Peddlers to hawk P.E.I. lobster

For the first time in many years, consumers of P.E.I. lobster will be able to buy it Friday without it passing through the hands of a processor first.

'You've got to give the fishermen every opportunity to get the best price they can.' — Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair

The province has changed the law to allow fishermen to sell their own catch. With the price of lobster expected to be low this year, fishermen asked the province to change the law. Thirty-one people have applied for a peddler's licence. Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair said people had to meet certain criteria.

"They need the proper holding tanks, they have to ice the product to make sure that it's kept at a certain temperature. We don't want the product to deteriorate in the heat," said LeClair.

"You've got to give the fishermen every opportunity to get the best price they can for their product. You know, if they're willing to go out, and do it under our regulations and make sure it's done right and safe, the product is good. It just gives them an extra option."

LeClair said inspectors from the department will be checking on all the peddlers.

The global economic downturn has led to a decline in demand for all luxury products, lobster included. Adding to that problem is a large inventory of frozen lobster still in the warehouses of Maritime processors. That combination is expected to take the price of lobster lower than it has been in many years.