Lobster harvesters hope for strong prices as cost of fuel and other expenses soar

Lobster harvesters are hoping for higher prices this spring as their costs for fuel and other expenses skyrocket. A relatively low supply of lobsters and increased demand with the removal of international trade barriers are pointing to better prices, Martin Mallet, executive director of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union, said in an interview Wednesday. However, harvesters are being challenged by rising expenses, including for labour, insurance, equipment and fuel. Mallet, who is based in New Brunswick, said the cost of diesel was in the $1.40 to $1.45 per litre range this time last year but reached as high as $2.30 to…