• The Vanguard Business Lobsters lifeblood of economy in southwestern N.S.Greg Bennett Published on December 08, 2014 This Christmas, the smell of salt bait could be the smell of money for businesses in southwestern Nova Scotia. This fall’s lobster season, after years of ups and downs, is hoped to be a good one. That would be positive news for retailers across the region hoping for strong holiday season sales. And there’s reason to be optimistic. The industry is receiving a boost this fall as a result of increased interest from China. The emerging market for lobsters is important competition and could have a positive impact on lobster prices. Despite that, some are cautioning against complacency and like a ghost visiting Ebenezer Scrooge are reminding people about events of Christmas past. Five years ago, a crisis within the lobster industry almost cost John Shaar his business. That 2008-09 season a soft market and a glut of lobsters saw prices collapse. Many fishermen were left with very little to spend beyond paying their bills …if they could do that. In the Barrington area, set within the heart of the most lucrative lobster fishery in Canada, the crisis was most pronounced and businesses in the area immediately and deeply felt the economic strain. Shaar, a former lobster fisherman himself and the owner of a jewelry store in Barrington Passage, knew what was going on better than most. He and others had seen the coming crisis and began a grass-roots initiative to convince Nova Scotians and other Canadians to support their local industry and eat more lobster. That campaign had mixed results, but Shaar and many other businesses in the region still managed to weather the storm, if barely. In recent years, while prices have been subject to ups and downs, the industry has generally rebounded. If indications are correct, the upcoming lobster season in southwestern Nova Scotia could be a banner one. “This year could be our highest year for sales yet,” said Shaar. Considered a luxury food item by most, in western Shelburne County, lobster is much more than that. Shaar describes lobster as the lifeblood of the economy in the region. Far beyond the hundreds of people the industry employs, he says the spinoff radiates across all other economic sectors. A good season is good news for all businesses in the region at Christmas, from car dealers to clothing stores. “When they do well, we all do well,” he said. “It appears the Chinese interest is going to help in the short term. But we can’t forget about promotion and advertising.” Shaar also reminds retailers that at the base root of the regional economy are the captains, crews and families who spend their money in the area. And if a fisherman walks in smelling like salt bait? “We don’t mind at all,” says Shaar, who notes that many are so busy they rush to the store directly from work. “They are our best customers and we are happy to help them.”
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:19:59 +0000
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