Lobster stocks decline brews Maritimes angst

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – A sharp decline in lobster stocks in the waters between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island has raised fears about the future of the Maritime delicacy in at least some parts of the region.

In the three weeks since fishermen headed out onto the waters of the Northumberland Strait, landings have been extremely poor, despite recent conservation measures.

That’s caused tempers to flare as people in the Maritimes once again witness the spectacle of too many fishermen pursuing an increasingly scarce resource.

“I think part of the problem is that people are fighting over a very scarce resource right now,” said Ed Frenette of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association.

“Some individuals are frightened. It’s their incomes and their families that they’re concerned about.”

Several Prince Edward Island lobster fishermen say New Brunswick fishermen have told them to stay away from fishing grounds on the mainland side of the Northumberland Strait.

“They told me they wanted me to pick up my gear and take it home or suffer the consequences,” said PEI fisherman John Jones.

“I was that disgusted I couldn’t even eat. I just couldn’t believe they would do that.”

Associations representing Island and New Brunswick fishermen, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, believe the threats are isolated.

Bobby Macinnis, head of protection for the federal Fisheries Department, said there will be no increase in patrols on the strait, at least not for the time being.

He said the RCMP has been informed of the situation, but no other action is necessary.