NEW BRUNSWICK, Canada (NEWS CENTER) -- Lobstermen in Canada continue to protest Maine lobster that they say is flooding the market and driving down prices.

Tuesday, the majority of processing plants in New Brunswick and two in Prince Edward Island shut down in response to the protests. They will stay closed for at least the next two days. Governor Paul LePage said he's been talking with New Brunswick Premier David Alward about the situation, and about the need for Maine lobster companies to be able to continue shipments into the province. Senator Collins is talking with the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. And Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Pat Keliher spoke with New Brunswick Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. Keliher says the problems need to be worked out, because the Maine fishery and Canadian processing industry rely on one another.

"They're dependent upon us," Kliher said. "If they don't have our Maine lobsters, they don't have year-round processing. Their fisheries in Canada are established to happen at a time when our catch is down. They need us. They need us as bad as we need them."

Canadian officials postponed the fall lobster fishing season an additional four days in response to the protests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS CENTER