Cheap U.S. lobster spark fishermen's anger

New Brunswick lobster fishermen are angry several fish processing plants have told them their lobster isn't wanted because they havepurchased cheap American lobster from Maine instead.

Bargain-priced lobster from Maine has fishermen concerned there may be less demand for their own product when the fall season opens in zone 25in mid-August.

At the moment, U.S. lobster is selling for about $2 per pounda price, New Brunswick fishermen say, they cannot match.

The Maine lobsters were harvested earlier than usual this year.

About 150 fishermen from Rivire du Cap, Richibuctou, Kouchibouguac, Bouctouche and Shediac drove to the community centre in Bouctouche to discuss their options.

The Maritime Fishermen's Union called the meeting overconcernstheir seasonmay be delayed.

Many told CBC News the meeting was unsatisfactory.

They say processors have told themthey can't buythe more expensive locallobster, and it's been suggestedNew Brunswick fishermenshorten their season by three weeks.

The season lasts 10 weeks andfishermen say they refuse to delay their fishing season.

After the meeting, thefishermen headed to a processing plant in Bedec, furious the plant is processing American lobster.

They yelled at the plant's owner, questioning why he'd purchase lobster from outside Atlantic Canada. Some fishermen reportedly turned off the refrigeration units holding the lobster.

Fishermenare also upset at the union for not taking steps earlier to prevent the plants from buying lobster elsewhere.

The union says it willplead for help from the province.

Over the last four years, the lobster industry has taken a beating from distressed economies in Europe and the United States. As a result, low prices have been a source of frustration for lobster fishermen.

According to its website, the Maritime Fishermen's Union representsmore than1,300 owner-operator fish harvesters with small businesses actively fishing in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.