NORTH RUSTICO, Prince Edward Island (CP) – A Prince Edward Island man wants his fellow lobstermen to pay a small fee on their catches – say a penny per pound – to help fund research on declining stocks.

Norman Peters said it’s time for fishermen to contribute something from their own pockets to support an industry that’s provided them with a good living over the years.

Peters, president of the North Shore Fishermen’s Association, said a simple penny per pound of landed lobster would help.

“This will be good for us and good for the fishery,” he said.

Peters admitted the proposal isn’t new, but said he believes its time has come since Ottawa and the province are facing growing financial pressures.

The federal fisheries department and the provincial government have “been very good” to the industry, which generates over $100 million (Canadian) a year in revenues, added Peters.

Maine commercial fishermen, including lobstermen, face sharp increases in state licenses fees as of January 2004.

Maine lobstermen last year hauled in 62 million pounds valued at $207 million – both records. But northeastern lobster stocks have been hurt since 1999 by a mysterious shell disease off southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

On Prince Edward Island, this year’s fishing hasn’t been good for many of the province’s 1,500 lobstermen and the penny-per-pound idea seems to be gaining support.

Lobster fishermen in some ports saw their catches plunge by as much as 50 per cent this fall.

The poor results forced them to tie up their boats because they couldn’t afford the cost of gas and other expenses.

Good scientific research will help fishermen press Ottawa for changes in how the fishery is conducted, Peters explained. Jerry Amirault, chairman of the Maritime Lobster Processors’ Cooperative, said the industry would welcome any new money for research.

He said there can be little doubt, based on the poor landings in this year’s fall fishery, that the season must be changed.

Lobster quality is poor largely because fishing is occurring at a time of the year when the water temperature is too warm and the lobsters are immature or in the process of shedding, Amirault said.

AP-ES-12-21-03 1315EST