PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Maine officials are hoping for a resolution to a simmering dispute in New Brunswick after Canadian lobstermen blocked shipments of low-priced Maine lobsters to processing plants in their country.

New Brunswick fishermen last week blockaded several processing plants, forcing them to close and lobster shipments to be sent back to Maine.

Maine Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher says he's been talking with New Brunswick Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. Olscamp says his department will continue to negotiate with fishermen as long as processing plants are allowed to open Tuesday.

Keliher says Maine lobster dealers for the most part have found other processors to ship to, but he's concerned Canadian protests could spread and create a backlog of lobsters in Maine.

Canadian lobstermen say inexpensive Maine lobsters are driving down prices.

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