Comments on: The state of Maine Lobster: Editorial http://maineinsights.com/perma/the-state-of-maine-lobster-editorial-by-john-hathaway Statewide and Community News in Maine Wed, 16 May 2012 00:34:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: G.E. Torrey http://maineinsights.com/perma/the-state-of-maine-lobster-editorial-by-john-hathaway/comment-page-1#comment-7 G.E. Torrey Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:54:17 +0000 http://www.polarbearandco.com/NewMaineDem/?p=362#comment-7 The facts remain that Canadian processor's overcapacity to both hold and process lobsters will dictate ex-boat pricing in Maine for years to come. Maine processors will remain niche players volume wise even with millions of dollars pumped into the local processing sector. Harvestors income will remain at the mercy of who ever can take the most volume. Lets hear some examples of how current Maine processors have returned significantly more money to the harvestors. How is appeasing Wal-Mart and Whole Foods on sustainability and humane handling practices putting more money into fishermen's pockets? How about more focus on exploring ways to reduce their bait, fuel and other overhead expenses. If lenders are unwilling to finance more than 50% of inventory holdings I doubt the taxpayers of Maine want to take on that risk. After all, the Canadian processors had to go to Iceland to get their money. I'm all for growing the Maine lobster processing industry and it's infrastructure, but lets focus on ways to secure more money for fishermen first. The facts remain that Canadian processor’s overcapacity to both hold and process lobsters will dictate ex-boat pricing in Maine for years to come. Maine processors will remain niche players volume wise even with millions of dollars pumped into the local processing sector. Harvestors income will remain at the mercy of who ever can take the most volume.

Lets hear some examples of how current Maine processors have returned significantly more money to the harvestors. How is appeasing Wal-Mart and Whole Foods on sustainability and humane handling practices putting more money into fishermen’s pockets? How about more focus on exploring ways to reduce their bait, fuel and other overhead expenses.

If lenders are unwilling to finance more than 50% of inventory holdings I doubt the taxpayers of Maine want to take on that risk. After all, the Canadian processors had to go to Iceland to get their money.

I’m all for growing the Maine lobster processing industry and it’s infrastructure, but lets focus on ways to secure more money for fishermen first.

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