Both sides looking for compromise in lobster dispute

After a week of hostility and tension, a small group of lobster fishermen and processors met Friday afternoon in Bouctouchehopingto finda compromise.

Local fishermen are upset about the low prices offered for theirlobster after a glut of lobster from Maine flooded into Canada.

The fishermen say the price has been driven down to about $2 per pound, a 30-year low. They say they need at least $4 to survive.

Thursday,processors won an injunctionto keep protesting fishermen off their property.

At Friday's meeting there were eight to 10 people representing each side. A mediator from the province was also in attendance.

A spokesperson for the fishermen describes the meeting as a positive step, saying at least the two sides are talking.

Maurice Martin,speaking on behalf offishermen, hopes to bring something positive from the meeting.

"People are getting frustrated. It's hard to control the people. I hope it's resolved. I'm starting to get scared a little bit," said Martin.

In an emailed statement, the office of Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, said, "An industry-led solution will be the best way forward and (the minister) continues to encourage fishermen andtheir associations to come together with a plan."

The statement saidthe minister believes an industry-led solution is key since government does not regulate the price of lobster.