N.B. group warns of tough year for lobstermen

GRAND MANAN, New Brunswick – Some New Brunswick lobster fishermen will head out to sea Nov. 13, but Grand Manan Fishing Association general manager Klaus Sonnenberg says they should prepare for rough waters when it comes to profits this year.

“One thing we know is it’s not going to be a very lucrative year with the Canadian dollar and price of fuel up,” said Sonnenberg.

“Fishermen are very worried about the price of lobster. We are going to see some very rough times ahead, very tough year for our lobster fishermen.”

Sonnenberg explained that the lobsters are sold to Europe and the United States, but the cost is dictated by the world market and is in American dollars.

Sonnenberg said the problem is a serious concern to all fishermen.

“Fisheries have been up in terms of quantity over the last 10 years, but the price of fuel and decrease in the price they will get for the lobster will be very serious,” said Sonnenberg.

“They will have to become more economical in terms of their expenses, and that’s going to be almost impossible because they’ve already tried to economize on their expenses over the last couple years. The rising fuel price is nothing new.”

Sonnenberg said lobster fishermen would have no choice but to work longer hours for less during this difficult year.