CBC News reported on November 1 that southwestern Nova Scotia lobster crews face a minimum diesel price of $2.66 a litre, the Nova Scotia Energy Board figure as of Friday. Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34 open on November 30. Kenny Jacquard of Wedgeport said fuel costs will push more boats inshore and crowd traps into waters smaller crews usually use. He warned that shift could take many lobsters before Christmas. Donnie Jacquard said boats may go out less often than four times a week.
Kenny Jacquard said many boats would need almost $20 a pound to stay profitable. That is a harvester's threshold, not a published buyer price. Dan Fleck of the Brazil Rock association said Area 34 landings have fallen 50 percent over a decade for unknown reasons, while Area 33 has been steadier. Southwestern Nova Scotia has few other fisheries. Crews expect fuel costs to reach gear and, eventually, the market. The November 1 report did not print a new dock or grocery price.
Could $2.66 diesel raise the lobster price shoppers pay? No consumer lobster price was published. The report gives the diesel minimum and harvesters' warnings before the November 30 opening.