Fishermen in Nova Scotia are fed up because lobster prices have fallen so much, they’re now being paid the same price as bolognaat the supermarket for their catch.
Photo by: Keven Law
Lobsters
At $3.50 to $4 a pound for their catch, it’s not even worth it to take the boat out some days, Ron Heighton, president of the Northumberland Fishermen’s Association, told the Chronicle Herald newspaper.
*Gulp*Did he just say no more lobster?
Oh, contraire!
For consumers accustomed to bad news in this recession, the lobster tank is half full: You can eat like a king for deli-counter prices.
At Osterville Fish Market in Cape Cod, lobster fell as low as $5 a pound around Christmas, down 50% from the $10 it sold for in recent years. Though, they’ve started to creep back up, selling between $7 to $9 a pound, depending on the size of the lobster.
Paul Dean, owner of the Osterville market says the low prices are spurring demand among the locals.
“When we put a sign out that says lobsters $4.99, people were cleaning them up as fast as we could stock the tank!” he said.
And, at $6.99, that’s still “a steal” Dean said — it’s the price per pound for American cheese and ham at the deli. But, he cautions, get ‘em while they’re cheap — these prices aren’t going to last forever.
So, tourists take note: If you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod this summer, make sure you order the lobster.
There may be a recession going on, but right now, you’re king of the sea.
Jimmy, put down that bologna and cheese sandwich. We’re having lobster tonight!
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