The Maine landings were up 18 million pounds over the record level of 105 million pounds in 2011, and is considered one of the main reasons behind dismal prices in the entire industry.
Ian MacPherson of the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association says they need to stabilize the industry and make it more sustainable.
The 2012 Maine volumes of 123.3 million pounds rival the 125 million pounds usually landed in the entire region of Atlantic Canada
The excessive catches flooded markets and pushed prices to under $3 a pound, which has raised the possibility of introducing boat quotas.
P.E.I. landed record catches as well over the past two years while acquiring poor prices along with Nova Scotia fishermen.
With files from the Cape Breton Post.
