Fishy business: New Brunswick has a new plan to tackle unreported lobster sales

Lobsters are pictured. (CTV Atlantic / Jonathan MacInnis)

The Government of New Brunswick has unveiled new measures aimed at addressing unreported lobster sales.

The province identifies these sales as a challenge to its economy, trade and resource stability, according to a news release from Thursday.

Between 10 and 30 per cent of lobster landed in the province goes unreported each year, according to federal statistics, which leads to a loss of $5 to 7 million in provincial tax revenue.

The Department of Justice is enhancing enforcement measures, while the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries aims to engage stakeholders with respect to legislation.

The provincial budget allocated $667,000 for a one-year pilot program to support the plan, which is set to pay for a co-ordinator and four enforcement positions.

“This initiative demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting New Brunswick’s lobster fishery and ensuring fairness within the industry,” said Pat Finnigan, minister of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries.

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