FOR THE WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017
tricountyvanguard.ca
MUSTreads
n THE SEASON
Optimism heading into the season Canadian lobster exports topped $2.1 billion in 2016 KATHY JOHNSON TRICOUNTY VANGUARD
Season opener safety Assets lined up for dumping day in southwestern Nova Scotia.
REGIONAL
A3
Without a hitch?
A look at past season starts.
A6, A7
Part of the family
Working with four generations of a fishing business family.
A13
A personal reflection
When mom watches from the wharf.
B1
Keeping them safe
Efforts aimed at passing on safety message. B6, B7
Special meaning
The special meaning behind a lobster pot tree.
B11
While many factors can come into play before an opening shore price is determined in the commercial lobster fishery, there is reason for optimism going into this season. In the Upper Bay of Fundy in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 35, where the season opened on Oct. 14, there are reports of strong landings and a solid shore price of $6.50. The Canadian dollar was trading at less than 80 cents with its American counterpart in October, which is always good news for Canadian exporters. The icing on the cake is the duty-free tariff on live lobster exports to Europe that took effect on Sept. 21 under the CanadaEuropean Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Previously, live lobster exports into Europe carried an eight per cent tariff. Under CETA, tariffs on frozen and processed lobster will also be phased out over the next three to five years. This is good news for the lobster industry, says Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada. “This is a great opportunity to sell more lobster so it’s really good news,” Irvine told fishermen during the SWNS Lobster Forum in Yarmouth this fall. While it is “too soon to show actual growth with data,” said Irvine in an early-November interview, “there is anecdotal information from shippers that European customers (mostly in the south like Italy, Spain and France) are coming back and asking for quotes on live lobster now that we are more competitive with our competitors from the United States. Time will tell how this plays out but early news is positive.” Asian markets also show good growth potential, says Irvine. According to statistics provided at the lobster forum, the total value of Canadian lobster exports to Asian countries increased by $167.6 million from 2014 to 2016 – from $210,658,120 to $378,293,703. The Lobster Council of Canada, along with contingents of Canadian exhibitors, attended two seafood expos in Asia this fall. About 16 companies from Eastern Canada attended Seafood Expo Asia in Hong Kong in September, said Irvine. “This is a relatively small show
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KATHY JOHNSON
A fisherman catches a coil of rope while piling lobster gear on the East Pubnico wharf in preparation for the upcoming season.
things TO KNOW
the opening of LFA 1 Following 35 in mid-October there were
2 3 4 KATHY JOHNSON
Geoff Irvine, executive director for the Lobster Council of Canada, gives fishermen an overview of lobster markets, landings and values at the SWNS Lobster Forum in Yarmouth this fall.
but comments from exhibitors noted that while the number of buyers in attendance was down, the quality of buyers was up so most found the show very useful to continue to develop current relationships and build new ones,” Irvine said. A total of 55 companies from across Canada attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in late October/early November. The show “was very successful with high traffic and lots of interest in lobster,” said Irvine. “Our challenge in China re-
mains that we quote prices into that market where everyone can be profitable as competition often causes Canadian exporters to undercut one another. However, the Chinese market remains an excellent opportunity for Canadian shippers as more lobster is sold through traditional channels and new e-commerce verticals.” Over the last 10 years, increased supply and lower prices have allowed the Lobster Council of Canada to broaden lobster markets, which in turn has helped sustain higher prices and
reports of strong landings and a solid shore price of $6.50 as of mid-November. Asian markets are showing good growth potential. Ninety-eight per cent of Canadian lobster is now certified to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards, which has helped in the marketplace. The Canadian dollar was trading at less than 80 cents with its American counterpart in October, which is always good news for Canadian exporters.
demand. Ninety-eight per cent of Canadian lobster is now certified to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards, which has also helped in the marketplace. According to DFO spokesman Steve Bornais, the 2015-16 season was a record for LFA 33 and 34, with total landings combined from both LFAs totalling 39,200 tonnes with a landed value of $570 million. Preliminary data for 2016-17 indicates landings were just over 30,200 tonnes with a landed value of $490 million for both districts combined.
On the menu Try out some of these lobster recipies.
B12, B13
YOU SAID IT
“THE ONLY FUTURE FOR THIS INDUSTRY IS FOR LOBSTERMEN TO SPEAK AND ACT AS ONE.” Colin Sproule talking about the importance of fishing associations. A9
KATHY JOHNSON
Lobster fishermen Jamie Bub Nickerson (on the truck), Chris Thurston (left) and Floyd Amirault unload lobster traps at the East Pubnico wharf in preparation for the upcoming season.