values (1,000 USD) .................................................................................. 4 Table 6: World landings by species ............................................................................................... 13 Table 7: Lobster fishing seasons in key producing nations............................................................ 13 Table 8: Commercial landings by province.................................................................................... 15 Table 9: US landings by species..................................................................................................... 18 Table 10: Lobster landings by territory (June to June)................................................................... 20 Table 11: Lobster product average prices (USD/kg)...................................................................... 25 Table 12: Canada lobster exports (tonnes) ..................................................................................... 26 Table 13: Canada lobster imports (tonnes)..................................................................................... 26 Table 14: USA lobster exports (tonnes) ......................................................................................... 31 Table 15: USA lobster imports (tonnes)......................................................................................... 31 Table 16: EU lobster production (tonnes) ...................................................................................... 32 Table 17: European lobster production by species......................................................................... 32 Table 18: Harmonized System (HS) Combined Nomenclature (CN – EUROSTAT) ................... 33 Table 19: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 34 Table 20: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 35 Table 21: Main suppliers of lobster to Belgium (100kg imported)................................................ 35 Table 22: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 37 Table 23: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 38 Table 24: main EU export destinations for French lobster (100kg) ............................................... 39 Table 25: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 40 Table 26: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 41 Table 27: Main suppliers of lobster to Germany (100kg imported)............................................... 41 Table 28: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 42 Table 29: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 43 Table 30: Main EU export destinations for Irish lobser (100kg) ................................................... 43 Table 31: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 45 Table 32: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 46 Table 33: Main suppliers of lobster to Italy (100kg imported) ...................................................... 46 Table 34: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 48 Table 35: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 49 Table 36: Main suppliers of lobster to the Netherlands (100kg imported) .................................... 49 Table 37: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 51

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Table 38: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 52 Table 39: Main EU export destinations for Spanish lobster (100kg) ............................................. 53 Table 40: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 54 Table 41: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 55 Table 42: Main suppliers of lobster to Sweden (100kg imported) ................................................. 55 Table 43: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 56 Table 44: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 57 Table 45: Main EU export destinations for UK lobster (100kg) .................................................... 58 Table 46: Extra EU lobster imports (100 kg) ................................................................................. 59 Table 47: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 60 Table 48: Main lobster suppliers to Austria (100kg imported) ...................................................... 60 Table 49: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 61 Table 50: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 62 Table 51: Main suppliers of lobster to Denmark (100kg imported)............................................... 62 Table 52: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 63 Table 53: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 64 Table 54: Main suppliers of lobster to Finland (100kg imported) ................................................. 64 Table 55: Extra EU lobster import (100kg).................................................................................... 65 Table 56: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 66 Table 57: Main suppliers of lobster to Greece (100kg imported) .................................................. 66 Table 58: Total lobster imports (tonnes) ........................................................................................ 67 Table 59: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) .................................................................................. 68 Table 60: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) ................................................................................... 69 Table 61: Main suppliers of lobster to Portugal (100kg imported) ................................................ 69 Table 62: Lobster exports (tonnes)................................................................................................. 71 Table 63: Lobster exports (tonnes)................................................................................................. 72 Table 64: China lobster imports (tonnes) ....................................................................................... 73 Table 65: Hong Kong lobster imports (tonnes).............................................................................. 73 Table 66: India lobster exports (tonnes)......................................................................................... 74 Table 67: India lobster imports (tonnes) ........................................................................................ 74 Table 68: Indonesia lobster exports (tonnes).................................................................................. 75 Table 69: Japan lobster imports (tonnes)........................................................................................ 75 Table 70: Malaysia lobster exports (tonnes) .................................................................................. 76 Table 71: Malaysia lobster imports (tonnes) .................................................................................. 76 Table 72: New Zealand lobster exports (tonnes)............................................................................ 77 Table 73: Republic of Korea lobster imports (tonnes) ................................................................... 77 Table 74: Russian Federation lobster imports (tonnes) .................................................................. 78 Table 75: Taiwan lobster imports (tonnes)..................................................................................... 78 Table 76: South Africa lobster exports (tonnes)............................................................................. 79 Table 77: Bahamas lobster exports ................................................................................................ 80 Table 78: Brazil lobster exports (tonnes) ....................................................................................... 81 Table 79: Cuba lobster exports (tonnes)......................................................................................... 81 Table 80: Honduras lobster exports (tonnes).................................................................................. 82 Table 81: Mexico lobster exports (tonnes)..................................................................................... 82 Table 82: Nicaragua lobster export (tonnes) ........................................................................ 83

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INTRODUCTION This document looks at the world lobster market for the four main commercial species: European lobster (Homarus gammarus), American lobster (Homarus americanus), rock lobster (Jasus sp) and tropical or spiny lobster (Panulirus sp). It should be noted however, that the rock lobster fishery in Australia catches both Jasus and Panulirus species and uses the generic term ‘rock’ for both. It is generally agreed that spiny lobster and rock lobster are interchangeable terms referring to some 40 species of clawless lobster found around the world but for the purposes of this document, they are considered separately.

Lobsters belong to the family of crustacean and the phylum arthropoda, and fall into two distinct categories – those with a large pair of claws and those without. Clawed lobsters include the European and American species, together with freshwater crayfish, while the spiny and rock lobsters (some of which are also confusingly called crayfish in certain parts of the world) do not have claws.

Regardless of species, the carapace of a lobster is calcareous and tough, and is reinforced to protect the internal organs o f the head and thorax, and the gills at the bases of the legs.

The strong muscular abdomen or tail is surrounded with a segmented exoskeleton and is the main eating part in spiny and rock lobsters, while the claws of the American and European lobster also contain prized meat. The segmentation on the exoskeleton enables the lobster to articulate its body and move, and is regularly shed as the lobster increases in size.

All lobsters have obvious antennae, which comprise compound eyes on mobile stalks, and often growing longer than the body. They are stiffer and highly distinguishable in the rock and spiny lobsters. Another noticeable feature on rock and spiny lobsters is a pair of small horns above the eyes.

Pairs of small limbs around the mandible or mouth are used for feeding, while five pairs of legs provide the lobster with the ability to ‘walk’ across the ocean floor. It is the first pair of legs that is modified into well-developed claws or pinchers in Homarus sp. They are used for defence and to capture prey, and must be banded when lobsters are caught, to prevent them damaging each other.

Lobster remains a highly prized delicacy the world over, and a number of technical developments are ongoing in all the major lobster producing countries, to ensure that stocks will remain sustainable for future generations. These include development of hatchery techniques to enhance existing fisheries, which have been successful for Homarus species, and which are in the trial stages for rock lobster.

Given that live lobster is such a valuable export commodity, considerable time and effort has been put into the development of its storage, together with overland and airfreight transport systems, to ensure it reaches the restaurant or consumer in prime condition.

The processed lobster market has also developed considerably in recent years, with companies seeking to make lobster products more easily accessible to the consumer.

Simple processes such as ready-cracked claws and meat selection packs in attractive packaging have all contributed to an increase in demand.

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A look at the latest FAO statistics on world lobster landings by country, (Table 1) shows a current stable pattern of landings at around 160,000 tonnes.

Table 1: World lobster landings by country 2000 Australia 19,837 Bahamas 9,023 Canada 45,331 Cuba 7,500 Europe 2,891 Indonesia 3,596 Mexico 2,799 New Zealand 3,858 Nicaragua 6,534 South Africa 2,081 USA 40,662 Others 14,633 Total 162,896 Source: FAO Fishstat; * ABARE

2001 16,407 7,042 51,412 6,789 3,176 4,490 2,509 3,654 4,195 2,746 34,240 15,238 165,438

2002 13,886 10,012 45,111 7,983 3,097 4,758 2,993 3,513 4,493 3,384 39,662 15,843.00 158,030

2003 16,437 10,378 48,772 5,268 3,224 5,348 2,958 3,398 3,922 2,773 34,732 16,451 161,842

2004 18,099*) 9,317 45,623 7,602 3,266 7,720 3,056 2,913 4,375 3,291 36,813 15,920 163,145

Landings in the USA and Canada combined account for more than half of all world landings of all species of clawed and spiny lobster. Australia is also an important player in the global market, with landings of around 18,000 tonnes in 2004. Other countries landing significant quantities include The Bahamas and Cuba. Landings in Indonesia have shown consistent growth over the past four years, and this trend is expected to continue.

World trade in lobster has grown steadily over the last decade, with both exports and imports increasing. World lobster exports rose from $1.1 billion in 1991 to $2.19 billion in 2004, due to increased sales of frozen and fresh/chilled products. Canada was the major exporter of live lobster products with sales worth $370 million in 2004, followed by the United Kingdom with $31.1 million, Belgium with $16.4 million, and The Netherlands with $8.3 million.

World lobster imports increased from $1.03 billion in 1991 to $2.147 billion in 2004, mainly due to increased demand for frozen and particularly live products in the hotel and restaurant sector. The United States was the major importer of live lobster with a value of $290 million in 2004, followed by Canada with $138 million, France with $59.7 million, and Spain with $54 million.

The United States was also the largest importer of lobster products worth $1 billion in 2004, or 47% of the global imports; followed by Japan with $178 million, France with $168 million and China with $158 million.

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Table 2: Lobster Export Volumes (MT) Country Canada USA Australia Cuba Bahamas South Africa Indonesia Spain Brazil New Zealand India Others Source: FAO Fishstat

2000 42,863 29,281 15,937 5,036 3,637 1,938 3,315 2,464 2,039 2,790 5,088 23,222

2001 45,233 27,336 13,164 4,379 2,276 1,842 4,237 2,038 2,335 2,212 1,593 24,029

2002 47,618 30,780 11,497 5,334 2,797 2,149 3,989 2,682 2,767 2,150 2,449 21,796

2003 47,640 28,498 12,767 3,003 3,237 2,110 4,892 2,707 2,479 2,244 1,958 20,153

2004 44,663 26,338 13,771 4,476 3,014 2,915 2,803 2,684 2,557 2,123 2,088 22,905

Table 3: Lobster Import Volumes (MT) Country USA Canada Japan China, Hong Kong SAR France Spain Italy China Taiwan Province of China Malaysia Belgium United Kingdom Others Source: FAO Fishstat

2000 47,444 18,292 13,030 9,402 9,393 6,787 5,647 4,895

2001 46,383 17,009 10,515 10,308 9,174 6,437 5,558 1,694

2002 50,668 22,351 10,468 9,090 8,512 7,261 5,186 1,075

2003 50,227 18,100 9,580 8,696 8,659 6,312 5,717 2,232

2004 48,624 15,979 9,184 8,977 8,887 7,582 6,052 3,050

6,004 143 3,210 1,887 9,519

4,128 183 2,741 1,638 9,693

3,902 132 3,122 1,568 12,773

3,521 185 2,859 1,627 11,377

2,903 2,841 2,828 2,077 10,562

2003 738,713 298,891 322,593 92,361 65,542 48,625 65,758 47,884 372,267

2004 736,785 328,469 315,291 87,919 81,371 72,454 67,435 63,947 438,645

Table 4: Lobster Export Values (1,000 USD) Country Canada Australia USA Bahamas Brazil Cuba New Zealand South Africa Others Source: FAO Fishstat

2000 607,231 356,510 293,645 106,067 50,690 72,335 58,947 28,855 423,571

2001 617,860 274,066 263,517 68,542 58,572 66,294 53,920 34,817 329,594

2002 664,703 292,900 306,073 80,740 70,982 76,987 59,443 41,102 382,807

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Table 5: Lobster Import Values (1,000 USD) Country USA Japan France China, Hong Kong SAR Canada Spain Others Source: FAO Fishstat

2000 893,149 253,351 146,578 180,988 152,246 90,751 327,270

2001 835,756 198,173 134,156 192,068 136,513 90,336 308,210

2002 931,376 210,294 136,387 167,869 165,245 100,895 322,123

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2003 1,004,879 183,458 156,786 156,395 161,312 95,608 359,414

2004 1,000,496 178,268 168,113 158,524 158,336 111,452 372,753

CHAPTER 1 LIVE LOBSTER – Characteristics, Storage and Transport 1.1

Characteristics

Live lobster is considered by many companies to be their ‘signature’ product, because to keep a lobster in prime condition through fishing, handling and transport, involves a great deal of effort and expertise.

The natural colour of Atlantic Lobster varies from blue-green to rusty brown and some have been found with a blue or white (albino) shell. All except the white-shelled lobster will turn pink/red when cooked. Spiny and rock lobster come in a multitude of colours when live, but also turn pink/red when cooked.

American lobster can be sorted into as many as fifteen different grades, given that each grade can have large, medium and small specimens, but the general range is Chix at 11.20lb, Quarters at 1.20-1.45lb, Halves at 1.45-1.75lb, Selects at 1.75-3lb and Jumbos at 3-6+lb. At the small end of the scale are Canners, which weigh approximately 1/2 to 1 lb.

American consumers are the most partial to Jumbos, the number of which has been declining over the past decade. The highest world demand is for chix and quarters although the very largest specimens are permanently on request by upmarket restaurants in e.g. Japan and Hong Kong to enhance seafood displays.

Rock and Spiny lobsters are generally sold whole or as tails. Weighing from 1-5 pounds – although they can grow up to 15 pounds, they lack the large claws found on the European and American lobsters and therefore do not present the same opportunity for providing additional meat products.

In the US, spiny lobsters are generally sold as frozen tails. However, the majority of the world harvest is sold live to Asian markets. Spiny lobsters are marketed as either warmwater or coldwater, depending on the area in which they are caught, with the latter getting a premium because of their preferred flavour, texture and reputation for superior processing.

The world harvest of spiny lobster is approximately 70,000 tonnes with leading producers including Australia, Brazil, the Bahamas, Cuba, Nicaragua and the US. The most important species of warmwater spiny lobster is Panulirus argus, which is found throughout the Caribbean and accounts for just over half of all spiny lobster landings.

The most important species of coldwater spiny lobsters are Panulirus cygnus, also known as the Australian spiny lobster, traded under the official marketing name of Western Rock Lobster, Jasus edwardsii from New Zealand, and Jasus landii, which comes mostly from South Africa.

Another Australian lobster is the Eastern Australian rock lobster, Jasus verreauxi, also called the green lobster or packhorse lobster. Lately, it was re-classified and is now called

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Sagmariasus verreauxi. The Eastern Australian rock lobster (J / S verreauxi), is the smallest Australian commerical fishery with only about 100T or 1% of the Western rock lobster fishery, a trap fishery.

Following the Western rock lobster (P. cygnus), Southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) is the second largest lobster fishery in Australia with a total of approx 4000T quota/landings. Nearly all the J. edwardsii are exported live, whereas Western rock lobser is mainly exported cooked. The next major fishery is Tropical/ painted rock lobster (P ornatus). Tropical/painted rock lobster is fished by hand, and is mainly a live product exported into Asia and is about 10% of the volume of Western rock lobster.

To differentiate between the most common coldwater and warmwater tails (P. cygnus and P. argus, respectively), it is necessary to check their shells. Caribbean warmwater tails are a darker shade of red, with distinct yellow spots and a yellow band across the tail, whereas Australian tails have much less prominent markings. Unfortunately, other species can be harder to differentiate.

Spiny lobster tails are sometimes sold under a confusing letter grading system (A, B, C etc) but are best bought and sold strictly by size, with most grades sold in 2 to 4 ounce increments, such as 5-6 ounces, 20-24 ounces etc.

Lobsters are subject to seasonal changes and national regulations concerning supply, size and characteristics. In the summer and early autumn season, the American and European lobsters migrate to warmer inshore waters to moult their shells and grow new ones and are known as soft shell lobsters. Soft-shelled lobsters lose nutrients as part of the moulting process and absorb considerable amounts of water. They are weak at this time, and can be difficult to store live.

Hard shell lobsters stay in the colder, deeper waters and benefit from a high meat content that can be 50-60% higher than soft shell lobsters. They can be fished and stored in lobster pounds, and are thus generally available all year round - subject to variations in supply and consequently to variations in price.

Moulting is done throughout the life of the lobster to enable it to grow. During its first year a lobster will moult as many as 10 times. Lobsters will continue to moult approximately once a year until maturity. Older lobsters may moult only once every two to three years. It takes a lobster 6-8 years to reach a market weight of approximately 1 pound in cold waters, but species living in warmer water can achieve market weights in far less time.

1.2

Storage

Lobster dealers cope with the seasonal changes in supply by making use of lobster pounds or other live holding systems, in which hard shell lobsters can be maintained in peak condition for up to 6 months. The seasons for harvesting lobster in Canada are staggered to protect the vulnerable summer moults.

Lobster pounds, as the name suggests, are intertidal areas where the water level can be controlled by floodgates to maintain a natural environment for lobsters until they are required for sale. These are being phased out in favour of indoor live holding systems

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where lobsters are held individually in trays in a stacking system. Chilled, filtered seawater is run constantly through the system, and a number of different arrangements have been developed that preserve the fresh caught quality of the lobster by ensuring it is kept in a state of reduced metabolism. The latest recirculation systems can hold up to several thousand pounds of live lobster in prime condition for many months.

1.3

Transportation

The transportation of live lobster can cause stress and physical damage to the animals, and cause considerable variation in product quality at its destination. Factors likely to cause stress include changes in temperature due to inadequate cooling in warm climates, insufficient warmth in cold climates, low humidity, low oxygen, overcrowding, and rough handling. In addition, because lobsters are solitary animals and naturally defend their habitat, they can experience stress when put in communal settings.

Seasonal differences in blood protein levels and shell hardness must be taken into account when choosing lobsters for shipping, as an animal in a weak condition starts off its journey at a disadvantage. The shipping of poor specimens should therefore be avoided.

Live lobsters must be kept cool during shipping, but packaging coolants such as wet ice or gel packs must not come into direct contact with the animal as they can cause stress and mortality. Under the best shipping conditions, the humidity within the packing box will be approximately 70%.

The most common method of shipment for live lobsters is in fibreboard boxes lined with expanded polystyrene. An absorbent pad should be placed in the bottom of the box and the lobster can be cushioned and separated from its neighbours with moist paper, chilled wet sponges or gel packs. A number of shippers still use seaweed, but it should be noted that some algal species produce noxious gases as they break down, which can harm the lobsters.

New packing systems that allow lobsters to be packed vertically in individual compartments are now available. A “Cloud Pack” system, which has been approved by IATA and many major air cargo carriers, consists of a bottom section that holds the live lobster body and tail, a centre section that holds the claws, and a cover that contains gel ice and a moisture medium. The tail is folded under itself and the live lobster is placed in a compartment with the head and claws above the body. This packaging is expensive but can be reused, and one point in its favour is that it reduces mortality.

A similar system, the “Habitat Packaging Solution”, a complete holding and shipping system designed to preserve the fresh caught quality of each individual live lobsters, has been developed for East Coast Seafood in the US. During travel the lobster loses weight and starts to accumulate nitrogenous waste materials, including ammonia. To prevent this happening, live lobsters should be conditioned, or held without feeding for several days prior to shipment. Care must be taken not to leave the animal too long as it will begin to digest its muscle tissue, which will then result in a build up of waste that the process was designed to avoid. Trials are ongoing with materials that can absorb ammonia or split the molecule into non-toxic substances, but these remain experimental.

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To avoid cannibalism and physical damage, the claws of live Homarus sp must be either pegged together or banded shut. Most shippers use bands, as these cause less physical damage to the animal.

Freshly fished lobsters, i.e. those that have not been held in a chilled water storage system, should have their body temperature reduced over 48 hours prior to shipping, in chilled tanks. This also allows the shipper time to ensure all lobsters are in a fit condition to travel and to cull damaged and weak specimens.

The shipping temperature will depend upon the species and the ambient temperature of the harvest area, but in general, coldwater species can be chilled to 4 degrees Centigrade and shipped at temperatures ranging from 1-7 degrees Centigrade. Tropical species may be rendered dormant at temperatures as high as 14 degrees Centigrade.

Lobsters can be kept alive, out of water, in a high humidity environment for approximately 24 hours. Once the transport time increases beyond 24 hours mortality increases significantly, and beyond 48 hours losses can be considerable. It is therefore imperative that a good relationship is built with the transport company to ensure minimal delays occur between packing and arrival of the lobster at its destination. One note of importance is to ensure that all relevant paperwork including export and health certificates are correctly filled in, as product shipped inter-state and inter-country are highly likely to be held over by veterinary inspectors if paperwork is incomplete.

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CHAPTER 2 PROCESSED LOBSTER – Product Forms, Considerations and Opportunities 2.1

Fresh, Whole Cooked Lobster

Fresh, whole cooked lobster is a natural, ready-to-eat product that provides consumers and chefs with a no fuss cold buffet option, which can also be steamed or boiled if required hot. Generally sold in a vacuum packed pouch, a fresh whole cooked lobster will have a 7-10 day shelf-life from the time of production.

2.2

Fresh Lobster Meat

Fresh lobster meat is popular with caterers as it offers a simple way to increase menu options with a high value product. Lobster meat is generally hand picked and sold in tamper-proof containers or vacuum packs, and may contain a combination of tail, claw and knuckle meat ready for use. Tail meat is also sold on its own as a higher value product.

2.3

Frozen Lobster

Frozen whole lobster is available raw, blanched or steam cooked, in a number of different presentation packs and may be natural, glazed or brined.

Processing frozen lobster products utilizes the latest technological advances in blast freezing that ensures the highest quality and flavour of frozen whole lobsters and lobster meat. Under ideal frozen temperatures of -26 to -30°C (-15 to -20°F) or below, frozen lobster can be stored with no quality loss for up to nine months. Lobsters may also be frozen using liquid nitrogen.

Cold pack frozen lobster meat is packed in cans, and requires frozen storage as it is not sterilised or retorted.

For chefs, buying ready cooked lobster removes the problems of handling and storage and provides a readily cooked, weight guaranteed product. For consumers, the ease of preparation and service makes cooked lobster a popular product.

Frozen whole blanched lobster: these are first cooked for two minutes, then vacuum packed and frozen immediately. Cooking is completed by the end user, for a fresh-boiled taste.

Frozen whole lobster: these are blanched or cooked in a vacuum skin pack and specialized technology allows an extended shelf life of 24 months.

Frozen whole cooked lobster: lobsters are cooked and vacuum-packed in light brine or wrapped in waxed paper. Smaller weights (200-250 g), known as "baby boils," are cooked in a liner, frozen and packed in 5 kg cartons.

The Popsicle pack contains a small whole cooked lobster packaged in a vacuum sealed cello bag with saltwater brine, which is then blast frozen to preserve the lobster’s fresh

9

caught taste. Frozen Popsicles are generally available in 300-450gm sizes and are processed mainly from May to June and from August to September.

Lobsters may be packed several to a carton, individually held in net bags, or separated with waxed paper or plastic strips.

Individual skin packs can be used with raw, partly cooked and cooked lobster and present particularly well to the consumer.

2.4

Frozen Lobster Meat

Lobster meat is available in a wide variety of forms, including block frozen, blast frozen and flash frozen forms, prepared with or without brine and with or without glazing. It may be raw, boiled or steam cooked, then packed in vacuum packs, pouches, skin-wrap packs, clear plastic trays, or cans, depending on the product and the intended market.

Spiny lobster tails are sometimes glazed (up to 20% of tail weight), which can lead to short net weights, whereas coldwater tails are generally sold dry, but protected with plastic to prevent drying and freezer burn.

A look at the types of products found worldwide, using all types of lobster, includes the following: • Shell on lobster tails – raw or cooked • Peeled lobster tails – raw or cooked and deveined • Pre cooked lobster meat from head, leg and claw, with cartilage removed • Raw lobster meat pieces (broken tails) • Block frozen raw lobster meat • Pre-scored lobster claws and arms – natural or brine frozen • Cocktail claws, with 90% of the shell removed for easy eating • Split half-lobster portions – cooked or raw • Minced lobster loaf – deboned lobster body meat Presentation and packaging is playing an increasingly large part in the marketing of lobster and lobster products, especially where retail packs are concerned. Effective use is made of attractive window sleeve packs, through which the skin or vacuum packed product can be clearly seen, but on which is printed product and cooking information.

2.5

Frozen and Canned Secondary Processed Lobster Products

Processors are able to maximise yield per lobster by producing a wide variety of frozen and sterilised shelf stable products. These include the liver, which is processed as a green coloured paste/spread known as tomalley; lobster roe, which is also called red caviar; lobster concentrates/extracts and lobster meat paste.

Hot pack canned lobster are sterilised or retorted and are therefore shelf stable.

Concentrates, pastes and extracts are sought after by the food service industry as they provide a standardised, consistent product that can be used to make sauces, pasta fillings, soups, bisques, pates, terrines and mousses, pie fillings and seafood noodles.

2.6

Adding Further Value 10

One company in Australia is currently leading the way in the further value added market by processing large lobster into frozen medallions for retails and foodservice customers, providing a sashimi grade meat for Japan, and bottling lobster oil, which is proving immensely popular with consumers and chefs. Carefully targeted market research and focus group research provided much of the inspiration for these new developments.

Value may also be added through use of international schemes, such as the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) sustainability label, which shows consumers that a product has been produced/fished in a responsible manner. The Australian Western Rock Lobster was the first product to be certified by the MSC. There are a number of other ‘sustainability’ schemes operated by individual countries, but there is currently no data available to show the monetary value to producers of using particular labels.

2.7

Quality Considerations

To ensure a strong market for lobster and lobster products, it is necessary to pay particular attention to quality issues. Poor handling, storage and transport, whether of live or processed products, will lead to an inferior product.

A live lobster in prime condition will curl its tail when touched. Lack of immediate response, broken legs, broken antennae and missing claws are all signs of poor handling.

These also indicate that the lobster has been subject to stress and is therefore likely to be of inferior quality. Lobsters kept in pounds for a lengthy period may appear ‘mossy’ and whilst this does not affect meat quality, it can put buyers off. Attention to storage water quality is thus of prime concern.

Poor quality processed lobster meat will show signs of dullness and/or yellowing. A high quality product should have a bright whitish colour and a firm texture. Grey meat indicates that the lobster was dead before processing, and grit in the sand vein which is a result of poor handling and storage, will lead to a strong ammonia taste.

Buyers should be aware that soft shell lobsters have a poor meat to shell ratio and suffer higher mortalities during storage and transportation.

Glazing of lobster products is a contentious issue, leading to short weight for the customer. A light glaze can enhance the appearance of the product and protect it from freezer burn. However, some lobsters have been found to be soaked or injected with up to 20% additional water to increase the unit weight. Such practice is to be discouraged.

2.8

Market Considerations

Given that consumption is increasing in the main consuming countries for live lobster and lobster products, there are excellent opportunities to enter the market. However, careful research is necessary in order to ensure that: • The product is required by the market • The product satisfies the import veterinary regulations of the target country • The product satisfies consumer expectations • The product can be sold at a price acceptable to the market • There are sufficient quantities of the product to maintain supply 11

CHAPTER 3 WORLD LOBSTER PRODUCTION 3.1

Landings by Species

Over the past 10 years, world production of the main lobster species has varied by around 15,000 tonnes, reaching a peak of 166,008 tonnes in 2004, and commencing with less than 150,000 tonnes in 1995.

A look at landings by species (Figure 1 and Table 6) shows that up to1996, production of American lobster was in the low 70,000 tonnes, rising to a stable total of around 83,000 tonnes from 1999 onwards.

Spiny lobster production has been relatively stable throughout the period with world landings between 63,000 tonnes and 69,000 tonnes, with a peak recorded in 2004 of over 72,000 tonnes.

Figure 1: World landings by species 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000

European lobster

American lobster

Spiny lobster

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

0

Rock lobster

Source: FAO Fishstat

Apart from a peak of 12,000 tonnes in 1997, Rock lobster production has varied between 9,300 and 10,000 tonnes, showing an ongoing stable pattern.

European lobster landings continue to hover just under the 3,000 tonne level, with a peak of 3,300 tonnes in 2000.

12

Table 6: World landings by species

European lobster American lobster Spiny lobster Rock lobster

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2,981

2,589

3,219

2,933

3,285

2,600

2,781

2,727

2,818

2,932

70,631

71,866

78,146

77,155

83,105

83,062

83,803

82,422

81,315

79,795

61,620

59,216

59,255

56,524

63,445

65,923

58,294

63,312

62,696

71,959

11,266

10,625

12,582

10,227

10,396

10,280

9,944

10,672

10,711

10,681

2,589

3,219

2,933

3,285

2,600

2,781

2,727

2,818

2,932

European 2,981 lobster Source: FAO Fishstat

Table 7: Lobster fishing seasons in key producing nations Seasonality of Lobster Fisheries in Key Nations Country Species Australia Western Panulirus cygnus Northern Southern Victoria Tasmania New South Wales New Zealand

Season Start

Season End

15-Nov 30-Jun The East Coast season is closed 1 Oct – 1 Feb, the Commonwealth fishery is closed Nov and Dec. ** 01-Nov 30-Apr 16-Nov 31-Aug 01-Nov 31-Aug All Year

Panulirus ornatus Jasus edwardsii Jasus edwardsii Jasus edwardsii Jasus verreauxi Jasus edwardsii Jasus verreauxi

All Year

Jasus landii Palinurus gilchristi

All Year

Panulirus argus

01-Jun

31-Jan

Panulirus argus Panulirus interruptus Panulirus inflatus Panulirus gracilis

01-Jul 01-Oct

29-Feb 15-Mar

16-Sep

31-May

01-May 01-Aug

30-Apr 31-Mar

South Africa

Cuba Mexico

United States Federal Florida Canada

Homarus americanus Panulirus argus

Homarus americanus 30-Apr 10-Oct ** source: Department of Environment and Heritage, Assessment of the Queensland East Coast Tropical Rock lobster Fishery; and Assessment of the Torres Strait Rock lobster Fishery (http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/qld/tropical-rock-lobster/pubs/tropical-rock-lobster-assessment.pdf; http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/commonwealth/torres-strait-rock-lobster/pubs/torres-strait-rocklobster-assessment.pdf)

13

Table 7 provides information on the fishing seasons of key producing nations. When producers are considering entering the fresh lobster market, the availability of competitors’ products is a major consideration.

14

CHAPTER 4 MAJOR LOBSTER PRODUCING COUNTRIES 4.1

Canada

4.1.1

Landings

Canada currently provides more than half of the world's supply of live and processed Atlantic Lobster, with peaks in landings exceeding 52,000 tonnes in 2001, and a volume of almost 44,000 tonnes in 2005.

In value terms, the fishery was worth approximately $CAN 590 million, with unit values gradually rising from an average of around $CAN 12.4/kilo in 2001 to $CAN 13.4/kilo in 2005. It should be remembered however, that unit value varies with availability and demand, and will be higher at peak times of demand such as holiday seasons.

Table 8: Commercial landings by province 2001 MT

2001 $Can 000’s 375,317 93,835

2002 MT

29,406 26,507 Nova Scotia New 8,270 7,872 Brunswick Prince Edward 8,727 104,992 9,018 Isle Quebec 3,603 46,612 3,161 25,657 2,058 Newfoundland 2,117 52,123 646,413 48,617 Total Source: Fisheries and Oceans, Canada

2002 $Can 000’s 372,104 95,387

2003 MT 26,441 7,377

2003 $Can 000’s 379,230 88,552

102,349

9,160

43,920 23,486 637,248

3,538 2,256 48,772

2004 MT

2005 MT

25,764 6,719

2004 $Can 000’s 343,696 76,400

23,840 5,706

2005 $Can 000’s 338,673 72,818

109,422

9,144

97,848

8,264

100,793

46,955 25,870 650,029

3,838 1,910 47,375

49,829 21,090 588,863

3,393 2,741 43,944

45,980 32,755 591,019

Table 8 shows that Nova Scotia harvests by far the largest quantity of lobster, with landings slightly declining since 2004 to 23,840 tonnes in 2005. New Brunswick has experienced a decline of 2,000 tonnes over the past two years, while landings in Prince Edward Island have increased slightly during that time, but with a dip in average unit value during 2002 from $CAN 12.03/kilo to $CAN 11.34/kilo in 2005. Landings in both Quebec and Newfoundland dipped in 2002, but picked up again in 2003.

4.1.2

Canadian Primary Sector

Lobster harvesting in Canada is a family tradition, in which little has changed for 150 years, apart from advances in boat and gear technology. Fishing takes place on a daily basis within 15 kilometres of the shore, with lobsters caught in baited traps attached to lines and hauled one trap at a time. This is labour-intensive, but it results in minimal disruption to the ocean floor and the environment. Each fisher has between 200-300 traps, which are marked with uniquely coloured buoys.

During the fishing season, traps are checked on a daily basis, lobsters checked for carapace length, and undersized and egg-bearing females returned to the sea with a V-

15

notch marked in the tail to identify her as a breeding female. Traps are then re-baited with fish and replaced in the water.

Use of conservation methods and enhancement of the lobster fishery through release of hatchery-raised juveniles is of prime concern to the industry, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans oversees an integrated management system, which is regarded as one of the most complex and sophisticated in the world.

The lobster fishery is largely managed by effort control and seasonal openings rather than by quota, and is carefully monitored. The aim is to ensure sustainable development by conserving biological diversity, while maximizing socio-economic benefits. The lobster season typically peaks in the spring (April-June) and again in December.

The coastline of Atlantic Canada is divided into 41 regions or zones, each of which has a different lobster fishing season ranging from 8 weeks to 8 months. This staggering of the harvest protects summer moults, and enables the industry to deliver the hard-shell lobster preferred by the consumer. There is also one year-round fishery located some 90 kilometres off the coast.

The largest lobster ever caught in Canada weighed 44 pounds and was estimated to be around 65 years old. Scientists have found that lobster organs do not degenerate, and believe that potentially, they could live indefinitely. Predation – whether human or animal, may therefore be the only limit on their longevity.

16

4.1.3

Canadian Secondary Sector

Fishermen land their catch directly into processing facilities or into refrigerated trucks that transport the lobsters to nearby processing plants. Lobsters are generally separated onboard into two groups - those being sold as a live product, and those destined for processing into various product forms. Lobsters to be sold live will be sent to holding facilities, while those for processing will be briefly stored in refrigeration units until they are cooked or processed for raw meat products.

Processors aim to freeze lobsters as soon as possible after harvest and it is not unusual for them to be processed and frozen within 4-8 hours of being taken from the sea.

Live lobster is generally available year-round from processors, distributors or direct from lobster holding pounds. Advances in holding technology and temperature control now allow lobsters to be held in good condition all year round.

Over the past decade, the quantity of Canadian lobster sold live has consistently been around 60 percent, with the US as the main market, taking around 70 % of total production. Frozen products account for 30 percent, with canned making up the remainder. In Canada, lobsters as small as 1/2 to 1 pound, sometimes called "canners," may be legally caught, but they cannot be shipped live to the US. Important secondary markets for Canadian lobster are France, Belgium, Japan and Hong Kong for both live and frozen products, and the US and Germany for canned products.

17

4.2

USA

4.2.1

Landings

Table 9: US landings by species 2001 2001 2002 (MT) ($,000) (MT) American 32,293 249,510 37,688 Spiny 1,871 21,644 2,355 US Total 34,240 271,154 39,662 Source: US National Marine Fisheries Service

2002 ($) 293,894 25,715 319,609

2003 (MT) 32,515 2,256 34,732

2003 ($) 283,516 23,969 307,485

2004 (MT) 40,079 2,649 42,728

2004 ($) 365,882 28,241 394,123

Of the 42,728 tonnes landed in 2004, Maine led all states with 76% of the total harvest.

Other important states are Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Spiny lobster is primarily harvested in Florida and California.

The last three years has seen both an increase and a decrease in landings of American lobster, according to landing information from the US National Marine Fisheries Service.

Their statistics show a 5,000 tonne increase in landings in 2002 compared with 2001, but a similar drop in landings for 2003. However, a sustained increase in landing price over the three years, from USD7.73/kg in 2001 to USD7.80/kg in 2002 and USD8.72 in 2003, eased the overall situation. 2004 saw an increase in terms of volume to more than 40,000 tonnes and a value increase to 365,882 USD, bringing up the average landing price to USD/kg 9.13.

Landings of spiny lobster species remained broadly similar during the period, although prices reduced from an average of USD11.57 in 2001 to USD10.66 in 2004, which contributed to an overall reduction in value between 2001 and 2004 of just over USD16 million.

An examination of US State landing data shows that Maine consistently lands around 77% of the total US American lobster catch, with Massachusetts landing 16% and Rhode Island 5%.

78% of the Caribbean spiny lobster catch is landed in West Florida, with 8% landed in East Florida and 14% in the State of California.

A small fishery also exists for spiny lobster in the US territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam, but these typically amount to less than 100 tonnes per year.

US fishermen land approximately 3,000 to 4,000 tons of spiny lobster a year, with Florida accounting for around 85% of the catch. California, which accounts for the remainder, produces a slightly larger species, Panulirus interruptus.

4.2.2

US Primary Sector

The American lobster is fished in the Northwest Atlantic, from Maine to North Carolina, while the spiny lobster is fished in Florida (east and west coast) and California on the west coast. The US offshore fishery is managed under the New England Fishery 18

Management Council and fisheries within 3 miles of the shore are managed by individual states under an Interstate Fishery Management Plan.

Fishermen and scientists are working closely together in the US to make the lobster fishery healthy and more efficient. Management measures put in place to ensure a sustainable future include gear restrictions and use of lobster traps with escape vents to allow undersized lobsters to escape. Lobster traps must also have biodegradable escape panels that create a large opening in the event of the trap becoming lost at sea. This allows the lobster to escape, or to use it as a shelter that can be freely accessed.

Conservation measures currently dictate that any American lobsters with a carapace length less than 3¼ inches must be returned unharmed to the sea. It is illegal to land lobsters of less than this size. In addition, all berried (egg bearing) females must be returned.

The Californian Spiny lobster season is from August to March, but the American lobster may be caught all year round. Whereas Canada's lobster fishery is closed during the summer moulting season, the American fishery does not shut and a high percentage of the catch from July to September is of new shell lobsters.

The majority of the catch is taken July and October, and 85-90% of the harvest is of lobster that has just reached the legal size of 3 ¼ inches. At this size, it weighs around 1 pound.

4.2.3

US Secondary Sector

There are a number of large processing companies who buy direct from fishing boats to fulfil forward orders for fresh and frozen lobster. To ensure their products are of the highest quality, lobsters for live sale are generally rushed from the landing stage to begin a seasoning and conditioning process in storage ponds or chilled tanks, during which time their stress levels raised during harvest, will be reduced to a minimum. This period, which takes at least two days, also allows the processor to remove the weaker lobsters.

Fresh lobsters are then carefully iced, packed and shipped by road or air transport to their destination.

Processors aim to cook processed lobsters within hours of arrival onshore, to preserve the ‘just landed’ taste and texture and to avoid the build up of ammonia, which would spoil the end product.

All processors must conform to FDA and USDC/NMFS (national) regulations regarding hygiene and traceability standards, and will additionally conform to any regulations required by countries to which they export lobster.

Computer controlled steam and water boiling processes ensure that lobsters and lobster products are cooked to perfection, before undergoing rapid chilling and freezing.

Major markets for US lobster include Spain, Italy and France.

19

4.3

AUSTRALIA

4.3 1

Australian Landings

Rock lobster has been the most valuable single-species fishery in Australia for the past couple of decades, earning the country around AUSD 415,048,000 in 2004/05. Several different species of rock and spiny lobster make up the fishery, the most prolific and therefore valuable of which is Panulirus cygnus, the Western rock lobster. Western rock lobster has the highest gross value of production (GVP) due to volume, however Southern rock lobster is generally more valuable on a per kg basis, especially at landing.

An examination of landings over the past three years shows that total production has gradually been increasing, rising from 14,322 tonnes in 2001/2 to 19,721 tonnes in 2003/4 decreasing to 18,099T in 2004/5. It should be noted that statistics are compiled from June – June each year. During that period the first sale value has fallen by AUSD 96,000,000 (GVP in 2004/5 year for all species was AU$ 415,048,000). This is linked to the export price of lobster, which has fallen due to a number of factors, the most significant of which is the appreciating value of the Australian dollar against the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen. Because Australia is a small producer of fish, the export prices received by the country’s producers are set in world markets. When the dollar value is high, this results in lower export prices.

While the majority of the country’s lobster fisheries remain relatively stable, the Western rock lobster fishery has increased by around 5,000 tonnes over the past three years. Prices however, have decreased by AUSD 43 million, which is a considerable reduction for one fishery. Total volume of Western rock lobstser for the season 2005/06 was 10,384MT. The total value of exports of that season is still unknown .

Table 10: Lobster landings by territory (June to June) Rock Lobster

New South Wales 103

Victoria

Queensland

Tonnes 493 436 2001/2 $’000 4,716 21,505 5,113 2001/2 Tonnes 122 488 632 2002/3 $’000 5,432 17,658 7,412 2002/3 Tonnes 108 496 535 2003/4 $’000 4,196 13,730 6,230 2003/4 Tonnes 99 467 600 2004/5 $’000 3,779 13,697 6,957 2004/5 Source: Australian fisheries statistics, ABARE

Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

Total

1518

Commonwealth Waters 330

9,050

2,392

305,268

91,862

64,450

8,852

501,766

11,477

2,361

1,409

579

17,069

281,023

82,666

51,707

14,342

460,239

13,742

2,400

1,601

839

19,721

261,398

61,365

44,921

13,725

405,565

12,303

2,343

1,602

50

18,099

264,569

66,041

47,630

758

415,048

20

14,322

4.3.2

Australian Primary Sector

The Australian lobster commercial fishery catches a number of different species. The tropical lobster Panulirus ornatus is fished all year round in Queensland, while Jasus verreauxi is found in the east of the country. Jasus edwardsii the Southern rock lobster has a 10-month season and is fished in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. In addition, there is a licensed recreational fishery in Tasmania, which lands around 73 tonnes. The Western rock lobster fishery is a limited entry fishery, and is the largest of the four main fisheries, and the only fishery managed by input controls rather than under a quota system.

The Western rock lobster fishery for Panulirus cygnus was one of the first managed fisheries in the country, and scientists have recorded data since the early 1960s. It was realised at an early stage that in order to keep up a heavy exploitation rate, a continuous intensive research and management program would be required to protect breeding stocks and maintain the lobster population. These conservation efforts were rewarded in 2000, when the Western Rock Lobster fishery became the first in the world to be awarded MSC certification as ecologically sustainable.

Five hundred boats are now employed in thisfishery, and as lobsters can produce high seasonal incomes, licences and gear are highly valuable assets. A 100-pot licence with boat and gear is valued at about AUD 4 million, so entry to the business is high.

Western rock lobsters are fished between November and June using baited pots, and commercial diving for lobster in Western Australia is banned. Since 1963, when licence and pot numbers were frozen, the catch has varied between 8,000 and 14,000 tonnes, but scientists estimate the sustainable catch to be around 10,000 tonnes.

Conservation measures in Western Australia include strict guidelines on seasonal closures, minimum size requirements and a ban on catching breeding females. In total, the industry employs over 1,500 people in the catching sector.

4.3.3 Australian Secondary Sector In the 1950s the main market for rock lobster was as a fresh chilled product or frozen tails to the US. This changed in the 1980s and 1990s when the main market was for whole live product to Asia (Taiwan, Japan, China and Hong Kong) and this remains largely the case today. However, some producers are investing heavily in market and product development and are beginning to reap the rewards from doing so.

One company in particular (Ferguson Australia) is taking a commodity, price driven product suffering from the problems of variable quality and availability, and turning it into a quality, branded gourmet range that includes: • Live / Whole Cooked Lobster • Lobster Spiders • Lobster Medallions – Retail & Foodservice packs • Cooked Lobster Meat • Sashimi Grade Lobster • Lobster Liver • Lobster Oil 21

These products provide consumers and chefs with convenient, portion and price controlled, user friendly options, with no mess or waste and an extended shelf life. It also assists stock management by providing a market for larger, discoloured lobster that was traditionally discarded.

In 2004 Southern Rock Lobster Limited was established as the national industry development body to help unite all the producers and processors (of Jasus edwardsii only) and to develop the market and enhance the image of the product.

At the same time, the development of an Australian Seafood Board helped to position Australian Seafood as a premium product in the minds of consumers and enabled Australian Southern Rock Lobster to attain its ‘Clean Green’ accreditation. The Clean Green program is a training & accreditation system providing ‘pot to plate’ environmental, food and workplace safety standards with independent 3rd party auditing of practices.

The Southern Rock Lobster industry’s highly successful “Clean Green” environmental management programme, won a United Nations 2005 World Environment Day Award and put the product firmly on the map.

Main markets for Australian lobster include Asia - China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the EU - Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and the UK.

22

CHAPTER 5 LOBSTER MARKETS BY COUNTRY The following paragraphs provide an overview on lobster product trade flows in the commercially most important countries. It has to be considered that the trade statistics from FAO Fishstat and from EUROSTAT include also other lobster species like Palinurus spp.

5.1

North America

Canada and the USA are the world’s largest lobster producers and closely tied by strong trade relations. The USA imports up to 80% of Canada’s total lobster production, while Canada represents the largest market for US lobster, importing as much as 50% of the total US lobster landings. It has to be considered that a considerable share of the lobster imported by Canada from the US is processed and re-exported to the US. Canada supplies mainly high quality live lobster and processed lobster, while the US serves the lower quality segment of these markets.

Usually, live lobster is divided into three shell quality categories: new shell – lobster which changed shell two to three months ago firm new shell – lobster which changed shell three to six month ago hard/old shell – shell changed more than six month ago Hard shells fetch the highest prices as they contain more meat and have a lower mortality rate.

Demand of lobster products in Canada and the USA is largely stable, with peak season during the summer months.

In North America, lobster is considered less exclusive than in Europe. It is very common that lobster sandwiches, rolls and other lobster products are consumed as snacks throughout the day.

North American consumers use canned and vacuum packed lobster products mainly for the preparation of lobster sandwiches, seafood salads, lobster cocktails, lobster mayonnaise, stew, chowder or soups. A considerable choice of prepared lobster convenience products is available.

Canned lobster is usually traded in its own juice or in brine. Traditionally, canned lobster was produced as ‘hot pack’, but is now also offered as ‘cold pack’. The ‘hot pack’ production consists in boiling the lobster meat in the can while ‘cold packs’ contain raw meat as the sealed cans are frozen. Currently, the frozen lobster product segment registers the highest growths and innovation rates.

Some pet food in North America, in particular for cats, includes lobster.

23

5.1.1

Canada

It is estimated that 80-85% of the total domestic lobster supply is exported and only 1520% are consumed in the domestic market.1 Export of lobster, Canada’s most valuable seafood, oscillates around 45,000 tonnes since 2001. About 60% of the export volume is live lobster, followed by the fast-growing frozen lobster segment.

Main season for Canadian lobster landings are in spring (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) and late fall/early winter (Nova Scotia). The summer months, from June to September, and the Christmas/New Year season generate peaks in demand.

By far the most important destination for Canadian clawed lobster exports are the USA (approximately 80% of the total lobster export value), followed by Europe (approx. 10% mainly France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) and Asia (approx. 6% - mainly Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong). Canadian lobster is exported to approximately 60 countries. Products sold to Asian markets do usually fetch the highest prices.

In the period January-May 2006, Homarus exports from Canada increased by 15% to 16,328 tonnes in terms of volume compared to the same period in 2005. This could be partially explained by the reduction of the unit value by 6% to 19.54 CAND/kg. Prices usually drop in May-June when abundant supply from Canada is available. The declining value of the US dollar has limited the decrease of the price level in CAN dollars.

As shown in figure 2, lobster export prices grew from 10 CAND/kg in 1990 up to around 24 CAND/kg in 2005 while import prices grew in the same period from 9 CAND$/kg to approximately 12 CAND. A main driver for growth is increased demand in the main market USA and the fairly stable level of landings. Other factors with influence on prices are weather conditions and quality aspects.

A considerable share of lobster imports from the US seems to be used for processing and re-export to the US. Through participation in trade shows, information dissemination and promotion, the Atlantic Canada Lobster and Seafood Promotion Group is actively supporting the development of the international market for Atlantic Canadian lobster.

1

Gardner Pinfold, 2006

24

Figure 2: Export and Import unit value of lobster in Canada Import unit value (CAN$/kg) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

ROCK LOBSTER

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

LOBSTER

Export unit value (CAN$/kg) 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

ROCK LOBSTER

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

LOBSTER

Source: Fisheries and Oceans (Federal Government Department), Canada

Table 11 gives an overview on price developments for frozen and live lobster in different markets.

Table 11: Lobster product average prices (USD/kg) Frozen clawed lobster products 4th quarter 3rd quarter ‘05 05 9.38 36.31 30.68 13.07 10.68 23.53 30.38 34.66

Hong Kong Japan Taiwan USA Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, 14.52 UK) Source: Western Rock Lobster Development Association

23.27

Live clawed lobster products 3rd quarter 4th quarter 05 ‘05 14.88 15.95 16.76 16.63 14.86 16.61 15.04 14.06 16.11

16.27

Table 12 shows the dominance of live lobster in Canadian exports. Processed products like frozen lobster, tails or canned meat are increasingly gaining significance.

25

Table 12: Canada lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity 1994 American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen 9,946 Lobster tails or meat, canned 2,865 Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen 104 Lobsters nei, frozen 36 Lobsters, live 19,521 Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen 31 Total 32,503 Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

8,894

8,165

9,781

8,713

12,909

12,531

13,050

12,738

13,620

10,650

3,028

3,071

3,724

3,434

4,089

4,750

4,715

5,195

5,098

5,532

73 43 19,882

89 46 20,467

343 27 20,226

59 19 21,118

23 120 22,869

58 72 25,402

23 58 27,296

63 32 29,578

68 71 28,770

43 338 28,092

30 31,950

13 31,851

1 34,102

33,343

7 40,017

50 42,863

91 45,233

12 47,618

13 47,640

8 44,663

Canadian lobster imports are dominated by live lobster from the USA. Table 13: Canada lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity 1994 American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen 91 Lobster tails or meat, canned 19 Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen 61 Lobsters nei, frozen 658 Lobsters, live 7,385 Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen 13 Total 8,227 Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

199

195

120

206

278

241

272

91

40

118

36

89

37

173

82

98

80

59

71

71

21 550 8,160

24 480 9,606

10 575 12,533

12 565 9,560

17 738 15,002

61 675 16,955

25 465 15,978

17 754 21,182

56 545 17,251

72 573 15,075

22 8,988

32 10,426

381 13,656

234 10,750

114 16,231

262 18,292

189 17,009

248 22,351

137 18,100

70 15,979

Improved holding and processing techniques guarantee the availability of Canadian lobster throughout the year.

Increased pressure on the catering sector to serve cost efficient and quick to prepare products has reduced the share of live lobster that is marketed. Live lobster is a risky commodity and requires adequate infrastructures, including tanks all along the distribution chain. By now, almost 50% of the Canadian catches pass through some form of value addition.

In addition to live lobster in lined cardboard or styrofoam boxes with gel packs as coolant which receive a premium price, the Canadian lobster product range includes the following: o whole frozen lobster, cooked, in brine (Popsicle pack: laminated pouches, sealed and blast frozen, 10 pieces per case) o whole frozen lobster, cooked, vacuum packed in light brine or wrapped in waxed paper

26

o whole frozen lobster, blanched, vacuum packed o whole frozen lobster, blanched or cooked, vacuum skin packed – storable up to 24 months o ‘Baby boil’ - whole frozen cooked lobster (5 kg cartons, 200-400g) o raw frozen tails, IQF, individually wrapped in cellophane pouch (4.5 kg boxes; 4 boxes per master, 85-225g) o ‘Cold Pack’: canned frozen lobster meat, cooked, in brine (320g, 900g, 2.2kg) o ‘Hot Pack’: canned meat, cooked, (70g, 142g, 280g) o cooked frozen lobster meat, vacuum packed and blast frozen, canned and blast frozen, canned and retorted tails claws tails and claws claws/knuckles whole pieces chopped and salad meat Picture: http://www.mainelobsterprocessors.com/products.html

o frozen raw lobster meat, hyperbaric treatment, vacuum packed tail Claws knuckles legs combination of the above

Picture: https://www.livelob.com/lobstergram/shop?method=category&catid=TL-MT8

o frozen pieces, vacuum packed o canned lobster paste, including tomalley and/or roe and meat (112g) o frozen tomalley and roe, vacuum packed o frozen cocktail claws ‘Easy open” (pre-scored and steam cooked) o minced lobster loaf (deboned body meat in poly bags or vacuum packed and frozen) o Ready-to-use seasonings for lobster

Picture: http://www.fernand.com/lobsters.htm

One Canadian company has developed an innovative system based on hydrostatic pressure which allows an efficient extraction of raw meet from the shell.

27

5.1.2

USA

The term ‘American lobster’ is considered a valuable brand by the US industry. Clawed lobsters caught in the United States are available fresh mainly from July to November.

Frozen lobsters are available year-round. Lobster prices depend on supply and demand and the weather. Peaks are reached during the season starting with Memorial Day and drop with Labor Day weekend. Canned lobster was the first value added lobster product and is still a popular product which is available at accessible prices in almost every US supermarket.

The main markets for lobster in the US are Maine, Massachusetts and New York. It is estimated that four major firms based in Boston control approximately 50% of the US wholesale market for lobster as the efficiency of lobster distribution depends on large volumes as it generates only small margins. Generally, the lobster market is however considered to be competitive which explains the oscillation of prices around the equilibrium level determined by variations in supply and demand.

In terms of commercial landing value, American lobster is the country’s second most valuable seafood product after shrimps and prawns. In 2005, US lobster exports were worth USD 346,505,000. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the average lobster price in 2005 was 4.60 USD/lbs US lobster exports grew by 30% during 2000-2005 mainly due to increased sales to Canada, which remains the most important market for US lobster exports. US lobster exports to Canada are processed and often sent back as ‘Product of Canada’ to the US market for domestic consumption or to be exported to other markets, mainly to the European Union. However, exports to Canada decreased by 45% in terms of value and volume in the period January-May 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Fresh lobster exports from the USA to Canada peaked in 2004 (USD 143.7 million, accounting for more than 22% of total US fish and seafood exports to Canada).

US traders benefit from better and cheaper transport infrastructures to Europe and Asia compared to their Canadian counterparts. France, Spain, Italy and Japan represent other major markets for US lobster exports (see figure 4).

Live lobster prices show a constantly oscillating but steadily growing trend (see figure 3) with a current wholesale price range of 7-8 USD/lbs for 1-1.5 lbs lobster.

Ex-vessel prices to fishermen at the Boston market for live lobster were USD 4.80/lbs on 21 August 2006.

Frozen warmwater lobster tails fetched the following prices in the week ending on 18 August 2006: Origin: Belize – 6/7/8 oz: 20.50 USD Brazil – 5oz: 20.95 USD; 7oz: 20.95 USD; 10-12oz: 20.10 USD; 12-14oz: 20.10 USD; 14-16oz: 20.20 USD Honduras – 5/6/7/8oz: 22 USD: 10-12oz: 21.00; 12-14oz: 20.90 USD; 14-16oz: 20.90 USD Nicaragua - 6/7/8oz: 20.50 USD; 10-12/12-14/14-16oz: 19.85 USD

28

These prices reflect the market preference for smaller sized lobster tails.

There is interest to further strengthen the positive image of American lobster as a quality brand in world markets. In addition, the US lobster industry shows interest in strengthening processing facilities within the US to develop value-added products to increase market opportunities for what so far is mainly traded as live lobster and considered a low-value, high-risk commodity. The Maine Lobster Promotion Council is envisaging cooperation with the non-profit Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership to support the business development of small and medium manufactures. Hard shell lobsters fetch higher prices than soft shell lobsters. Increased use of soft shell lobster for value-added products is translating into slightly growing prices.

US lobster product imports rose 30 % during 2001-2005 to a total value of USD 614,039,000, primarily from the purchase of live and frozen clawed lobsters from Canada. The total import volume of lobster products in 2004 was more then 48,000 tonnes. Live lobster accounted for 46% of the total import volume.

Clearwater, one of the largest lobster producers worldwide, has developed a new production system called hyperbaric treatment. It allows maximum yields which are offered in four different product forms: tail as IQF (56-85g, 85-113g, 113-170g, 170g); claws; claws and knuckles (250g) and legs. These products can be stored up to 24 months.

Live spiny/rock lobster exports are relatively limited, with main destinations Canada, Japan, China and the Caribbean. Production in 2006 was negatively affected by hurricanes like Hurricane Rita which destroyed equipment and reduced the available fishing time. As a result, many boats, fishing tags and lobster businesses are for sale in the Golf region. Harvest usually peak in late March.

US imports of spiny/rock lobster total approximately 10,000 tonnes a year. The vast majority consists of frozen tails from Brazil, the Bahamas, Nicaragua, Honduras and Australia. The US also imports approximately 1,000 tonnes of live spiny/rock lobster annually, primarily from Mexico. Some frozen spiny/rock lobster is also imported from New Zealand, South Africa and increasingly China.

Domestic spiny/rock lobster consumption is estimated to grow by 6% annually.

29

Figure 3: Monthly New York wholesale prices American lobster (1-1.5 lb; live), USD/lb 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

Source: NMFS/ITN - 20051215.

Figure 4: US lobster exports 2005 – main countries of destination (1,000 USD) 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 CANADA

ITALY

SPAIN

Source: FAS

30

FRANCE

JAPAN

Jan-05

Jan-04

Jan-03

Jan-02

Jan-01

Jan-00

Jan-99

Jan-98

Jan-97

Jan-96

Jan-95

Jan-94

Jan-93

Jan-92

Jan-91

Jan-90

Jan-89

Jan-88

Jan-87

3.00

Jan-86

4.00

Table 14: USA lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity 1995 American/Eur opean lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, 1,741 frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned 79 Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen 14,234 Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen 131 Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, frozen 662 Total 16,847 Source: FAO Fishstat

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

1,677

1,225

1,495

1,784

1,630

802

596

851

646

176

166

223

196

284

300

332

390

409

15,725

19,170

17,311

23,541

26,968

25,928

29,484

26,716

24,997

311

495

307

208

89

50

53

103

25

1,064 18,953

542 21,598

378 19,714

443 26,172

310 29,281

256 27,336

315 30,780

438 28,498

261 26,338

Table 15: USA lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity 1995 American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen 3,377 Lobster tails or meat, canned 2,639 Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen 51 Lobsters nei, frozen Lobsters, live 13,400 Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen 789 Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, frozen 12,268 Total 32,524 Source: FAO Fishstat

5.2

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

4,266

1,481

135

73

101

91

60

27

259

2,778

3,256

3,147

3,922

4,525

4,783

5,334

5,267

4,588

32 12,920

320 2,977 13,727

12 4,012 15,138

40 6,866 16,847

148 8,285 20,593

59 8,071 22,390

76 8,911 24,060

76 9,052 22,546

45 7,851 22,442

977

1,161

509

319

688

523

335

270

188

10,400 31,373

10,031 32,953

9,142 32,095

12,633 40,700

13,104 47,444

10,466 46,383

11,892 50,668

12,989 50,227

13,251 48,624

EUROPE

Lobster in Europe is mainly purchased by the hotel, restaurant and institution (HRI) sector. Live lobster is still the most valuable and requested product form even though this implies strong price variations. Currently, the European market prefers smaller sized lobster, so-called chix of approximately 450 g. Previously 900-1,400 g sizes were preferred.

31

Suppliers keep stocks of live lobsters to benefit from higher prices during peak seasons.

Prices decline during the main fishing season in summer before they start increasing again from October, with a peak at Christmas, and high levels due to low production from January to March.

The intra-European production is unable to provide sufficient supply as European stocks are less abundant than the North American ones. Landings of European lobster have stabilized around approximately 3,000 tonnes over the past 10 years. Main producers are the UK, Ireland and France. Depending on the season, European live lobster costs up to twice as much as American lobster. The strong Euro makes US lobster imports even more competitive as European consumers have more spending power.

Table 16: EU lobster production (tonnes) Country 1995 UK 1,373 Ireland 648 France 389 Spain 155 Italy 197 Greece 523 Portugal 108 Sweden 29 Netherlands Denmark 27 Belgium 3 Cyprus 2 Germany 9 Latvia Total 3,463 Source: FAO Fishstat

1996 1,050 629 381 190 312 212 151 26 44 5 17 3,017

1997 1,576 561 426 121 331 374 73 27 39 2 <0.5 3,530

1998 1,501 657 297 132 174 155 46 26 18 4 <0.5 3,010

1999 1,834 632 381 110 161 170 110 25 13 11 1 2 <0.5 3,450

2000 1,156 648 405 56 123 201 105 20 12 11 1 4 2,742

2001 1,101 816 404 122 166 233 22 18 33 11 6 6 <0.5 2,938

2002 1,203 776 348 172 152 112 18 19 11 11 1 5 <0.5 10 2,838

2003 1,339 714 364 388 184 90 22 30 19 9 1 3 <0.5 3,163

2004 1,287 934 318 229 179 89 39 31 18 8 1 1 1 3,135

Table 17: European lobster production by species European lobster Common spiny lobster Lobsters nei Palinurid spiny lobsters nei Source: FAO Fishstat

1995 2,747 317 11

1996 2,209 425 25

1997 2,834 430 27

1998 2,528 227 35

1999 2,958 222 92

2000 2,336 185 89

2001 2,510 234 15

2002 2,390 200 18

2003 2,465 229 245

2004 2,580 213 192

385

357

239

195

167

123

174

229

224

150

While total import volumes are fairly stable, the import values have decreased since 2002 due to the weak dollar. Processed lobster mports from non-EU countries are currently penalized by tariffs of approximately 20%.

The main European markets for lobster products in order of importance are France, Spain, Italy and Belgium.

Even though some discounters are now offering lobster products, they are still considered high end food products and associated with luxury. From time to time there is some

32

campaigning against lobster, especially against live lobster trade from organizations like PETA. Table 18: Harmonized System (HS) Combined Nomenclature (CN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EUROSTAT) 03061100 03061110 03061190 03061210 03061290 03062100 03062210 03062291 03062299 16053000 16053010 16053090

5.2.1

Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish, whether in shell or not, including frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Frozen crawfish tails (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.) whether in shell or not, including crawfish tails in their shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), whether in shell or not, including frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water (excl.crawfish tails) Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole, including lobsters in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), whether in shell or not, live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, including lobsters in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, incl. parts of lobsters in shell, cooked by boiling or by steaming in water Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces

Belgium

According to Eurostat figures, total lobster imports to Belgium are relatively stable around 3,000 tonnes since 2000 with approximately 66% originating from non-EU countries. Live lobsters, mainly from Canada, represents the most important product. In 2005, Canada supplied in fact more than 14 tonnes of live lobster to Belgium.

Within the European Union, France is the main supplier of lobster products to Belgium, in particular in the frozen lobster segment.

33

Table 19: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN 1996 Frozen crawfish tails 687 Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish 211 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole 3,701 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) 319 Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked 161 Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

12,336 Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked 6 Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved 190 Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total 17,611 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 227

1998 209

1999 123

2000 380

2001 646

2002 397

2003 677

2004 347

2005 946

230

129

21

683

576

410

219

306

53

3,822

5,018

6,895

5,716

3,790

4,015

3,233

3,567

4,520

422

57

105

627

12

26

39

436

1,306

89

75

55

60

56

56

78

122

57

14,844

14,514

17,781

16,723

14,787

15,399

15,078

15,704

15,521

255

321

264

83

296

203

403

197

346

2

274

5

2

4

146

153

191

218

238

296

110

128

304

175 20,214

478 20,954

138 25,575

191 24,955

282 20,688

10 20,814

158 19,995

147 20,954

183 23,236

34

Table 20: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 729

1997 222

1998 532

1999 724

2000 85

2001 100

2002 181

2003 106

2004 276

2005 455

376

1,844

1,468

2,980

1,518

1,607

4,899

564

155

223

545

179

449

361

232

542

538

1,165

608

877

29

62

73

38

36

74

170

641

715

816

392

206

208

281

290

126

354

653

681

422

5,557

4,770

4,917

4,243

4,043

4,257

4,087

5,084

4,691

4,371

61

123

109

136

113

53

53

75

102

141

11

104

301

259

402

520

328

158

67

21

118

87

182

155

249

117

113

26

58

25 7,653

18 8,162

197 9,401

259 7,133

174 7,702

77 10,804

112 8,671

875 8,196

2,516 9,900

85

7,785

Table 21: Main suppliers of lobster to Belgium (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 13,324 USA 2,929 France 1,367 Spain 351 UK 186 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 17,576 2,101 1,566 772 389

1998 18,403 1,987 1,268 1,131 358

1999 22,904 2,416 1,977 2,371 435

2000 20,715 3,549 1,014 1,018 293

35

2001 18,19 1,696 1,076 1,236 251

2002 18,782 1,477 895 4,576 463

2003 17,603 1,367 973 390 771

2004 19,626 658 832 125 521

2005 21,422 789 1,174 95 432

5.2.2

France

France is the major market for lobster in Europe and represents the main hub for lobster distribution to the other European countries, in particular Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium. Total lobster imports are growing slowly since 2002, reaching 8,900 tonnes in 2005. 60-70% of total lobster imports originate from extra-EU countries. Live lobster is still the most important product (37% of total lobster product imports in 2005), but frozen spiny/rock lobster makes up also a significant share.

Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own production of lobster was estimated to be 290 tonnes in 2004 by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Rock lobster production was limited to 37 tonnes.

The US Department of Agriculture provides slightly higher lobster production figures for France, indicating 350 tonnes for 2005.

France imports most of its lobster supplies from Canada (approximately one third of the French live lobster market and almost the entire frozen segment), even though in 2004 the USA were the main lobster supplier. Other suppliers are the UK and Ireland for European lobster and Bahamas, Cuba and Spain for spiny/rock lobster. Usually, imports are concentrated in the second half of the year.

Lobster is consumed mainly for the restaurant and catering sector. Cheaper shrimp products are increasingly competing with lobster in the market.

In addition to the traditional Christmas season, consumption peaks in April and May. In the past, Canada made efforts to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;de-seasonalizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lobster consumption in France.

36

Table 22: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 12,373

1997 9,389

1998 14,026

1999 10,824

2000 11,241

2001 8,815

2002 10,628

2003 12,203

2004 13,188

2005 14,844

6,040

5,682

4,553

9,643

7,900

6,803

3,296

4,764

5,669

5,057

12,999

12,125

10,951

8,759

7,383

7,896

7,268

8,459

5,590

4,512

4,681

5,905

6,847

7,358

5,629

6,278

3,013

4,166

4,362

2,977

2,380

3,793

4,772

6,214

4,511

4,894

4,584

5,051

4,777

4,152

25,432

22,245

24,496

25,753

24,101

24,460

26,649

25,281

25,422

24,054

39

6

12

1

48

18

57

13

2

2

0

2

2,127

1,514

1,820

2,147

2,148

1,853

1,913

1,641

1,278

1,079 62,364

543 67,704

428 70,799

744 63,668

734 62,029

581 57,920

566 62,423

518 61,167

631 57,507

1,249

65,250

37

Table 23: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 6,077

1997 3,283

1998 5,253

1999 4,358

2000 4,620

2001 5,411

2002 4,189

2003 3,466

2004 2,498

2005 3,268

4,667

9,375

10,749

15,651

11,273

13,227

11,370

8,265

8,400

9,689

818

2,186

1,769

2,600

3,732

1,901

1,634

1,771

2,200

3,818

58

441

820

3,010

979

230

177

262

666

1,226

2,067

1,074

1,151

943

1,115

634

1,190

810

1,068

1,495

8,241

8,322

9,899

9,041

7,694

7,434

7,897

9,399

9,475

9,887

152

68

427

321

218

237

181

66

192

400

483

59

27

63

40

117

86

66

64

133

301

36

100

192

87

19

91

27

229

294 25,403

118 30,249

221 36,308

674 30,537

431 29,709

475 27,218

620 24,816

3,154 27,744

2,184 32,329

371

22,934

38

Figure 5: French lobster exports (tonnes) 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Intra EU25 lobster exports Extra EU25 lobster exports

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Source: EUROSTAT

Table 24: main EU export destinations for French lobster (100kg) 1996 Belgium 1,186 Germany 1,587 Spain 839 Italy 995 Source: EUROSTAT

5.2.3

1997 987 1,090 636 908

1998 1,402 1,696 763 1,184

1999 1,232 1,275 1,242 1,108

2000 796 1,281 1,379 1,300

2001 752 1,158 1,522 4,986

2002 1,196 846 1,192 1,136

2003 1,233 863 1,108 1,080

2004 1,793 848 1,118 1,390

2005 1,105 1,313 1,041 2,850

Germany

The German import market for lobster was fairly stable over the past ten years with volumes around 1,100 tonnes, but grew recently considerably reaching more than 1,700 tonnes in 2005 according to Eurostat data. This increase is imputable mainly to a peak in frozen whole lobster intra-EU imports from 80 tonnes in 2004 to 500 tonnes in 2005.

There is currently a preference for 400-450g sized lobster (canners or chix) compared to larger sizes in the past. This is mainly due to considerable increases in prices over the past 15 years. Demand for lobster is continuously growing.

Live lobster from North America is still the lead product with a share of 45% of the total lobster imports in 2005, but frozen lobster is steadily gaining ground. Canada is main supplier from North America.

Overseas imports arrive usually at the Perishable Centre Frankfurt (PCF) close to the international airport in Frankfurt.

39

Table 25: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 138

1997 72

1998 115

1999 62

2000 34

2001 6

2002 74

2003 139

2004 56

2005 6

18

15

0

14

0

5

11

16

39

61

1,694

1,556

1,668

1,519

1,326

1,337

2,165

2,292

2,621

2,233

52

36

95

613

36

159

42

52

175

168

90

93

79

59

90

38

4

19

53

45

5,818

7,068

7,418

8,065

7,340

6,388

6,588

5,665

6,706

6,374

11

5

2

15

0

10

45

11

5

2

5

0

113

48

84

92

64

220

163

125

9,189

9,593

187 10,62 0

9,048

4

9

1

7

66

34

2

50

115

67

68

98

59

8,122

9,017

8,294

9,755

9,003

232

8,098

40

Table 26: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 178

1997 275

1998 243

1999 244

2000 204

2001 222

2002 176

2003 331

2004 390

2005 445

507

222

122

171

200

216

137

134

40

134

25

107

157

300

249

296

175

144

801

5,077

87

115

56

496

68

198

51

324

220

586

278

334

387

381

215

98

132

142

83

505

249

393

475

532

512

712

712

66 1,14 1

1,734

130

147

86

73

91

92

180

101

147

237

18

3

99

389

179

15

9

1

51

38

167

45

47

66

16

25

49

661 2,16 4

367 1,94 8

91 2,78 7

198 1,98 1

105 1,80 1

53 1,69 1

145 2,05 0

662 3,49 2

523 8,870

2004 6,165 3,410 538 136 31

2005 6,329 2,545 1,047 39 122

2

67

1,79 5

Table 27: Main suppliers of lobster to Germany (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 5,560 USA 2,211 France 1,044 Spain 87 UK 68 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 6,552 2,316 677 104 54

1998 6,572 2,677 625 104 165

1999 6,899 2,980 675 177 82

2000 6,435 2,483 658 178 62

41

2001 6,145 1,946 579 136 78

2002 7,240 1,683 698 106 27

2003 5,825 2,254 557 166 44

5.2.4

Ireland

Ireland is one of the main European lobster producers. According to GTIS estimates based on customs data, total Irish landings were 853 tonnes in the period June 2004-June 2005. Almost the entire production is exported to other European countries (France: 62%, Spain: 29%, Sweden: 4%, UK: 3%, Denmark: 2%).Since 2001, exports were fairly stable around 400 tonnes, but dropped sharply to only 260 tonnes in 2005.

Live European lobster represents the most important product (84% of total lobster product export volume in 2005).

Imports totalled 1,200 tonnes in 2005. Non-EU countries provided only 13% of total lobster imports. Main product is frozen spiny/rock lobster.

Prices are fluctuating constantly, even by over 100%, especially for live products.

According to the North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee, live lobster fetched â&#x201A;Ź33/kg during the peak Christmas season in 2005. On the other hand, in periods of abundant supply prices can go down to â&#x201A;Ź12/kg during the summer.

In order to benefit from price fluctuations, the Irish lobster industry needs to increase stocking facilities to be able to provide supply in high demand periods. Most of the current facilities allow storage for limited periods (average of 2 weeks). However, keeping live lobster stocked for a long time implicates considerable costs and storage needs. Improved marketing of European lobster could increase demand during the main landing seasons.

Table 28: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1998

1999

2000

2001 9

2

4

0

0

1

1

0

9

2002

2003

27

2

0

14

4

2005 0

3

0

0 1

2004

0

28

42

103

111

139

274

229

167

1 104

1 122

142

274

229

167

Table 29: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999 152

2000 776

0

26

2001 1,265

2002 1,205

2003 980

2004 761

2005 774

33

101

19

17

13

10

1

281

0

18

5

134

79

50

56

330

54

52

22

21

21

21

5

0

0

7

10

26

33

15 157

3,887

3,973

12

1

3

0

4

3

2

3

1

19

26

86

222

14

8

1

33 555

156 1,318

74 1,501

46 1,558

53 1,084

98 966

86 1,042

9

7

311

3,995

2 4,029

Figure 6: Irish lobster exports (tonnes) 60

Extra EU lobster exports Intra EU lobster exports

50 40 30 20 10 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Source: EUROSTAT

Table 30: Main EU export destinations for Irish lobser (100kg) 1996 Spain 588 France 1,905 UK 118 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 500 2,556 2,238

1998 551 2,223 548

1999 475 1,816 190

2000 446 1,784 418

43

2001 311 2,512 304

2002 771 3,301 142

2003 715 2,425 225

2004 1,006 2,190 53

2005 1,174 1,265 177

5.2.5

Italy

Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main fresh lobster supplier is the US and the demand for frozen US products is growing, even though the frozen market is currently dominated by Canadian and intra-EU imports. The US account for about 75% of the total Italian lobster imports. Main intra-EU suppliers are Spain and France. Other important suppliers are Canada and increasingly South Africa.

The value of US lobster imports to Italy in 2003 was estimated to be worth USD 42 million2. The total import volume, dominated by live lobster (approximately 63% of the total import volume), reached 5,500 tonnes in 2005.

The average wholesale price for live lobster in the Italian market in May and June 2006 was 20 â&#x201A;Ź/kg.

A shift in demand from live lobster to frozen lobster is likely as users from the high end restoration and catering sector are appreciating the versatility and predictability of this product. Live lobster quality is often negatively affected by the inadequate distribution chain and improper handling methods.

In order to expand the market in Italy, there is need for training at the hotel, restaurant and private consumer level on how to present and serve lobster dishes.

2

US International Trade Commission

44

Table 31: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN 1995 Frozen crawfish tails 1,063 Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish 3,315 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole 624 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) 42 Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked 1,246 Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

18,428 Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked 0 Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total 24,718 Source: EUROSTAT

1996 659

1997 418

1998 45

1999 41

2000 188

2001 111

2002 62

2003 196

2004 79

2005 30

4,246

1,588

2,903

3,516

2,386

3,418

2,325

3,539

2,220

2,898

727

1,077

1,283

1,582

2,437

3,123

1,880

2,810

2,813

2,469

16

18

7

3

13

7

1,244

1,380

1,882

2,429

2,513

1,981

1,658

2,305

2,892

2,694

20,201

22,559

27,363

30,151

31,219

31,085

30,824

32,249

34,644

34,669

8

14

106

13

2

0

6

27,080

14 27,036

25 33,509

15 37,761

45

8 38,863

1

14 39,752

36,751

10 41,125

42,666

8 42,776

Table 32: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN 1996 Frozen crawfish tails 232 Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish 3,521 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole 1,011 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) 120 Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked 369 Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

310 Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked 24 Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked 26 Lobsters, prepared or preserved 43 Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total 5,656 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 1,581

1998 1,351

1999 916

2000 1,073

2001 707

2002 801

2003 917

2004 508

2005 940

6,236

6,836

5,874

5,807

5,671

6,076

4,893

7,499

7,579

1,125

1,960

1,105

651

399

368

604

562

458

67

49

113

490

195

161

140

209

150

499

422

1,249

760

1,852

1,834

1,323

1,421

1,644

478

381

409

306

400

295

380

660

703

63

216

247

200

262

182

429

848

1,020

76

106

61

69

76

79

16

27

22

115

57

10

16

54

44

35

9

4

148 10,388

9 11,387

10 9,994

48 9,420

107 9,723

66 9,906

49 8,786

54 11,797

190 12,710

Table 33: Main suppliers of lobster to Italy (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 5,776 USA 15,210 South 505 Africa France 2,129 Spain 2,618 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 5,020 18,779

1998 4,873 23,716

1999 7,333 24,480

2000 9,516 24,787

2001 10,052 24,143

2002 7,287 25,471

2003 8,332 26,851

2004 8,844 28,665

2005 8,224 28,899

496

998

1,395

972

794

1,017

1,624

2,300

2,210

1,621 6,849

2,181 7,289

1,991 6,037

1,262 6,387

1,285 6,974

932 6,960

1,139 5,545

2,098 7,254

2,438 6,691

46

5.2.6

Netherlands

Dutch lobster imports had a record low in 2002 (420 tonnes), but are recovering quickly.

Total imports in 2005 amounted to almost 1,200 tonnes.

Exports from non-EU countries have declined considerably over the past ten years, from almost 1,600 tonnes in 1995 to only 590 tonnes in 2005. The value of intra-EU imports on the other hand grew from 150 tonnes in 1995 to 590 tonnes in 2005. This trend indicates a growing market preference for rock/spiny lobster and lobster preparations as opposed to the traditional Homarus product. American lobster is still an important product, but the volume of frozen products is increasing while live lobster imports are gradually dropping.

Main non-EU supplier is Canada. The Bahamas supplied some spiny/rock lobster on an irregular basis. Within the EU, UK and France are main suppliers with France taking the lead in 2004.

In order to add value to its product, the Oosterschelde Lobster Promotion Group is currently investigating the possibility to obtain sustainability certification under the Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. Production in the Oosterschelde lake is estimated to be between 60,000 and 80,000 pot-caught lobsters annually which fetch prices up to 35 USD/kg.

47

Table 34: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2,220

463

987

233

889

492

481

849

484

241

1,506

136

650

458

688

77

149

443

262

229

1,616

970

587

505

118

52

0

385

101

3,131

135

74

410

42

9

204

55

10

0

132

12

21

10

1

9,687

5,976

6,390

3,256

2,239

1

2

10

8

4

25

0

0

69

3,220

1,792

1,915

2,209

1,988

89

57

22

16

31

20

0

24

0

160

99

228

3,774

447 3,721

65 5,913

254

15,568

13 7,644

202 9,248

35 4,545

48

3,969

0 4,154

2,534

Table 35: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 8

1997 17

1998 74

1999 20

2000 10

2001 4

2002 54

2003 45

2004 62

2005 40

113

52

85

176

22

7

48

413

303

234

77

142

211

96

70

108

443

280

527

339

12

56

92

119

126

232

78

184

110

92

94

83

29

4

6

13

1

23

2,447

1,939

308

766

540

165

172

101

384

1,480

135

82

29

84

77

27

17

30

0

0

22

17

9

13

10

10

10

14

0

42

81

22

144

237

192

32

119

39

117 1,297

313 1,471

111 806

1,580 2,220

191 930

466 1,693

836 3,333

1,168 4,885

3,203 5,968

7

33 225

877

Table 36: Main suppliers of lobster to the Netherlands (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 10,097 USA 2,226 Bahamas 1,281 France 176 UK 136 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 6,345 595 132 178 44

1998 6,615 983 58 125 59

1999 3,391 523 129 51 107

2000 2,282 706 726 88 57

49

2001 3,092 116 116 26 56

2002 1,732 76 354 350 47

2003 2,108 80 363 569 1,142

2004 2,479 557 198 654 62

2005 4,725 889 866 136

5.2.7

Spain

After France, Spain is the most important European lobster importer. The market is very strong. Import volumes grew from 1,970 tonnes in 1995 to more than 8,800 tonnes in 2005 with more than 70% of the supplies coming from extra-EU countries. One factor responsible for increased imports is the reduced amount of domestic landings. By far the most important lobster products in terms of import volume are live lobsters (45% of total imports) and frozen spiny/rock lobster (35% of total imports).

Prices for fresh lobster dropped to an historic low of 9â&#x201A;Ź/kg in late 2001/early 2002. Since then, the prices recovered to a current level of approximately 18â&#x201A;Ź/kg.

European lobster is imported mainly from the UK, France, Morocco and Tunisia.

In Spain, European lobster is serving basically the high-end restaurants, while American lobster is mainly available at medium restaurants and in supermarkets for direct consumption. European or blue lobster has a higher quality image compared to American lobster.

Fish and seafood consumption in Spain is very high. Lobster is used in the preparation of different plates, according to the region. These plates include for instance high quality paellas, lobster stew, baked lobster for a total of more than 200 dishes. Lobster is very common for weddings.

50

Table 37: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN 1996 Frozen crawfish tails 2,051 Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish 5,488 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole 105 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) 23 Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked 1,348 Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

9,873 Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked 2 Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved 16 Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total 18,906 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 4,028

1998 1,170

1999 1,694

2000 969

2001 519

2002 2,747

2003 460

2004 2,897

2005 2,450

22,818

37,010

36,046

29,430

26,939

31,954

20,899

21,613

24,982

255

1,317

1,434

1,260

2,180

886

1,228

1,763

2,361

1

20

1

120

116

64

3,333

3,112

3,092

2,777

2,722

2,467

2,553

3,799

3,012

11,738

15,059

17,921

20,187

22,930

24,849

27,022

30,567

32,154

6

2

32 60,671

64,959

2

3

42,179

4 57,694

9

11

4 60,195

51

2 54,747

5 55,422

15 62,982

11 52,182

Table 38: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 141

1997 28

1998 195

1999 51

2000 207

2001 76

2002 460

2003 456

2004 234

2005 241

596

776

769

1,312

2,094

2,517

2,703

2,036

1,294

6,549

1,025

298

381

255

319

274

304

203

590

952

0

12

312

1

142

155

6

921

4,046

5,381

638

195

237

262

192

469

897

244

413

863

4,027

4,412

6,109

4,740

4,808

5,629

5,485

7,646

11,070

8,501

104

9

1

39

144

278

398

423

161

55

144

171

193

71

48

52

141

26

51

65

22

7

0

7

29

6

10

8

86

0 5,923

153 8,357

19 6,750

6,764 14,725

530 10,009

276 10,676

10 11,975

5 17,872

1,196 23,889

7

6,682

52

Figure 7: Fresh lobster, wholesale prices, Mercabarna (â&#x201A;Ź/kg) 21 19 17 15 13

May-05

Oct-04

Feb-04

Jun-03

May-02

Oct-01

Feb-01

May-00

Jun-99

Nov-98

Feb-98

Jun-97

Nov-96

Mar-96

Jul-Aug-95

Dec-94

Apr-94

Sep-93

Jan-93

Apr-92

Jan-91

9

Sep-91

11

Source: MERCABARNA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20051215

Table 39: Main EU export destinations for Spanish lobster (100kg) 1996 France 4,789 Italy 2,843 Portugal 1,242 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 5,502 3,469 2,744

1998 1,350 345 3,493

1999 17,786 4,565 4,257

2000 10,391 6,545 7,717

2001 11,516 5,150 3,483

2002 12,959 6,860 3,810

2003 14,960 7,291 3,172

2004 14,009 6,962 4,755

2005 10,030 6,670 5,279

Figure 8: Spanish lobster exports (tonnes) 350 300 250 200 150

Intra EU lobster exports Extra EU lobster exports

100 50 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Source: EUROSTAT 5.2.8

Sweden

Total Swedish lobster imports peaked in 1999, with a total import volume of more than 1,000 tonnes followed by a steep fall to only 390 tonnes in 2000. Since then, imports are slowly recovering and reached 670 tonnes in 2005.

Extra EU suppliers are still dominating the import market, but intra-EU producers are gaining more importance, delivering one third of the total lobster imports. Canada is again main supplier while within Europe France and Ireland are loosing ground to Spain.

53

Live American lobster is so far the most important product form (approximately 30% of total lobster product import volume), followed closely by frozen Homarus and frozen rock/spiny lobster tails, the latter one mainly from intra-European imports.

Table 40: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 622

1997 708

1998 370

1999 2,010

2000 459

8

1

1,927

2,771

2,236

5,433

682

1,146

1,144

428

330

209

266

318

177

1

1

0

0

0

2001 548

2002 4

2004 5

2005 148

1,892

2,444

1,167

467

486

561

296

0

2003 0

1,390

1,451

2,414

1,914

1,394

1,435

1,616

1,735

1,874

2,000

122

174

34

34

22

18

31

15

11

15

0

1

68

68

55

48

93

91

91

89 5,592

191 5,523

164 9,878

238 3,161

120 3,537

248 3,601

127 4,346

0

0

340

4,837

54

210

180 5,075

178 4,014

Table 41: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

83

30

14

6

269

9

84

291

527

1,234

6

46

75

119

108

64

230

88

62

26

39

111

58

97

39

124

98

247

746

503

13

15

39

10

7

9

13

1

18

15

1

76

74

0

14

35

12

85

121

115

128

61

141

50

19

7

5

3

5

12

57

90

40

11

0

6

1

1

3

3

0

58

5

296

43 357

35 213

31

199

71

0

91

32

49

88 444

26 806

1 396

98 706

94 973

47 1,625

52 1,953

2003 4,111 175 152 175

2004 4,720 194 5 65 325

2005 3,435 259 2 117 301

Table 42: Main suppliers of lobster to Sweden (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 3,663 USA 503 France Ireland 2 Spain 2 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 4,455 345 33 20 -

1998 4,567 468 2 52 -

1999 6,823 890 37 38 -

2000 2,279 320 3 73 -

55

2001 2,697 214 73 -

2002 3,231 226 87 129 -

5.2.9

United Kingdom

Lobster imports to the UK grew slowly but steadily over the past ten years, from 1,300 tonnes in 1995 to 2,300 tonnes in 2005.

The share of intra-EU exports within total lobster imports is growing, reaching 30% in 2005. Live lobster from the US and Canada which in 2000 accounted for almost 70% of total lobster imports represented only 34% of total imports in 2005. On the other hand, the share of frozen rock lobster tails and preserved products in gaining ground.

In 2001, the UK retail giant Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s introduced MSC-certified Western Rock Lobster to its product range.

Table 43: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 247

1997 103

1998 193

1999 50

2000

2001

2002 7

2003 12

2004 8

2005 29

449

74

255

248

250

148

1

151

39

479

961

857

1,195

860

3,276

1,564

846

748

987

1,213

652

556

532

286

321

901

2,808

2,925

3,061

3,047

14

44

30

3

14

14

28

19

29

13

8,015

9,971

10,475

11,907

12,016

11,221

10,936

9,744

9,004

8,115

134

8

15

138

4

91

796

2,450

3,330

60

129

18

3

38

274

2

22

75

354

272

400

52

381

322 14,889

136 15,036

227 15,044

240 15,945

164 16,771

278

290

10,810

257 12,289

200

351 13,064

523 14,218

56

252 16,171

Table 44: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 50

1997 65

1998 3

1999 70

2000 84

2001 33

2002 60

2003 173

2004 873

2005 3,034

325

268

41

67

82

462

63

43

95

160

193

109

158

209

151

87

113

23

495

757

184

39

96

50

128

33

43

200

268

462

3

5

0

5

39

31

280

77

1,333

1,966

10

3

7

255

927

453

8

1

62

360

12

32

21

2

0

26

0

146

213

88

11

88

865

18

5

190

6

39

22

244

27

31

114 655

93 424

166 1,038

92 1,509

355 1,493

53 788

232 1,206

159 3,400

216 7,001

Figure 9: British lobster exports (tonnes) 250 Intra EU lobster exports Extra EU lobster exports

200

4

150 100 50 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Source: EUROSTAT

57

Table 45: Main EU export destinations for UK lobster (100kg) 1996 Spain 3,729 France 6,592 Portugal 278 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 4,538 6,691 370

1998 3,710 5,886 190

1999 4,157 7,489 220

2000 3,877 4,201 148

2001 4,627 3,660 266

2002 4,688 5,643 281

2003 5,932 5,465 650

2004 8,477 5,924 657

2005 7,814 9,130 1,256

5.2.10 Other European countries Austria Austriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobster consumption is very limited. Since 2001, total lobster imports are fairly stable around 80-90 tonnes. In 2005, total imports of lobster products where about 87 tonnes. More than 50% were live lobster imports and around 30% were whole frozen lobster. Apparently there is no preference between European lobster and American lobster as supplies alternate between intra and extra EU sources. Canada and France are main suppliers for lobster in Austria.

The American embassy in Austria has identified American lobster as one of the best highvalue products with potential for market expansion in Austria.

58

Table 46: Extra EU lobster imports (100 kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

33 24 140

120

111

33

175

170

16

19

5

182

100

103

138

119

20

5

3

121

130

343

7

6

288

285

257

304

288

35 320

109 373

500

301

23

467

22 385

142 388

98 423

59

52 185

710

Table 47: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

8

372

598

813

41

26

22

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

76

16

7

23

17

2

62

105

72

70 1

3

3

3

69

100

102

88

146

2

5

4

8

1

21

4

4

18

48

5

1

2

1

14

239

180

211

170

117

74

79

113

92

111

2

1

135

123

213

3

174

184

185

75

2

1

1

5

6

5

2

259

17

10

23

24

1

4

8

2

41 646

2 992

1 1143

489

53 257

59 625

524

512

2003 110 70 -

2004 90 118 51

95 379

Table 48: Main lobster suppliers to Austria (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 200 France 45 Ireland 29 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 160 24 56

1998 196 47 -

1999 157 60 16

2000 93 68 57

60

2001 75 131 29

2002 77 110 -

2005 103 66 -

Denmark Annual lobster imports are stable around 240 tonnes, almost equally provided by intraand extra EU suppliers. Main product is American live lobster provided since 2001 entirely by Canada.

France, UK and Ireland provide the bulk of the intra-European supplies to Denmark.

Denmark is producing some Norway lobsters which are also exported to other European countries.

Table 49: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1

2

1998

1999

2000

2

2001

2002

0

1

6

3

2

2003

2004

228

1 216

5

458

513

854

729

635

1,235

753

759

558

1

2

33

31

4

9

4

63

3

0

0

527

575

15 500

505

539

846

9

5

13

1

716

613

492

531

2005

575

1

4

10

1

13 1,357

308 1,574

246

1,611

130

80

143

406

426

17 1,390

70 1,371

10 2,289

16 1,902

37 1,846

61

7 1,064

238 1,332

Table 50: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

12

16

12

0

46

67

72

10

24

92

4

5

362

138

156

533

306

547

390

426

417

383

99

89

71

41

86

107

22

11

25

15

102

41

220

27

191

67

71

518

314

397

233

121

280

50

60

55

36

29

55

191

32

36

0

195

163

103

111

92

64

2

130

0

4

2

4

21 1,002

51 935

92 1,078

7 908

22 1,106

72

95

880

136 636

2 745

103 805

10 1,096

Table 51: Main suppliers of lobster to Denmark (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 1,049 USA 287 UK 227 Ireland 32 France 3 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 840 407 72 79 18

1998 981 287 64 394 44

1999 1,670 461 214 55 15

2000 1,522 82 199 17 107

62

2001 1,316 7 113 13 126

2002 871 119 24 23

2003 1,010 316 19 19

2004 955 175 31 19

2005 1,085 174 32 184

Finland Finland is a rather small market with low levels of Homarus and spiny/rock lobster consumption.

Total imports of these species have been stable around 75 tonnes over the past few years.

Main product is frozen rock lobster from EU countries (France) while supplies from nonEU (Canada) countries are negligible.

Table 52: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003 1

20

4

20

2004

2005

1

48

65

53

52

66

84

82

60

65

53

52

10 76

84

83

60

1

4

40

49

63

Table 53: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Totral Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

9

17

49

52

45

3

30

177

163

146

19

160

315

152

174

216

316

317

322

335

110

76

65

157

83

94

98

111

106

118

4

9

2

76

8

24

15

12

27

31

0

0

1

2

2

0

1

3

15

20

14

4

1

27

7

4

5

10

1

0

48

0

4

3

0

10

10

1

1

19

16

5

7

7

9

8

6

9

21 316

31 526

60 517

37 367

13 387

6 482

49 682

36 668

25 689

2003 84 2

2004 83 -

98

265

Table 54: Main suppliers of lobster to Finland (100kg imported) 1996 Canada 4 France 60 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 39 28

1998 48 14

1999 64 23

2000 53 14

64

2001 52 4

2002 66 3

2005 60 -

Greece Lobster imports to Greece peaked in 2001, when they reached 490 tonnes. Since then, import volumes oscillate in a range of 330-450 tonnes annually. Live lobster is imported from the USA and Canada, while frozen products are supplied mainly by other EU countries. Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to lobster supplies is increasing.

Within the EU, Spain is the main supplier.

Table 55: Extra EU lobster import (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

17

2001 34

2002

2003 52

56

44

95

71

351

1,071

788

17

35

39

329

113

165

117

21

18

7

1

0

1

137

178

210

243

319

0

0

1

0

607

313

393

106

2000 120

14 364

65

864

316

2 1,502

2004 23

2005

1,570

695

603

17

46

63

0

2

1

386

570

709

420

16

10

2

0

1

1,324

10 2,300

1,475

1,090

Table 56: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobsters, prepared or preserved Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

270

510

578

599

813

913

581

596

633

557

818

1,280

1,229

1,806

1,505

2,042

722

835

1,640

803

54

131

300

273

179

148

664

227

275

488

59

104

69

137

272

210

121

146

458

269

99

26

32

203

33

64

50

55

0

1

93

4

42

0

4

62

0

0

44

45

0

0

7

10

28

99

28

56

31

7 3,435

9 2,203

2 1,908

2 3,118

1 2,266

15

56

1,315

2,051

8 2,217

46 3,213

81 2,931

Table 57: Main suppliers of lobster to Greece (100kg imported) 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Canada 76 86 135 197 208 231 295 USA 62 86 76 41 308 366 302 Australia 1 Spain 7 150 213 298 178 205 456 UK 81 50 2 60 175 136 58 Source: EUROSTAT 66

2003 436 232 65 387 107

2004 592 205 134 638 896

2005 285 118 150 667 10

Norway The Norwegian market for imported Homarus and rock/spiny lobster is relatively limited (total imports in 2004: 27 tonnes) as Norway is producing its own European and Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus.

Norway is pioneer for lobster farming. The first company start up is planned for the summer 2006 with an annual production capacity of 8,000 pcs. (6 cm) juvenile, 8,000 pcs. (12 cm) juvenile and 8,000 pcs. plate sized European lobsters (20 cm). Demand for portion sized lobster is expected to be growing, both in the domestic market and in foreign markets (Scandinavia, Europe, Japan). The first delivery is planned for 2008 and the goal is to produce 50 tonnes of lobster within three years.

Table 58: Total lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), whole, fresh or chilled American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), whole, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, fresh or chilled Lobsters nei, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

199 4

199 5

199 6

199 7

199 8

199 9

200 0

200 1

200 2

200 3

200 4

60

48

48

60

51

53

52

46

56

54

67

166 5 3 11 245

264 6 79 397

269 25 31 373

128 39 12 239

184 53 2 2 292

198 44 2 297

235 23 1 311

232 35 1 314

106 9 171

151 4 209

166 38 1 272

Portugal Lobster is widely available in Portuguese seafood restaurants. Portugal is producing Norwegian and European lobster, but most of the supplies are imported from other EU countries (mainly Spain) and to a smaller extend from non-EU countries. Australia is one of the non-EU suppliers.

Total imports oscillated between 300 tonnes and 420 tonnes over the past ten years.

Frozen spiny/rock lobster represents the most important lobster product in terms of import volume (46% of total imports).

67

Table 59: Extra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN 1996 Frozen crawfish tails 91 Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish 1,312 Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) 95 Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked 1,323 Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.' 37 Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Total 2,858 Source: EUROSTAT

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

49

43

90

74

95

207

140

165

21

416

269

327

109

276

486

494

248

142

46

12

1,015

1,284

858

655

574

694

863

609

489

34

26

194

319

188

141

136

86

128

50

1,560

1,672

0

1,469

68

1,157

1,133

1,528

1 1,646

1,108

15 795

Table 60: Intra EU lobster imports (100kg) CN Frozen crawfish tails Frozen Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'' , whole Frozen Lobsters 'Homarus spp'. (excl. whole) Rock Lobster and other sea crawfish live, dried, salted, in brine, incl. in shell, cooked Live Lobsters 'Homarus spp.'

Whole lobsters, dried, salted or in brine, cooked Parts of Lobsters 'Homarus spp'., dried, salted or in brine, cooked Lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Lobster, prepared or preserved, excl. lobster meat, cooked, for the manufacture of lobster butter or of lobster pastes, pates, soups or sauces Total Source: EUROSTAT

1996 2

1997 30

1998 26

1999 88

2000 106

2001 205

2002 163

2003 126

2004 138

2005 7

743

1,235

1,743

1,806

1,513

1,081

1,673

1,032

1,018

1,485

2

85

294

231

25

14

4

0

13

17

1

0

0

0

1

2

145

86

266

372

259

164

196

99

196

166

250

319

338

339

318

452

582

631

862

897

1

5

13

23

13

3

1

3

1

4

6

3

1,140

0

4

0

3

0

0

0

4

144

1,698

2,382

7 2,646

1 2,225

5 1,925

2,703

2,186

2 2,458

0 2,729

Table 61: Main suppliers of lobster to Portugal (100kg imported) 1996 Canada USA 26 South 22 Africa Spain 818 France 127 UK 170 Source: EUROSTAT

1997 52 34

1998 52 25

1999 11 183

2000 10 408

2001 71 190

2002 73 123

2003 117 111

2004 72 29

2005 134 2

7

43

61

5

-

-

28

78

266

1,318 122 199

1,909 147 252

2,166 130 209

1,879 97 180

1,572 131 130

1,964 199 369

1,573 208 170

1,876 238 204

2,018 410 268

69

5.3

ASIA PACIFIC

The Asia-Pacific region is an important producer of rock/spiny lobsters which are often stored in net enclosures in seawater prior to sale in main live seafood markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan and Japan. The demand is very good. Frozen tails are exported mainly to the US. Australia and New Zealand are developing lobster aquaculture.

Lobster tails from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are traded as ‘coldwater’ lobster products and have a higher market value compared to ‘warmwater’ rock/spiny lobster products from the Caribbean and South America. Coldwater lobster has a preferred flavor, texture and reputation for superior processing. Main coldwater lobster species are Panulirus Cygnus from Australia, Jasus edwardsii from New Zealand and Jasus lalandii from South Africa.

5.3.1

Australia

Worldwide, Australia is the fourth largest lobster (rock/spiny lobster) producer. Total exports amounted to almost 14,000 tonnes in 2004. Main markets of destination are in Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, China). The catch is exported live or frozen, as whole cooked or whole raw rock lobster to the Asian markets or processed into frozen raw tails for the United States, which used to be the main market before the 1990s.

The domestic market is small and limited primarily to whole cooked lobster.

Western Rock Lobster (Panulirus cygnus) is the most valuable fishery in Australia. It represents about 20 %of the total value of Australia’s fisheries. The fishery received MSC certification in 2000.

In 2003 the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Asia caused major economic losses in the Australian lobster fisheries, especially as tourism in the region was strongly affected. In that period, beach prices for live Australian lobster were falling from USD22/kg to USD8/kg. Currently, the industry is still struggling to recover. Since 2003, product prices have declined by 25%. Increased in fuel prices and a penalizing exchange rate put additional pressure on exporters. In addition, there is potential future competition from farmed lobster from Vietnam and China.

Due to this crisis, Australia intensified its efforts to target new markets for live and whole cooked lobster in Europe, where the products fetch higher prices. Australian officials lobbied in major European markets to support the successful placement of Australian lobster products in this promising market. The European Union agreed on an autonomous tariff quota (ATQ) for 2003-2006. This allowed Australia to import 1,500 tonnes of frozen rock lobster at only 6% duty (regular duty tariff: 12.5 per cent tariff).

The Australian government is supporting the Southern rock lobster industry’s effort to develop the Northern American market with an AUSD 2.5 million grant to be invested within five years. The promotion strategy includes training for chefs.

An agreement to negotiate a free trade pact between Australia and China signed in 2005 is expected to strengthen the rock lobster fishery, especially in southern Australia from where about 90% of the production is exported to China.

70

In 2003, Australian frozen and live spiny and rock lobster products accounted for the following percentages of the respective markets in terms of value3: o Hong Kong – Frozen: 46% (USD 1,362,094); live: 53% (USD 66,042,663) o Japan – Frozen: 42% (USD 2,863,362); live: 83% (USD 2,896,692) o Taiwan – Frozen: 59% (USD 1,516,821); live: 27% (USD 1,121,778) o USA – Frozen: 16% (USD 6,428,20); live: 4% (USD 56,586) Some companies have developed high-end value added lobster products, including lobster medallions, picked cooked meat, sashimi lobster, lobster liver, lobster oil, lemon and black pepper glaze and chilli coriander glaze.

Table 62: Lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), whole, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), meat or tails, fresh or chilled Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), meat or tails, frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), whole, fresh or chilled Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), whole, frozen Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), meat or tails, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), whole, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), whole, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.3.2

1995 .

1996 .

1997 .

1998 .

1999 .

2000 139

2001 88

2002 -

2003 32

2004 2

133

144

189

235

103

176

413

274

98

44

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

116

444

58

35

34

182

435

674

490

104

-

78

-

-

-

103

25

-

19

34

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,802

8,622

9,460

9,496

10,576

8,026

7,359

6,083

6,277

7,304

6,204

5,826

5,849

5,689

6,667

7,248

4,802

4,466

5,846

6,282

-

57

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

107

-

-

-

63

42

-

5

1

15,259

15,290

15,556

15,455

17,380

15,798

13,076

11,497

12,735

13,769

China

With the opening of its markets, China represents a huge potential for all kinds of lobster products – from the demand and the supply side.

3

Source: Western Rock Lobster Development Association

71

Per capita seafood consumption in China is currently relatively low (approximately 4 kg per person annually in rural areas and 10 kg per person annually in urban areas) but is expected to grow. But even with modest consumption levels, the enormous number of inhabitants - more than 1.3 billion people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represents an incredible potential for demand.

The disposable income of part of the population is increasing and demand for high quality seafood expands. The booming economy induces also changes in the eating habits, generating demand for lobster products, in particular for live lobster. Chinese consumers have a traditional preference for live products. The Chinese New Year in early spring is a high season for lobster demand.

Main entry points for seafood to the Chinese market are Beijing and Shanghai. In the 1990s, Australia started to redirect most of its lobster exports from the USA to China.

China is sourcing live spiny lobster also from the Caribbean, in particular from Cuba.

China is also a main market for North American lobster.

Currently available data is probably not reflecting the correct figures for lobster imports.

According to these figures, in 2004 3,050 tonnes of lobster (mainly spiny/rock lobster) were imported.

In 2001, the WTO accepted Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accession. This will have a positive long-term impact on trade in seafood products as high customs tariffs will decline. The tariff rate for lobster has declined from 20% in 2002 to 10% in 2005.

With regard to domestic distribution, retail chains and hypermarkets are spreading out quickly. Packing is an important criterion for Chinese consumers which leaves potential for the development of value-added lobster products for retail distribution. So far, the fast growing Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional (HRI) sector remains the main outlet for lobster product.

From the supply side, China is experimenting to breed lobster for domestic consumption and export.

In 2005, China exported 23,000 tonnes of rock/spiny lobster worth USD 124 million.

Europe and the US receive about 90% of the total export volume.

Hubei Province is providing about 50% of the lobster for export.

Table 63: Lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, fresh or chilled Lobsters nei, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

48

8

38

4

-

7

72

16

-

-

324

406

877

350

328

198

335

259

362

363

1,439

2,238

2,803

1,436

689

1,189

48

58

26

59

125 2,747 4,683

14 1,465 4,131

2 1,419 5,139

16 1,981 3,787

21 2,541 3,579

4 385 1,783

2 1,102 1,559

1 679 1,013

1 922 1,311

2 1,155 1,579

72

Table 64: China lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.3.3

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

3,329

1,878

1,922

596

614

4,414

1,245

39

225

51

6

-

1

-

-

.

-

-

.

-

264

1 247

1 420

1,284

638

3 135

222

20 376

18 810

28 1,338

143 3,742

197 2,323

13 2,357

7 1,887

116 1,368

343 4,895

227 1,694

640 1,075

1,179 2,232

1,633 3,050

Hong Kong

Hong Kong represents an important market for lobster products. Total lobster imports in 2004 reached almost 9,000 tonnes. It has to be considered that part of these imports is redirected to other Asian markets, in particular to China.

Frozen spiny and rock lobster products are supplied mainly by Australia. Frozen clawed lobster products (Homarus) are provided by Canada and the USA. Live spiny and rock lobster is the most important lobster product (more than 60% of the total lobster import volume) and is imported mainly from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Mexico. Main suppliers for live clawed lobster are the USA and Canada.

Wholesale prices for Panulirus spp in Hong Kong averaged 216 HKD/kg on 22 August 2008.

Table 65: Hong Kong lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), whole, frozen Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Spiny-rock lobster, canned Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

178

177

169

426

200

115

171

255

243

183

1,256 272

2,065 339

3,163 396

3,377 935

4,271 792

3,119 240

3,041 326

2,213 211

1,674 350

2,208 213

6,124

5,659

4,079

4,500

4,536

5,768

6,542

6,253

6,323

6,258

51

83

87

93

118

160

158

106

115

7,881

8,323

7,894

9,331

9,917

9,402

228 10,30 8

9,090

8,696

8,977

73

5.3.4

India

India is producing and exporting lobster, reaching a total lobster product export volume of 2,088 tonnes in 2004.

Main markets are other Asian countries, in particular Japan.

Table 66: India lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), whole, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2,425

1,285

1,187

1,168

1,695

-

-

-

1,034

585

.

.

.

.

.

3,817

925

1,130

328

694

13

-

-

12

2

1

4

9

39

17

103 134

150 169

138 279

169 310

154 240

105 1,119

103 556

68 1,226

175 341

74 709

66 2,741

17 1,621

58 1,662

38 1,697

28 2,119

46 5,088

5 1,593

16 2,449

41 1,958

9 2,088

Table 67: India lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.3.5

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

53 . .

53

72 . .

72

40 8 .

48

51 .

51

8 2 10

45 8 53

62 43 105

Indonesia

Indonesia produces lobster for the Asian market. Exports peaked in 2003 with a total volume of 4,892 tonnes but dropped to 2,803 tonnes in 2004.

74

Table 68: Indonesia lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, frozen Lobsters nei, whole, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), whole, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.3.6

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

1,280

360

318

566

432

486

746

1,073

433

274

295

226

84

13

494

436

1,431

1,090

1,329

976

169

53

141

624

1,124

1,269

1,578

600

671

883

1,407 3,151

802 1,441

769 1,312

321 1,524

686 2,736

1,124 3,315

482 4,237

1,226 3,989

2,459 4,892

670 2,803

Japan

Japan represents a major market for lobster products. In 2006, the total lobster import volume was 9,184 tonnes.

Traditionally a symbol of good fortune and happiness, especially during weddings or other ceremonies, small red lobster in perfect condition has a good market.

Frozen spiny/rock lobster products are imported from Cuba, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Live spiny/rock lobster originates from Australia, the USA, New Zealand, South Africa and Cuba. Frozen and live clawed lobster is imported from Canada.

Table 69: Japan lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/Europe an lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled American/Europe an lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

1,872

1,988

1,753

1,545

1,422

1,525

1,403

1,405

1,446

1,423

1,797

1,465

1,344

906

1,360

1,446

1,082

1,407

861

1,215

120

81

287

258

335

285

176

121

133

118

11,240

8,963

8,209

7,057

6,157

7,394

5,579

5,577

5,239

4,631

2,903 17,932

2,698 15,195

2,397 13,990

2,370 12,136

2,448 11,722

2,380 13,030

2,275 10,515

1,958 10,468

1,901 9,580

1,797 9,184

75

5.3.7

Malaysia

Table 70: Malaysia lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

59

41

48

43

21

24

13

72

55

874

.

.

-

1

5

-

-

-

2

3

57 2

81 3

60 65

72 44

75 7

75 42

55 11

82 88

51 65

43 90

7 125

7 132

9 182

5 165

4 112

4 145

31 110

4 246

12 185

1,010

Table 71: Malaysia lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, whole, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.3.8

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

96

94

113

68

66

57

32

55

54

2,721

.

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

45

477

82

62

57

72

128

59

75

90

2

31

13

5

42

5

8

5

51

24

11 154

22 627

12 220

9 144

6 171

9 143

15 183

13 132

5 185

6 2,841

New Zealand

Rock lobster exports represent New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third important seafood export earnings, totalling almost NZD 100 million in 2004. The most popular product form is live lobster.

Export volumes oscillate around 2,200 tonnes annually.

Key target countries for lobster exports from New Zealand are Taiwan, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Europe.

In 2004, negotiations for a free trade agreement with China started. The Chinese market is currently provided with New Zealand lobster by re-exports from Hong Kong.

In 2006, the government agreed on a 25% increase in southern rock lobster catches to a total of 875 tonnes for the fisheries in the South Island. The production increase is expected to translate into an additional income of USD 29.22 million if the industry will

76

be able to overcome constraints like the strong New Zealand dollar, rising compliance costs and the proposed increase of marine reserves.

Table 72: New Zealand lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Lobsters nei, whole, frozen Lobsters, live Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), meat or tails, frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), whole, fresh or chilled Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), whole, frozen Total

1995 45 2,559

1996 -

1997 -

1998 -

1999 -

2000 -

2001 -

2002 -

2003 -

2004 -

-

2,463

2,403

2,260

2,774

2,651

2,092

2,072

2,152

1,981

320

113

84

95

168

86

90

58

70

47

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

95 3,020

77 2,653

43 2,530

47 2,402

45 2,987

53 2,790

30 2,212

20 2,150

22 2,244

95 2,123

Source: FAO Fishstat 5.3.9

Republic of Korea

As in most Asian countries, seafood plays an important role in the Korean diet.

Lobster is also a traditional ingredient for teppanyaki, a type of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. Fresh lobster is consumed also raw as sashimi.

Canada is an important supplier of live American lobster. Live lobster imports peaked in 2002, reaching a value of 2,032 tonnes.

Table 73: Republic of Korea lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, fresh or chilled Lobsters nei, frozen Lobsters, live Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

39

58

11

36

59

133

172

177

101

139

.

.

.

-

-

.

14

-

5

6

23 50 339 451

11 77 677 823

8 146 751 916

3 71 127 237

7 98 243 407

6 171 470 780

16 176 728 1,106

8 210 1,637 2,032

11 121 1,540 1,778

7 118 1,281 1,551

77

5.3 10 Russia Available figures for the region of the Russian Federation are not very reliable. They confirm an increasing trend in lobster products.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the Russian market for seafood is expected to grow considerably in the near future. From 2004 to 2005, the total seafood import value increased by 48% to almost USD 1 billion. The delicatessen segment, including lobster products, is quickly developing in major cities.

Table 74: Russian Federation lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

.

1 19 16 .

36

. .

37 22 .

59

8 1 43 5 49

21 61 4 1 66

28 70 1 71

5.3.11 Taiwan Even though Taiwan is considered an important lobster markets, also for redistribution, available data for Taiwan indicates relatively low levels of lobster imports (2004: 236 tonnes).

Frozen spiny /rock lobster is imported from Cuba, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Live spiny/rock lobster is supplied by the same countries and the USA. Frozen and live Homarus products originate in Canada and the USA. Table 75: Taiwan lobster imports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters, live Total Imports Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

1

27

1

-

-

-

2

-

5

25

127

203

432

127

129

38

122

50

140

138

4 67 199

2 23 255

11 92 536

14 70 211

19 44 192

25 43 106

24 34 182

25 104 179

38 174 357

27 46 236

78

5.4

AFRICA

5.4.1

Namibia

Since 2000, Namibia is exporting some frozen rock lobster (2004: 191 tonnes).

Approximately 98% of the total lobster catch is for the Japanese market. Namibian lobster has to face competition from South African lobster in the Japanese market. Fluctuating exchange rates and bad weather conditions have caused difficulties in the Namibian lobster industry in the past.

5.4.2

South Africa

African lobster producers still have to face a number of challenges for their exports.

Many potential clients consider African suppliers as risky and high freight costs, lack of infrastructure, lack of market information and difficult financing operations penalize South African producers.

The largest export market for frozen South African lobster in terms of value is the USA, while Japan is the key market in terms of volume. Europe is the most important market for live lobster. South African lobster exports reached a record level of 2,915 tonnes in 2004.

Lately, researchers observed an eastwards move of lobster stocks. If this trend will become permanent, processing plants will have to be relocated to the south coast in order to reduce shipping costs and keep the industry efficient.

Table 76: South Africa lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters (Homarus spp.), not frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

-

-

1

-

-

-

3

6

1

-

3 22

125 69

246 75

109 71

277 147

383 155

519 149

524 109

270 10

227 36

551

479

497

533

926

689

505

687

810

1,248

1,576 2,152

1,198 1,871

1,086 1,904

1,248 1,961

791 2,141

711 1,938

666 1,839

823 2,143

1,019 2,109

1,404 2,915

79

5.5

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

The Caribbean and some South American countries are important suppliers of rock/spiny lobster. Decreasing stocks due to unsustainable fishing practices are threatening the future production and stock and habitat enhancement projects have been implemented.

The Caribbean fishing association Apesca is raising awareness on the need for improved lobster management to guarantee the future of the industry. Currently, about 40% of lobster catches are undersized.

Panulirus argus represents 50% of all warmwater spiny lobster landings.

Lobster from this region is marketed as ‘warmwater’ lobster, as opposed to spiny/rock lobster from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa which is known as ‘coldwater’ lobster. Common product forms are live lobster (1-5 lbs) or raw frozen tails. Live lobster is exported mainly to Asia while the US market prefers frozen tails.

Main season for warmwater lobster is from August to March.

5.5.1

Bahamas

Lobster is the most important seafood export product for The Bahamas. Main destinations are the USA and France. Lobster is exported only in frozen form.

Table 77: Bahamas lobster exports Commodity Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, frozen Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), meat or tails, frozen Lobsters nei, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled Lobster tails or meat, canned Lobsters nei, meat or tails, frozen Lobsters, live Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), meat or tails, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), nei, frozen Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), whole, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

1,677

1,988

1,737

2,265 .

2,480 .

2,201 .

2,294 .

1,852

2,461 .

2,256 .

871 194

1,010 172

1,041 220

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

6

16

16

. .

. .

. .

. .

26 .

.

.

7

31

-

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

.

43

.

8

1 -

-

-

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

20

-

-

.

.

.

.

739

41

-

-

-

-

.

.

.

.

.

813

-

-

-

-

.

.

.

.

.

33

-

-

-

-

.

2,265

.

2,480

.

2,201

.

2,294

.

2,617

246 3,637

12 2,276

21 2,776

20 3,237

3,014

80

5.5.2

Brazil

It is estimated that Brazil exported some 2,300 tonnes of lobster in 2005. Lobster used to be the most valuable seafood export product, now overtaken by shrimps. About 95% of the total Brazilian lobster production is exported, totalling revenues of USD 78 million in 2005. The price of lobster is prohibitive for the majority of domestic consumers.

Main market for Brazilian lobster is the USA. Europe and Europe are other export destinations.

The development of the Real along with tax incentives for exporters and a lower level of world market prices for lobster may generate an increase in lobster production for export in the near future.

The Export Promotion Agency (APEX) Brazil is supporting the Brazilian fishery industry in promoting its overseas product promotion.

The lobster fishery of Prainha do Canto Verde tried to obtain MSC certification in 2001 but the status of the stocks was too poor to receive approval.

Table 78: Brazil lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.5.3

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

3,020

2,790

2,027

1,816

1,718

2,039

2,335

2,767

64 2,415

2,556

18 3,038

4 2,794

1 2,028

1,816

1,718

2,039

2,335

2,767

2,479

1 2,557

Cuba

Cuban lobster is considered a highly profitable commodity and is exported mainly to the EU, Asia (Japan, Taiwan) and Canada. Lobster is exported exclusively in frozen form.

The total export volume in 2004 was 4,476 tonnes.

Approximately ten companies are producing lobster.

Table 79: Cuba lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.5.4

other

sea

1999 5,386

2000 4,729

2001 4,134

2002 5,146

2003 2,790

2004 4,476

219 5,605

307 5,036

245 4,379

188 5,334

213 3,003

4,476

Honduras

Almost the entire lobster production of Honduras is exported in the form of frozen tails to the USA. Export volumes have grown considerably over the past ten years, from only 531 tonnes in 1994 to 1,608 tonnes in 2004.

81

Table 80: Honduras lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), meat or tails, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Rock lobsters (Jasus spp.), whole, frozen Lobsters nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.5.5

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

.

.

395

712

-

-

-

1,392

1,071

1,431

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

173

.

769

.

782

7 -

9 2

584

529

900

61 -

3 -

4 -

.

769

34 816

2 404

1 724

584

529

5 905

32 1,485

1,074

1,608

Mexico

Mexican lobster is exported mainly live to the key markets USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong and to a lesser extend to Europe.

The Red Rock Lobster (Panulirus Interruptus) fishery in Baja California received MSC certification in 2004. 90 % of the production is exported to Asia, France and the United States while the balance is sold domestically, mainly to restaurants.

Live lobster is also supplied to the domestic HRI sector.

Table 81: Mexico lobster exports (tonnes) Commodity Lobsters nei, fresh or chilled Lobsters nei, frozen Lobsters, live Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), nei, fresh or chilled Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), nei, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.5.6

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

719

1,194 842 -

1,000 695 -

845 330 -

811 354 -

1,283 573 -

1,377 584 -

429 155 -

285 -

-

19

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,024

1,366

1,163

790 1,528

2,036

1,695

1,175

1,165

1,856

1,961

387 1,995

404 2,055

180 1,343

Nicaragua

Lobster represents the most important seafood export product for Nicaragua. The only export product is frozen lobster tail. According to FAO Fishstat data, exports reached 1,700 tonnes in 2004. A study of the Central Bank of Nicaragua indicated an export volume of 996,500 pound of lobster worth USD 14.3 million for the first four month of 2006.

However, in 2006, the Nicaraguan lobster industry in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region had to face problems due to high operational costs and was closed in July.

Lobster prices of USD 3.50/lbs were not enough to cover costs and risks of production.

82

Table 82: Nicaragua lobster export (tonnes) Commodity Lobsters nei, meat or tails, frozen American/European lobsters (Homarus spp.), nei, frozen Rock lobster and other sea crawfish, not frozen Spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.), nei, frozen Lobsters nei, whole, frozen Total Source: FAO Fishstat

5.5.7

1995

1996 .

1997 1,33 7

. .

.

7 1,32 1 .

1,32 8

6 1,45 1 .

1,45 7

1998

2000 2,55 4

2001

2002

2003

572

1999 1,13 2

166

326

697

2004 1,70 0

9

-

.

-

-

-

-

-

34

-

.

-

-

-

.

-

5 1,38 5

435 1,00 7

1,13 2

2,55 4

-

6

-

166

332

697

.

1,70 0

Peru

According to Worldfishreport, lobster exports from Peru are supposed to grow by 19% in 2006 due to the restored price level in the European market and increased production levels. Average export prices are expected to reach 5.6USD/kg, generating a total value of lobster exports of USD 45 million.

Main market is the USA (75% of the total lobster export volume) and better market access translated into export growth rates of 50% in 2005.

83

Annex I – List of contacts

Australia Bluwave Lobster Ltd. PO Box 688, Fremantle WA, 6959 Telephone:+61 8 9433 4222 Fax: +61 8 9331 6522 Email:alexf@iinet.net.au Conagra Seafood Company 13217 Cambridge Street, Santa Fe Springs CA 90670 Telephone: 562 921 6800 Fax: 562 921 8530 Batavia Coast Fisheries Address: PO Box 216 Geraldton, Western Australia Telephone: +61 8 9904 5131 Email: Glenn@bcf.com.au Lobster Australia Pty Ltd Contact: Chris Perrott Address: PO Box 141 North Fremantle, Western Australia Email: c.perrott@lobsteraustralia.com.au MG Kailis Greg Hart Locked Bag 6700 Fremantle, Western Australia Email: greghart@kailis.com.au Vinci Seafood Exporters Nick Corbo PO Box 206 Sth Fremantle, Western Australia Email:nick@vinciseafoods.com.au WA Seafood Exporters Bob Hopkins 11 Hutton St Osborne Park, Western Australia Email:wase@iinet.net.au Poseidon Seafoods (S.A.) Pty. Ltd P.O. Box 389 Hindmarsh, Adelaide, South Australia 5007 Australia Name: Theodoros Gounas Title: Managing Director Phone: 618 83401157 Fax: 618 83401146 Email: poseidon@dove.mtx.net.au Category: live Southern Rock Lobster Exporter Subcategory: Exporter live Sourthern Rock Lobster, live King Crab, live Black Lip Abalone Comments: Frozen Seafoods, dried sea cucumber, live oysters

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-op Ltd Exporters 11 OCEAN STREET GERALDTON WA 6531 brolos@brolos.com.au www.brolos.com.au Ph: 08 9965 9000 Fx: 08 9965 9001 BCR International Factory 1, 1208 Lytton Road Hemmant QLD 4174 Ph: +61 7 3890 2344 Fx: +61 7 3890 5666 http://www.bcr-international.com FERGUSON AUSTRALIA 95 Cambridge Terrace, MALVERN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5061 Ph: +61 8 8346 8764 Fx: +61 8 8346 8729 Email: admin@fergusonaustralia.com Contact: Andrew Ferguson Website: http://www.fergusonaustralia.com Five Star Seafoods (S.A.) Pty Ltd P.O. Box 233 Port Mac Donnell South Australia 5291 Ph:: +61 (0) 8 8738 2203 or +61 (0) 8 8738 2007 Fx: +61 8 8738 2173 fivestarseafoods@ozemail.com.au

Canada 3246272 Canada inc.

P.O. Box 305, Bassin, Québec G0B 1A0

3T's Ltd. P.O. Box 71, Woody Point, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 1P0 Acadian Fishermen's Co-op Assoc.

Ltd. P.O. Box 115, RR3, Abram's Village Wellington, Prince Edward Island C0B 2E0 Accord International Canada P.O. Box 925, Succ. B Station Montreal, Québec H3B 3K5 ADS Enterprises Inc. 822 East Cordova Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1M4 Alberton Fisheries Ltd. North Port Alberton, Prince Edward Island C0B 1B0

Good View Trading Company Mr Jay Clark Manager 34 Barry Street Cairns, QLD, 4870 Ph: +61 7 4041 1210 Mobile: 0437 521 860 Fax: +61 7 4041 2677 http://www.gvtliveseafood.com

Allen's Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 37, Bay of Islands Benoits Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador A0L 1A0

Ocean Wave Seafoods Trading Pty Ltd Jan-Niklas Simon Marketing/Sales Manager 252 Graham Street Port Melbourne VIC, 3207 Ph: +61 3 9646 9850 Fax: +61 3 9646 9908 info@oceanwaveseafoods.com http://www.oceanwaveseafoods.com

Arisaig Fisheries Ltd. Div. of OceanChoice Intl, B1236, RR3 Arisaig, Nova Scotia B2G 2L6

84

Aquashell Holdings Inc. P.O. Box 300, Wallace, Nova Scotia B0K 1Y0

Atlantic Lobster (1999) Limited P.O. Box 9-B, Site 1, Osborne Hbr. Rd. Shelburne, Nova Scotia B0T 1L0

Atlantic Maritime Dev & Mkt Assoc P.O. Box 242, Tilton, Newfoundland and Labrador A0A 3X0 B. A. Richard Ltd. 374 Côte Ste-Anne Road Ste-Anne-de-Kent, New Brunswick E4S 1M6 B. Terfloth + Cie (Canada) Inc. 1 Westmount Square, Suite 500 Montreal, Québec H3Z 2P9 Baie Ste-Anne Fishermen's Co-op Ltd. P.O. Box 480, Baie Ste-Anne, New Brunswick E9A 1W1 Barry Group 69 Cap Bimet Blvd.

Gran-Barachois, New Brunswick E4P 6X5 Barry Group Inc. 415 Griffin Drive Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador A2H 3E9 Beach Point Fisherman's Co-op Assoc.

P.O. Box 94, Beach Point Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island C0A 1V0 Billard Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 6, Site 4 Margaree, Newfoundland and Labrador A0M 1C0 C. L. Deveau & Son Ltd. P.O. Box 1, Salmon River, Nova Scotia B0W 2Y0 Cameron Seafoods Limited P.O. Box 763, Kings Co. Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 3X9 Canadian Gold Seafood Company 209 Aerotech Drive, Unit #10 Enfield, Nova Scotia B2T 1K3 Canadian Ocean Products ltd.

710 Acadie Street Grande-Anse, New Brunswick E8N 1G4 CanJam Trading Limited 60 Payzant Avenue Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1Z6

Canus Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 149, Shelburne Co. Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 1P0 Cape Bald Packers Ltd. 2618 ch Acadie Cap-Pele, New Brunswick E4N 1E3

Clearwater Seafoods Ltd. Partnership 757 Bedford Highway Bedford, Nova Scotia B4A 3Z7 Cocagne Seafoods (1995) Ltd. 4638 Route 134 Cocagne, New Brunswick E4R 3R3

Cape Nova Fisheries Ltd. Comp. 9, Site 2, Blanche Road Cape Negro, Nova Scotia B0W 1K0

Coley's Point Fisheries Ltd. 5 Blueberry Crescent Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador A1Y 1A6

Cape Sable Lobster (2001) Company P.O. Box 588, Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia B0W 1G0

Comeau's Sea Foods Ltd. P.O. Box 39, Saulnierville, Nova Scotia B0W 2Z0

Captain Dan's 341 Cap-Lumiere Road Richibucto Village, New Brunswick E4W 1C4

Comeauville Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 149, Saulnierville, Nova Scotia B0W 2Z0

Carapro Ltee 60 St-Pierre East Blvd.

Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B6

Cormier's Five Island Clams Five Islands Wharf Road Colchester Co., Nova Scotia B0M 1K0

Casey Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 86, Digby, Nova Scotia B0V 1A0

Cotter's Ocean Products Inc. P.O. Box 527, Lockeport, Nova Scotia B0T 1L0

Cavendish Seafoods Inc. P.O. Box 59, N. Rustico, Prince Edward Island C0A 1X0

Crown Seafood Ltd. 3046 Route 117 Pointe-Sapin, New Brunswick E9A 1V1

C-Gem Seafoods Inc. P.O. Box 5060, Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B7

Crustacés de Malbaie inc.

P.O. Box 6380, 139 Rue de la Renie Gaspé, Québec G4X 2R8

Chalut, Coquilles Sainte-Jacques inc.

7680 Rue Édouard LaSalle, Québec H8P 1T4 Charlesville Fisheries Limited RR1, General Delivery Lower E. Pubnico, Nova Scotia B0W 2A0 Chase's Lobster Ltd. P.O. Box 1, Port Howe, Nova Scotia B0K 1K0 Cheticamp Packers (1991) Limited P.O. Box 580, Inverness Co. Cheticamp, Nova Scotia B0E 1H0 Choice Atlantic Seafood Inc. P.O. Box 251, Canso, Nova Scotia B0H 1H0

85

D. E. & Sons Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 129, Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0 D. Waybret & Sons Fisheries P.O. Box 2, Site 3, Comp 8 Clam Point, Nova Scotia B0W 1N0 D.B. Kenney Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 1210, Westport, Nova Scotia B0V 1H0 Deep Cove Aqua Farms Ltd. 5182 Highway 329 Blandford, Nova Scotia B0J 1T0

Diamonds Industries Ltd. P.O. Box 119, Sandy Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 5C0 Dockside Fisheries (1988) Ltd. P.O. Box 205, Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0

Fisherman's Market International Inc. 607 Bedford Highway Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 2L6 Fishery Products Int. Ltd. NF 70 O'Leary Avenue St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 5L1

High Sea Foods Ltd. P.O. Box 188A, Main Street North Glovertown, Newfoundland and Labrador A0G 2L0 Hopkins & Devine Fisheries Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0

Doiron Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 31, N. Rustico, Prince Edward Island C0A 1X0

Fruits de Mer Assels inc. (Les) P.O. Box 68, 11 Route 132 Shigawake, Québec G0C 3E0

Houmard Acadie CP 407 Meteghan, Nova Scotia B0W 2J0

Dorman Roberts Ltd. P.O. Box 40, Triton, Newfoundland and Labrador A0J 1V0

Fruits de mer Landry Ltée (Les) P.O. Box 1035, Grande-Anse, New Brunswick E8N 2V1

Howard Turner & Son Ltd. 1659 Marie Joseph Guys Co. Marie Joseph, Nova Scotia B0J 2G0

Dorset Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 71, 302 - 215 Water Street St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 6C9

Furlong Brothers Limited Plate Cove West Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador A0C 2E0

Huskins Fisheries Limited RR 1, Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0

East Point Fisheries Ltd. RR 3, Shelburne Co. North East Harbour, Nova Scotia B0T 1W0 East Side Fisheries Ltd. Yarmouth Co. Lower E. Pubnico, Nova Scotia B0W 2A0

G. M. Newell Limited P.O. Box 29, Shelburne Co. Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 1P0 Golden Shell Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 39, Hickman's Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador A0C 1P0

Eric King Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 10, Burnt Islands BLP, Newfoundland and Labrador A0M 1B0

Gould's Fisheries Ltd. River of Ponds, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 4M0

ESD Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 111, Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 3B0

H. Hopkins Ltd. P.O. Box 91, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia B1A 5V1

F. Thibault Seafoods P.O. Box 122, 903 Maza Road Church Point, Nova Scotia B0W 1M0

Harbour Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 219, Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 4N0

Ferguson's Lobster Pound Ltd. P.O. Box 29, Halifax Co. Tangier, Nova Scotia B0J 3H0

Hervic Enterprises Ltd. P.O. Box 119, Yarmouth Co. Arcadia, Nova Scotia B0W 1B0

Ferme Ostreicole Dugas Ltée 675 St-Pierre West Blvd.

Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1A2

Hickey & Sons Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 8094, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3M9

Fisher King Seafoods Ltd. 71 MacQuade Lake Crescent Halifax, Nova Scotia B3S 1C4

86

I. Deveau Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 118, Meteghan, Nova Scotia B0W 2J0 Ichiboshi L.P. Canada Ltd. 24 du Quai Street Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B6 Inlet Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 135, Clark's Harbour, Nova Scotia Canada B0W 1P0 Island Fishermen Coop Assoc. Ltd. 90 Main Street Lameque, New Brunswick E8T 1M8 Island Marine Products Ltd. 2772 Main Street Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 1P0 Island Sunset Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 299, Inverness, Nova Scotia B0E 1N0 J. & J. Fisheries Ltd. 9349 Main Street Richibucto, New Brunswick E4W 4B6 J. T. Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 4, Queens Co. Port Medway, Nova Scotia B0J 2T0

J.W. Delaney ltée P.O. Box 2209, Route 199 HavreAuxMaisons, Québec G4T 5P4 J.W. Hiscock Sons Ltd. P.O. Box 122, Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador A0A 1K0 Joel Smith Fisheries Ltd. RR5, Yarmouth Co. Yarmouth, Nova Scotia B5A 4A9 Jost Kaufmann Seafood Corp.

47 Capital Drive Nepean, Ontario K2G 0E7 K & N Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 3A2, Upper Port LaTour, Nova Scotia B0W 3N0 Kasier Industrial & Marine Limited P.O. Box 69, Bickerton West, Nova Scotia B0J 1A0 L. J. Robicheau & Son Fisheries P.O. Box 88, Middleton, Nova Scotia B0S 1P0 Lee Lobster Limited Bx 193, 1319 Main Rd, E.Psg, Hlfx Co Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3G 1M5 Limb & Ledge Lobster Products Ltd. RR 1, Shelburne Co. Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 3B0 Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 5609, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia B1C 1B5 MacGregors Meat & Seafood Ltd. 265 Garyray Drive Toronto, Ontario M9L 1P2 Madelimer inc.

P.O. Box 39, 18 Route 199 Grande-Entrée, Québec G0B 1H0 Mariner Seafoods Inc. P.O. Box 610, Montague, Prince Edward Island C0A 1R0

Melrose International Trading Ltd. 5160 Dearrie, Suite 830 Montreal, Québec H3X 2H9 Merex Inc. 6436 Quinpool Road Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 1A8 Midland Food Products 195 Rexdale Blvd.

Toronto, Ontario M9W 1P7 Mike N. Boudreau Seafood Ltd. P.O. Box 2009, Grand Barachois, New Brunswick E4P 8V1 MMF Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 99, Middle West Pubnico, Nova Scotia B0W 2M0 Moon Enterprises Inc. 2 - 11720 Voyageur Way Richmond, British Columbia V6X 3G9 Morning Star Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 36, Sub. of Oceanchoice PEI Crapaud, Prince Edward Island C0A 1J0 Newman Entreprises Ltd. 6 Pollock Cove Road Wilsons Beach, New Brunswick E5E 1W3 North Lake Fish Co-op Ltd. RR 1 Elmira, Prince Edward Island C0A 1K0 North Nova Seafoods Limited P.O. Box 365, Pictou Caribou, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 Northern Clam Limited P.O. Box 809, Welshpool Campobello, New Brunswick E5E 1B4 Northern Pride Seafood Imp/Exp 6 Kenda View Drive Fletcher Lake, Nova Scotia B2T 1A5 Northumberland Fish Co-op Ltd. P.O. Box 166, Pictou Co. River John, Nova Scotia B0K 1N0

87

Nova's Finest Fisheries Inc. P.O. Box 99, Yarmouth Co. Middle W. Pubnico, Nova Scotia B0W 2M0 Ocean Choice International Inc. 1315 Topsail Rd, P.O.Box 8274, Stn.A St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3N4 Ocean Mist Seafoods Inc. P.O. Box 177, Yarmouth Co. Arcadia, Nova Scotia B0W 1B0 Paturel International Company 349 Northern Harbour Road Deer Island, New Brunswick E5V 1G6 Pêcheries Atlantiques du Québec 9200 Rue Du Buisson Montreal, Québec H1L 2X1 Pêcheries Belle Île Fisheries Ltd. 4 rue du Port St-Marie-St-Raphael, New Brunswick E8T 1T4 Pêcheries de Chez-Nous Ltée P.O. Box 4129, Station B Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick E1X 1G4 Pêcheries G.E.M. Ltée (Les) 1324 Route 335 St-Simon, New Brunswick E8P 2B2 Pécheries Gros Cap Inc. (Les) P.O. Box 8184, 521 Chemin Gros-Cap Cap-aux-Meules, Québec G4T 1R3 Pecheries Hubert inc.

100 Chemin des Buttes Havre Aux-Maisons, Québec G4T 5L3 Pecheries Norpro 2000 Ltee.

P.O. Box 250, 100 Chemin des Fumoirs Havre Aubert, Québec G0B 1J0 Pêcheries W.J. Fisheries Ltd. (Les) 217 Bellefeuille Street Shippagan, New Brunswick E8S 1G6 Poiss. Arseneau Fish Market Ltd. 221 Main Street Nigadoo, New Brunswick E8K 3S8

Poisson Salé Gaspésien ltée P.O. Box 790, 39 Rue du Parc Grande-Rivière, Québec Canada G0C 1V0

R & D Nickerson Fish Products Ltd. RR 1 Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 3B0

Seaxx Inc. P.O. Box 808 Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador A0A 1G0

R & K Murphy Enterprises Ltd. P.O. Box 323, Yarmouth Co. Lower Wedgeport, Nova Scotia B0W 2B0

Seldon Miller Fisheries Ltd. RR1, Lunenburg Co. Hubbards, Nova Scotia B0J 1T0

Poissonnerie Jean-Guy Laprise inc.

142 Rue Vallilée Chute-aux-Outardes, Québec G0H 1C0

R. I. Smith Co., Ltd. P.O. Box 9, Shelburne Co. Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 3B0

Shag Harbour Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 69, Shelburne Co. Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 3B0

Port Daniel Fisheries Inc. 459 Route 132 Port-Daniel, Québec G0C 2N0

Raymond O'Neill & Son Ltd. 221 Escuminac Point Road Escuminac, New Brunswick E9A 1V6

Shediac Lobster Shop Ltd. 261 Main Street Shediac, New Brunswick E4P 2A6

Port Enterprises Ltd. P.O. Box 70, Southern Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador A0B 3H0

Richibouctou-Village Fishermen's Co-op, 3756 Route 505 Richibouctou-Village, New Brunswick E4W 1R2

ShoreLine Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 59, Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0

Poissonnerie du Havre (1997) inc.

968 Rue de la Berge Harve-Saint-Pierre, Québec G0G 1P0

Poseidon Ocean Products Corp.

802 - 6020, Jean Talon East Montreal, Québec H1S 3B1 Poséidon, Les Poissons et Crustacés inc.

P.O. Box 10, 259 Rue de la Mer Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Québec G0G 1V0 Premium Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 39, Richmond Co. Arichat, Nova Scotia B0E 1A0 Princeton Seawater Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 50, Princeton, Newfoundland and Labrador A0C 2K0 Produits Belle Baie Ltée 10 Quai Road Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B6 Produits Marins St. Godefroi Inc. P.O. Box 21, 156 Route 132 St-Godefroi, Québec G0C 3C0 Queen Street Meat Market 368 University Avenue Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4N1

Royal Star Foods Ltd. P.O. Box 69 Tignish, Prince Edward Island C0B 2B0 Sable Fish Packers (1988) Limited P.O. Box 69, South Side, Shelburne Co. Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 1P0 Sambro Fisheries Ltd. 40 Lenny Lane Sambro, Nova Scotia B3B 1L5 Sea Deli 1996 Ltd. 87 ch Quai Cap Cocagne Road Grande-Digue, New Brunswick E4R 4H7 Seabright Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 1684 Pictou, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 Seacore Seafood Inc. 81 Aviva Park Drive Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 9C1 Seafood 2000 Ltd. P.O. Box 40, Water Street Georgetown, Prince Edward Island C0A 1L0 Sealane Gourmet Foods Ltd. 2001 220 Route 134 Petit-Rocher Nord, New Brunswick E8G 3B2

88

Skipper Fisheries Ltd. P.O. Box 149, Yarmouth Co. West Pubnico, Nova Scotia B0W 3S0 Smith Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 58 Normans Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador A0B 2T0 Sogelco International Inc. 400 - 715 Square Victoria Montreal, Québec H2Y 2H7 Special K. Fisheries Ltd. 16 Ferry Road Grand Manan, New Brunswick E5G 3A2 St. Laurent Gulf Products Ltd. P.O. Box 5607 Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B7 St. Thomas Fish Market Inc. 18 ch du Quai St-Thomas St-Thomas-de-Kent, New Brunswick E4S 4Y7 Stanley Lobster Company Ltd. P.O. Box 818, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia B5A 4K4 St-Paul Fisheries (1989) Ltd. P.O. Box 5572 Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1B7

Summerside Seafood Supreme Inc. P.O. Box 1597, Queen's Wharf Summerside, Prince Edward Island C1N 2V5 Surf Seafoods Limited P.O. Box 309, Shelburne Co. Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia B0W 1G0 T. C. Trading Inc. 163 - 5980 Miller Road Richmond, British Columbia V7B 1K2 T. Ito Trading (N.S.) Ltd. 1326 Lower Water Street, Unit 220 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R3 Terra Vista Ltd. P.O. Box 280 Glovertown, Newfoundland and Labrador A0G 2L0 The Barry Group N.B. Inc. P.O. Box 200 Morell, Prince Edward Island C0A 1S0 The Barry Group NB 69 Cap Bimet Blvd.

Grand Barachois, New Brunswick E4P 6X5 Tusket Seafoods Limited P.O. Box 125, Yarmouth Co. Tusket, Nova Scotia B0W 3M0 Twin Seafood Limited RR3, Shelburne Co. Shelburne, Nova Scotia B0T 1W0 Unipêche M.D.M. ltée P.O. Box 416, Route du Quai Paspebiac, Québec G0C 2K0 Victoria Co-op. Fisheries Limited P.O. Box 38, Victoria Co. Neils Harbour, Nova Scotia B0C 1N0 Village Bay Sea Products Co. Ltd. P.O. Box 501 Richibucto Village, New Brunswick E4W 5N5

Wayne Brousseau Limited 144 Old Kingston Road, Suite 9 Toronto, Ontario L1T 2Z9 Westmorland Fisheries Ltd. 64 Gautreau Street Cap-Pele, New Brunswick E4N 1V3 Wood Pick Enterprises Ltd. P.O. Box 115 Wareham, Newfoundland and Labrador A0G 4A0 Woods Harbour Lobster Co. Ltd. P.O. Box 70, Shelburne Co. Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia B0W 2E0 Young's Lobster Co. Ltd. 40 Lord's Cove Road Deer Island, New Brunswick E5V 1G1 Zeus Seafood Inc. 33 Bakers Point Rd, RR2,Oyster Pond Jeddore, Nova Scotia B0 J 1W0

CHINA Changyang Seafoods Co. Ltd Qingdao Ph: 86 532 8577 2272 zhireng51@hotmail.com

FRANCE Les Mareyeurs du Sud-Est Rungis Ph: 1 56 70 0410 Fax; 1 49 78 7026 paris@mareyeursdusudest.com http://www.mareyeursudest.com

GERMANY Crustimex Seafood Gmbh Grosse Elbstrasse 133 D-22767 Hamburg Ph. +49 4038 0202 29 Fax. +49 4038 0202 38

ITALY Ocean Eagle Seafood Rome Ph: +39 06 558 3980 Fx: +39 06 556 0342 oceaneagle@libero.it http://www.oceaneagle-seafood.com

Waycobah Seafoods Ltd. P.O. Box 149 Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia B0E 3M0

IRELAND Atlantic Fish Ltd Main Road Carndonagh Co Donegal Ph. +353 7493 74285 Fax. +353 7493 74685

NETHERLANDS Dayseaday Schulpengat 9 8321 WC URK Ph. +31 527 684684 Fax. +31 527 681477 www.dayseaday.com Friends, Fish & Trading Provincienbaan 4b 5121 DL Rijen Ph. +31 161 295900 Fax. +31 161 295909 www.friendsfish-trading.nl Heiploeg Shellfish Industrieweg 35 4401 LA Yerseke Ph. +31 113 57927 Fax. +31 113 579280 www.heiploeg.nl Klaas Puul & Zoon Lupinestraat 1-17 1131 JT Volendam Ph. +31 299 364247 Fax. +31 299 350060 www.klaaspuul.nl Gebr. Kooy Energieweg 12 1271 ED Huizen Ph. +31 35 5253255 Fax. +31 35 5269044 www.gebrkooy.com Lenger Seafoods Industrieweg 2 8861 VH Harlingen Ph. +31 517 414455 Fax. +31 517 415422 www.lenger.nl Ocean Fish Agro Businesspark 52 6708 PW Wageningen Ph. +31 317 428539 Fax. +31 317 428666 www.oceanfish.nl Verwijs Import Export De Poort 81 4411 PB Rilland Ph. +31 113 556575 Fax. +31 113 556585 www.verwijsfish.com VSV van Slooten Vis Vissershavenstraat 35 1976 DB Ijmuiden Ph/ +31 255 537576 Fax. +31 255 513729 Winefish Halkade 6 1976 DV Ijmuiden Ph. +31 255 535044 Fax. +31 255 514032

89

SPAIN Inlet Seafish Carrera dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;En Corts 231 Frig Euromerk Office 3 Mercovalencia Valencia Spain 46013 Ph. +34 963 240580 Fax. +34 963 564577

TAIWAN Ven Heu Yu Trading Co. Ltd Kaohsiung Ph: +886 7 313 1339 Fax: +886 7 322 4205 jlin866@ms65.hinet.net sherry-chen@umail.hinet.net

UK Anchor Seafoods Devonshire House High Street Handcross Haywards Heath RH17 6BJ Ph. +44 1444 400 363 Fax. +44 1444 400 949 Angelbond Unit 9, Block 22 Motherwell Food Park Bellshill ML4 3BA Ph. +44 1698 740 620 Fax. +44 1698 740 915 Aquarius Sea Trade Plc Lower Ground Floor 22 Southern Hay West Exeter Ph. +44 1392 423 769 Fax. +44 1392 211 077 Atlanta (UK) Ltd 209-211 City Road London EC1V 1JN Ph. +44 207 490 0974

J Bennett (Billingsgate) Ltd Office 10, Billingsgate Market Trafalgar Way Poplar London Ph. +44 207 515 6007 Fax. +44 207 986 8957 Burgons of Eyemouth Ltd Harbour Road Eyemouth TD14 5HZ Ph. +44 1890 750 272 Fax. +44 1890 751 259 Clearwater Lobster Merchants A133-134 New Covent Garden Market Nine Elms Lane London SW8 5LL Ph. +44 207 627 4422 Fax. +44 207 627 4550 Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd Bothwell Park Industrial Estate Uddingston Glasgow G71 6LS Ph. +44 1698 810008 Fax. +44 1698 810660 Mackenzie Bros Ltd Macrae Gairloch Pier Road Gairloch Wester Ross IV21 2BQ Ph. +44 1445 712 550 Fax. 01445 712 551 Peninsula Seafoods Ltd Suite 124 Goulton Street Hull HU3 4DL Ph. +44 1482 321135 Fax. +44 1482 321145 Ramus Seafoods Ocean House 136 Kings Road Harrogate HG1 5HY Ph. +44 1423 563271

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Fax. +44 1423 875073 Sco Fro Foods Ltd 229 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5QY Ph. +44 141 223 7711 Fax. +44 141 223 7524

USA Resource Trading Company 72 Commercial Street P.O. Box 1698 Portland, Maine 04104 USA Spencer Fuller Title: President Phone: (207) 772-2299 Fax: (207) 772-4709 E-mail: rtc1@worldnet.att.net Subcategory: Exporter and Processor Comments: International Trading Company (Maine Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Crawfish, Herring, Mackerel, Squid)

Didi Lobster & Stone Crab Corp Miami, Florida Ph: +1 305 785 4360 Fax: +1 305 573 1518 stonecrabbery@aol.com Montecristi Fla. Pierdinales Ph: +1 305 251 3351 Fax: +1 305 234 4841 lillyfresh2@hotmail.com Redline Seafood LLC Ponca City, OK Ph: +1 580 765 3200 Fax: +1v580 765 3232 nrader@redlineseafood.net http://www.redlineseafood.net

Annex II – Useful websites o FAO Globefish: www.globefish.org Canada o Fish & Seafood Online, Agriculture and Agri-Food: http://www.seafoodcanada.gc.ca/homee.htm o Fisheries and Oceans Canada (federal government department): http://www.dfompo.gc.ca/home-accueil_e.htm o Atlantic Canada Lobster and Seafood Promotion Group: http://www.tastelobster.ca/english/opening.html USA o United States Department of Agriculture - Foreign Agricultural Service: http://www.fas.usda.gov/ffpd/fpd.html o Maine Lobster Promotion Council:www.mainelobsterpromo.com o Maine International Trade Center: www.mitc.com o Mass Lobstermen’s Association: www.lobstermen.com/default.asp o Food Export USA: www.foodexportusa.org Australia o Western Rock Lobster Council - http://www.rock lobsterwa.com/ o Government of Western Australia. Department for Fisheries http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/sec/com/species/Rock lobster.php?0207

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References • • •

• • • •

•

• •

Dr. Manfred Klinkhardt. 2006. Hummer – Der König der Krustentiere.

FishMagazin Publikation. Germany The Western Rock lobster Development Association. March 2006. Global Lobster Market Database. Quarterly Report. Australia Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists Ltd. March 2006. Benchmarking study on Canadian Lobster. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee. September 2005.Executive Meeting 20th September 2005.

Hénard M.-C.. 2005. France Fishery Products Annual 2005. GAIN Report Number FR5065. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Oliveira e Silva B.M.. 2006. Brazil Fishery Products Annual Report 2006.

GAIN Report Number BR6603. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Menghini A.; Biasetti D.; 2004. Italy Fishery Products. US lobsters dominate Italian import market. GAIN Report Number IT4032. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Elliott M.; 2003. Australia Fishery Products. SARS Causes problems for seafood industry. GAIN Report Number AS3014 USDA Foreign Agricultural Service 2005.Seafood Import and Consumption Soar. GAIN Report Number RS6036.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service www.globefish.org

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GLOBEFISH MARKET RESEARCH PROGRAMME Vol.65

Effect of World Trade Organization’s Regulation on World Fish Trade (87p.)

Mar 2000

30

Vol.66

European Union Standards for Fishery Products (including EU duties) (248p.)

June 2000

30

Vol.67

The Ornamental Fish Market (91p.)

Oct 2000

30

Vol.68

The World Market for Frog Legs (44p.)

June 2001

30

Vol.69

Fishery Industry Profile – Thailand (76p.)

Nov 2001

30

Vol.70

The Fishery Industry in Greece (59p.)

Nov 2001

30

Vol.71

The German Market for Fish and Seafood (116p.)

Jan 2002

30

Vol.72

Fish Roe in Europe: Supply and Demand Conditions (47p.)

Nov 2002

30

Vol.73

Salmon – A Study of Global Supply and Demand (151p.)

July 2003

30

Vol.74

World Tuna markets (135p.)

May 2004

30

Vol.75

Fishery Industry Profile – Viet Nam (57p.)

July 2004

30

Vol.76

Fishery Industry in China (74p.)

Sept 2004

30

Vol.77

Overview of Organic Markets: an Opportunity for Aquaculture Products? (98p.)

Jan 2005

30

Vol.78

Seafood Price Indices (44p.)

Apr 2005

30

Vol.79

World Market of Tilapia (28p.)

Apr 2005

20

Vol.80

Fishery Industry Profile – Russia (70p.)

June 2005

30

Vol.81

Trends in European Groundfish Markets (153p.)

Nov 2005

50

Vol.82

Freshwater Species on the European Market (119p.)

Dec 2005

30

Vol.83

Fish Supply and Demand in the Near East Region (67p.)

Jan 2006

30

Vol.84

The Market for Nile Perch (94p.)

Apr 2006

30

Vol.85

Supermarkets and the Artisanal Fisheries Sector in Latin America (79p.)

Apr 2006

30

Vol.86

Markets and Marketing of Aquaculture Finfish in Europe (50p.)

Aug 2006

30

Vol.87

Lobster Markets (92p.)

Aug 2006

30

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GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME Trends in European Groundfish Markets Volume 81

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