Vote on P.E.I. lobster levy expected later this week

CHARLOTTETOWN - A vote to decide if Prince Edward Island lobster fishermen will participate in a levy to help pay for promoting their catch is expected later this week.

The fishermen are considering allowing a levy of one cent per pound by next year.

Ian MacPherson of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association says he hopes fishermen will take the lead in a plan to invest more in their own industry.

MacPherson says the next step would be information sessions and then a second provincewide vote on the formation of a Lobster Marketing Board to collect the levy.

The fund could raise an estimated $500,000 a year for the promotion of P.E.I. lobster.

Both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are considering a similar levy and the Lobster Council of Canada has advocated a Maritime joint campaign.

However, New Brunswick appears reluctant to participate in a joint project and Nova Scotia has delayed its levy plans.