In New Brunswick, Canada, the Coopérative des Pêcheurs de l’Île à Lamèque has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its shrimp processing factory. This decision comes as a response to the unprecedented crisis gripping the industry, primarily driven by low shrimp quotas in the region, which have rendered continued operations unprofitable.

Unprofitable Operations Due to Low Shrimp Quotas

With shrimp quotas in New Brunswick plummeting to approximately 750 tonnes, the Coopérative des Pêcheurs de l’Île à Lamèque found itself unable to sustain its processing activities. The company’s president, Hector Chiasson, expressed the challenges faced, stating, “We were forced to announce to members that we are no longer operating the shrimp factory in Lamèque, given the situation prevailing in the shrimp fishing industry.”

The closure marks the end of an era for the last shrimp processing facility in New Brunswick. During the peak years between 2008 and 2015, the Coopérative des Pêcheurs de l’Île à Lamèque processed between 12 and 15 million pounds of shrimp annually. However, in recent times, these quantities have sharply declined, with only 2.5 million pounds processed last year.

Adaptation and Impact on Workers

While the company has diversified its operations to include lobster processing and crab processing, it anticipates challenges in adapting to the new reality. Consequently, approximately 70 employees, mainly from the region, will experience reduced working hours and weeks. President Chiasson expressed uncertainty about the season’s outcome, acknowledging the challenges faced by workers.

Residents of Lamèque foresee significant ramifications for the region. Lucette Savoie voiced concerns about the impact on families, noting, “I know a lot of women. The children fish and then they become very discouraged.” Similarly, Édouard Caissie highlighted the broader implications, stating, “It’s cut on all edges: the crab, the shrimp, everything is cut.” Carole Noël-Basque emphasized the potential economic repercussions, stating, “People are already having trouble finding weeks to earn their unemployment benefits.”

Criticism of Fisheries Management

President Hector Chiasson criticized the management of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, expressing skepticism about the short-term prospects for the local economy. He warned of complications if quotas continue to decrease across various seafood sectors, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the industry.