N.S. lobster fishermen join P.E.I. price protests

Lobster fishermen in Guysborough, Antigonish and Pictou Counties are following the lead of fishermen on Prince Edward Island and tying up their boats.

At a meeting Wednesday night in Antigonish, 90 fishermen voted to stay home Thursday and Friday to protest rock-bottom prices.

The protests on P.E.I. have included a blockade at a lobster plant in the eastern part of the province.

• Fishermen blockade lobster plant

Fisherman Dan MacDougall, who led the meeting in Antigonish, said buyers are offering $3.75 a pound for canners and $4.00 for market sized lobster.

He said thats simply not enough to make a profit.

"It means theres no margin," he said. "Youre putting it back, everything back in to expenses."

MacDougall said fishermen need close to $5 a pound to make a decent living.

"Everyone has bills, but new entrants are feeling the squeeze. If theres no profit, and youre not making a living, youre really at risk of bankruptcy."

MacDougall said the fishermen will decide their next move at a meeting Friday.