Unraveling the Complexities of a Maritime Industry in Crisis

In late 2020, journalist Greg Mercer found himself in a lobsterman's living room in southern New Brunswick, amidst a turbulent situation. A severe storm had grounded boats and damaged buildings. However, the primary reason for his presence, as The Globe and Mail’s Atlantic Canada reporter, was to cover the violent reaction to the entry of Indigenous fishermen into the region's lucrative lobster fishery.

In his new book, Mercer utilizes his Maritime background and extensive reporting experience to create a detailed portrayal of a historic industry facing multiple crises. He explores the world of lobster, from the shores of his home province to a seafood market in China and Narragansett, Rhode Island, where warming waters are impacting the crustaceans.

How much do we value this valuable species, and what actions are we – particularly the federal government – willing to take to protect it and the rural communities that depend on its harvest? The answer, as Mercer discovers, is as intricate as the creature and the fishery itself.

Mercer's earliest memory of lobster involves his grandfather. He recalls the fascination and slight fear he felt watching his grandfather eat an entire lobster. This experience highlights the work involved in enjoying the delicacy.

The book explores the entire commodity chain, from chefs struggling with high prices to the hidden black market of unreported catches, which introduces uncertainty into the regulation of the fishery.

For Mercer, writing about the sea has always held a strong appeal. He witnessed how a global lobster boom benefited Atlantic fishermen and later, as a journalist, observed how the entry of Indigenous fishermen into the industry sparked jealousy and mistrust.

In 2020, when Mi’kmaq fishermen began fishing without federal licenses, violence erupted. Mercer covered the conflict, witnessing acts of aggression.

Initially, Mercer was unaware of the complexities. As he delved deeper, he examined scientific studies and legal history, including the 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decision.

In his book, Mercer carefully balances the perspectives, explaining why Indigenous fishermen should be included in the fishery while also acknowledging the concerns about further extraction and quota reallocation.

The "trap" refers to the fact that many lobstermen are heavily invested in the industry, making them reliant on catching more and more lobster. Meanwhile, scientists warn that warming oceans are impacting lobster populations.

Mercer does not blame those who catch lobster to support their families. He emphasizes that the current system incentivizes fishermen to catch as many lobsters as possible, potentially endangering the future of the species.

He believes federal regulators need to take action. He stresses the importance of using science and regulation to ensure the fishery's survival for future generations, highlighting the consequences of inaction.