A Nova Scotia lobster fisher is facing a fuel bill of roughly $55,000, a dramatic increase over last year, squeezing his earnings before he knows what his catch will bring.
Here's what to know
CTV Atlantic highlighted the threat diesel prices pose to harvesters' earnings, warning in its video caption that they could "claw back the bottom line." The report concerns harvesters preparing for lobster season in Nova Scotia's fishing zones 33 and 34.
"Last year, my fuel expense for the lobster season would have been around $30,000. This year, I'm looking at $55,000," Michael Larkin said to CTV Atlantic.
@ctvatlanticnews With the lobster season approaching for zones 33 and 34 in Nova Scotia there is concern over how diesel prices could claw-back the bottom line. #news #lobsterfishing #novascotia #diesel ♬ original sound - CTVNewsAtlantic
That amounts to an increase of about 83% as other operating expenses climb as well.
Harvesters cannot simply recover their growing expenses by charging customers more, according to CTV Atlantic. That leaves even a substantial catch offering no assurance of profitability in an industry central to Nova Scotia's coastal economy.
More background
Delivering lobster to market can cost more than sellers recover, the Lobster Council of Canada said to CTV Atlantic. The council cited competition in the international seafood market as a challenge.
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Customers are also feeling the pressure. One commenter on CTV Atlantic's video wrote, "Lobster is so expensive now. Can't afford it anymore."
Beyond the fishing industry, dependence on fossil fuels also has consequences for surrounding communities. Coal and natural gas power plants contribute to air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
Relying on these fuels can also keep household energy costs higher than drawing on abundant sunlight and wind. Meanwhile, coal, oil, and gas lobbying can delay cleaner, cheaper alternatives that would help protect families and reduce expenses.
What's being done?
To offset the increase, Larkin is looking to Ottawa for help. CTV Atlantic reported that he wants a rebate on fuel purchases.
Stronger demand for Nova Scotia lobster could help cover rising catching and delivery costs in a competitive market. CTV Atlantic described that possibility as another source of hope for harvesters along the southwestern shore.
Where can I learn more?
High fuel costs are squeezing budgets beyond Nova Scotia.
• Louisiana fishers say a liquefied natural gas company's LNG dredging buried traps and muddied oysters.
• Western Massachusetts' diesel prices nearing their 2022 peak are pushing up grocery costs.
• As Iowa diesel reaches $6.57, Chuck Grassley urges Trump to halt diesel exports.
• In Peabody, Massachusetts, a diesel surcharge threatens classroom budgets, costing as much as a teacher with benefits.
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