Lobster landings have fallen by as much as 90% off the east coast of Scotland, forcing a sharp rise in wholesale prices, reports the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation.
Prolonged cold weather has caused a shortage of Scottish lobster supplies, the Federation reported. Langoustine catches were also reported to be as much as 70% down in the Clyde fisheries area.
The federation said cold weather had forced lobsters further out to sea.
“Lobster is as rare as hens’ teeth at the moment,” said Alistair Sinclair, Federation chairman. “The prolonged cold snap has just set everything back.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-22297644
Thanks to Caroline in West Virginia for this link
“It may be a “luxury” goods shortage, like lobster right now that gets the headlines,” says Caroline. “But increasing problems in food production due to the cold, wet summer and fall of 2012, and the prolonged cold and heavy winter and spring snows are already hitting “ordinary” food items too.”