Articles
Northumberland Strait Lobster: Prices Down, Costs Up
The lobster fishery in the Strait of Northumberland, between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, continues to be in trouble. That’s been the case for some time. Now there’s an added negative factor: low prices and high costs. Ed Frenette, executive director of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA), says that catches this season
“Gray Zone” questions persist
The Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association (GMFA) has produced a new fishery management plan for the “Gray Zone,” the disputed triangular area between Grand Manan and the Maine coast. “We’d really like it to be a joint management plan with Maine fishermen,” says GMFA project manager Melanie Sonnenberg. But that’s not likely to happen anytime soon.
Efforts are underway to save Saint John-Digby ferry
Bay Ferries Ltd. of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, has announced plans to end ferry service between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia, on Oct. 31. The year-round service employs 100 workers and has provided transportation for Nova Scotia businesses for more than 50 years, chief among them the fish packing industry. It also
Tidal power proposals return to eastern Maine
As fossil fuel costs soar, energy generated from tidal power is gaining more and more attention. An energy research firm in California has produced a study touting Bay of Fundy tidal power as a viable source of electricity, and has also determined that among the best sites would be the Western Passage of Passamaquoddy Bay
“Mr. Eastport”
“Mr. Eastport,” John Pike Grady, rides in the Eastport Boat School float during Eastport’s Grand Independence Day Parade on July 4. The float was part of an announcement by the Friends of the Boat School of an endowment for the school in Grady’s name. A World War II veteran and longtime Boat School supporter, Grady
Canadian legislator proposes new ferry to ease border crossing
Except during summer months the only way Campobello residents can travel to the rest of Canada is through the United States. After 911, such travel became difficult at best. With heightened American border security concerns, it has become even more difficult. From the end of June to roughly Labor Day, direct travel from Campobello to
Eastport Boat School gets last-minute funding
Eastport breathed a collective sigh of relief when Maine Gov. John Baldacci announced in early June that he would use his contingency fund to provide $210,000 to keep the Eastport Boat School afloat. The governor’s action came in the wake of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee’s failure to fund a bill sponsored by Sen. Kevin Raye
Northumberland Strait lobster fishery on verge of collapse
The lobster fishery in the Strait of Northumberland, separating Prince Edward Island from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is on the verge of collapse. Prince Edward Island fishermen have been saying it, and now the provincial government is saying so as well. Ed Frenette, executive director of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association, says the
Grand Manan fishermen air their complaints in face-to-face meeting
On May 12, Grand Manan fishermen were able to present their complaints and concerns in a face-to-face meeting with Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn. Agenda items included the scallop fishery, tuna fishing, and the island’s wharf infrastructure, according to Melanie Sonnenberg, project manager for the Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association, which hosted the meeting. Hearn was accompanied
Southern Newfoundland cod quota cut
Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn announced in May that the Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for cod in Area 3Ps (southern Newfoundland) has been cut. Not surprisingly, area fishermen aren’t pleased. The cod TAC for 2006-07 has been set at 13,000 tons, down from 15,000 tons a year ago. “This reduction is necessary for