The international market for lobster has been expanding rapidly in recent years and the crustacean has become a hot commodity in Europe and Asia.
Maritime harvesters are happy since demand has helped push up prices but consumers are grumbling about paying more.
Michel Richard with the Maritime Fishermen’s Union says an upcoming trade deal with Europe is going to give regional harvesters a big advantage over their American counterparts.
“Our current government (is) negotiating with European nations to work on a program of abolishing or gradually diminishing tariffs,” he notes.
Richard says the Americans don’t have that kind of agreement.
Demand for lobster is also growing in Asia.
About 8 years ago, Richard adds less than half-a-percent of the total catch went to Asia but now the figure is more like 20 percent.