P.E.I. shell fishermen met with a number of municipalities Thursday to discuss the problem of sewage closing down the shellfishery, but Charlottetown was not able to send a representative.
'I didn't stay for the whole meeting. I got annoyed and I left.'— fisherman Blair Smith
On several occasions in the last month or so heavy rains have overwhelmed parts of the sewer system in Charlottetown, sending raw sewage into the harbour.
Representatives of several municipalities were on hand to hear concerns from fishermen. It was a frustrating meeting for many, including Blair Smith of Fairview.
"We've lost over 30 days of our spring fishing season in that area," said Smith.
"Our fall fishery starts September the 15th or 16th, and if we have a rainfall and they close that there is going to be an awful lot of people out of work. They didn't tell us too much. They beat around the bush pretty good. In fact I didn't stay for the whole meeting. I got annoyed and I left."
The fishermen want the municipalities to upgrade their systems so sewage can't get into waterways. They said their livelihoods are stake.
They still hope to meet with Charlottetown officials. Some are talking about a need for compensation.
