The Council for the Municipality of Shelburne unanimously approved a motion at the most recent Council meeting to support efforts by the lobster industry to improve prices and strengthen international markets, according to a release from the Municipality on Tuesday. The release acknowledged that lobster prices have been unsustainably low over the last few years and recognized that recently, new organizations have been formed within the region to address this issue and to develop lobster export markets.
On January 4 of this year the newly-minted 1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen Association has been holding meetings throughout Soutwest Nova Scotia, including Shelburne, Barrington, West Pubnico, Yarmouth and Digby Neck, with a meeting planned Jan 25 in Chester.
"The Municipality of Shelburne offers to support these efforts and work with the industry to unsure long term sustainability of the industry," says Municipal CAO Kirk Cox, who has worked in various capacities with lobster groups in the region. "The local lobster industry is our largest economic sector, representing some $350 million in direct economic activity," added Cox.
"The industry has faced significant challenges in the last few years including lower demand, lack of new market development, and a low US dollar." In its release the Municipality urges all stakeholder groups to work together to address these challenges in a significant way and they look forward to working with all groups.
On his Twitter account, Cox expressed hope that the advent of the new groups might force government to conduct more robut consultations with industry members.
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Once again young Mr Cox is carrying the torch but where is the town of Shelburne? The town has citizens who are fishermen! Where is Delaney hiding this time.Where is the
council?