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NEWS RELEASE (CNS587) -->> FISHERIES--BARKHOUSE SAYS LOBSTER FEES MUST BE FAIR FISHERIES--BARKHOUSE SAYS LOBSTER FEES MUST BE FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse called upon federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Fred Mifflin today to take a serious second look at licence fees for lobster fishermen in southwest Nova Scotia. In a letter to the federal Minister, Mr. Barkhouse said that fishermen from southwest Nova Scotia, lobster fishing area 34 (LFA 34), are not satisfied with the response they received from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) regarding a licence fee review. "What fishermen expected and what DFO delivered, with respect to a review, were totally different," he said. Mr. Barkhouse said that fishermen expected DFO to take into account the wide gaps in landed earnings among district 34 lobster fishermen, and to look at ways to create a more equitable fee structure. But this has not occurred. Mr. Barkhouse said the problem arises from the dramatic increase in the fee, and the fact that all licence holders pay the same amount regardless of whether they make a basic earning from the industry or are very successful. The lobster licence fee per fisherman in area 34 has increased from $30 to almost $1,900. The new figure is based on the average gross landed value of lobster in the area. Mr. Barkhouse said approximately 150 fishermen land less than $34 thousand worth of lobster every year. "Why should this group, which represents 14 per cent of licence holders in LFA 34 pay the same of $1,890 as lobster fishermen earning from $75 thousand to several hundred thousand dollars." The minister said he wants DFO to look at statistics for landings and earnings in LFA 34. "DFO recognized the disparity in earnings among fishing districts and took this into account in structuring licence fees. It is reasonable to take the same approach in district 34 where there is a vast disparity in earnings among individual fishermen," he said. The formula for calculating fees needs to be refined to account for the large variances in individual earnings and DFO should take the lead in resolving the issue, said Mr. Barkhouse. Nova Scotia lobster fishermen do not dispute the need to shoulder some of the financial burden of fishery management, but they do insist that the sharing be fair, said Mr. Barkhouse. "Many responsible fishermen have come forward asking for government help to resolve this apparent impasse. Their concerns are legitimate and I want to help them find a solution which is equitable to all players," said Mr. Barkhouse. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 trp Oct. 02, 1996 - 11:57 a.m.