Lobster fishermen in New Brunswick say they support the efforts of their counterparts in Nova Scotia who have banded together to try to force up lobster prices.
But they're not convinced starving the market and fixing prices would help the future of the local fishery without an increase in consumer demand as well.
"There is quite a few fishermen that feel quite strongly that the buyers are holding back the price and I tend to think it's market supply and demand and we have to work with that and try to use that to our advantage," said Greg Thompson, president of the Fundy North Fishermen's Association.
Thompson, a 40-year veteran, who is based in Dipper Harbour, said it's been a bumper season for lobster. He's never seen catches comparable to the current ones, he said.
But the bounty has hurt prices, leaving fishermen like him no further ahead.
"The thing that's sustaining us is we have huge landings that are somewhat mitigating the low price, but again, I don't think that's sustainable," said Thompson.
"Over time the history of the fishery has shown these huge landings aren't sustainable."
A newly-formed group of lobster fishermen in Nova Scotia, who are also struggling with low prices, are refusing to sell lobster for under $5.50 a pound, as of midnight Tuesday.
The move comes after prices dropped dramatically from about $10 a pound to under $6 at most grocery stores just before Christmas. Fishermen were getting about $3.50 per pound, but say their costs are about $4.
Prices are so low that customers from as far away as British Columbia are ordering lobster from Nova Scotia, paying for shipping fees and are still saving money compared to buying at their local stores.
Daryn Janes, a dealer with Fundy Bay Seafood Ltd. in Dipper Harbour, contends the market won't support higher prices with the record haul of lobster this year— unless demand also picks up. And that will take time, he said.
"Everybody wants more, but it's not so easy. Even Santa Claus doesn't bring you everything you want," said Janes.
Thompson believes the industry needs better marketing and a way to prevent gluts every May and December when fisherman all hit the water at the same time.
The lobster fishery closes on Jan. 15.
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