SHEDIAC, N.B. — Fishermen in southeastern New Brunswick say their fight to stop cheap American lobster from being processed in the province is far from over.
Hundreds of fishermen prevented an American truck from unloading lobster from Maine on Thursday at a Shediac processing plant.
By mid-afternoon, the truck was headed back to the United States with an RCMP escort.
Fishermen say it’s not fair that the inexpensive lobster is being imported just as they prepare to begin their season in the Northumberland Strait.
One of the protesters, Maurice Martin, said it may be acceptable to bring in the American crustaceans when Canadians aren’t fishing, but to do so as boats are preparing to begin work is a threat to his livelihood.
He says processing plants risk “destroying his living,” by importing just as the season is set to start in the Northumberland Strait.
Fishermen have requested a meeting with provincial Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp to discuss the issue.
(The Canadian Press)
