Canada: Cape Breton lobster fishers report catches from record level to low, prices middling

Published 2024년 7월 13일

Tridge summary

The lobster fishing season in Cape Breton saw significant success in 2024, with catches increasing by at least 25% compared to the previous year, due to favourable weather conditions. However, not all areas experienced equal success, with some reporting decreased catches. Despite the high catches, harvesters expressed dissatisfaction with the low prices they received for their lobster. The season also faced challenges such as processing backlogs and high costs of bait, fuel, and crew salaries. The reopening of the local mackerel fishery provided a relief from rising costs. The exact reasons for the increased catches are speculated to be climate change or warmer water temperatures.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

SOUTH BAR, N.S. — The lobster catch was extraordinary off much of Cape Breton this season, but other harvesters weren’t as lucky. According to some fishers the Cape Breton Post spoke with, catches were up by at least 25 per cent in 2024 compared to last year. A major factor for that, they said, was favourable weather — with warm water temperatures and fewer lost days to adverse conditions. The areas with the strongest catches came off Cape Breton’s west and northeastern shores. Closer to industrial Cape Breton though, at least one harvester said his catches were down. “It was not too bad in the first three weeks of the year, but then it dropped off significantly,” Paul Fraser, who’s fished out of South Bar for 47 years, told the Post on Thursday while unloading traps with his crew. He guessed catches in and around where he fishes in Sydney harbour were down “at least” 30 per cent. He wasn’t sure why catches dropped, despite welcoming good conditions throughout the season. “Whether ...

Source: Saltwire