Island lobstermen concerned over slow start to spring season

BEDEQUE, Prince Edward Island --Lobstermen in Prince Edward Island are wondering where all the lobster have gone.

Craig Avery, the Bedeque-based president of the Western Gulf Fishermen's Association, says catches are falling in the spring lobster fishery by up to 30 per cent in many areas. So far, the season has been a disappointment for many of the fishery's 630 or so fishermen.

And Avery says prices don't reflect the scarcity of lobsters, ranging from $5 to $6 a pound. He says that's a little higher than last year's prices, but he adds that at the same time many expenses have tripled.

There is still hope catches can pick up, but last year the fishery started off strong and tailed off toward the end of the season.

Dales Doiron, a lobsterman based in French River, estimates his catches are down by around 30 per cent, but he isn't overly worried -- for now. Doiron, who decided not to venture out to lobster grounds Monday, believes the recent spate of miserable weather is playing a significant role in the decline.

"Some (fishermen) headed out from Rustico. They didn't get many," he said. "I'd be concerned if things didn't pick up by the end of the month."

Last month in Maine, the top lobster producing state in the U.S., prices for the shellfish soared to around $15 a pound due to a shortage of supply. Harsh winter weather, abnormally cold water temperatures and the timing of fishing seasons were blamed for the shortage.

Lobster supplies were expected to recover with improved weather, which would warm the water so lobsters would make their way toward the traps. Maine has a $300 million lobster fishery.