Lobster Promos Continue Hot and Heavy in New 
England This Summer Despite McDondald's Canada Pullback
Yesterday we reported that McDonald's Canada has suspended its summer McLobster promotion, citing the high price of meat. But that does not seem to have deterred foodservice in New England. McDonald's is rolling out its McLobster in New England again this year, with a price of 7.99 for the basic roll, and $10.99 for the combo. Panera bread also is featuring its summer lobster roll, priced a bit high at $17.99, but still on the menu. Meanwhile, Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut has begun a Lobster Madness promotion with the slogan "Get Your Tails in Here", which will run through September 4th. With foodservice continuing lobster promotions and usage, suppliers will be more confident about building inventory for programs this fall.
The DFO announced that the snow crab season in area 3K, off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, will be extended to July 15th, due to heavy pack ice which has been impacting vessels attempting to leave port. The two-week extension increases the likelihood that the quota in 3K will be caught. However, the Coast Guard warns that pack ice could stall in some areas, including traditional near-shore fishing grounds.
In other news, Peggy Parker writes of a moving tribute that was held for Chris Oliver, the outgoing executive director of the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council who is soon to be the head of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Members of the Council's Advisory Panel, the Scientific and Statistical Committee, other agencies involved in Alaska's fishing industry, and stakeholders all quietly gathered in the main meeting room to wish him well. Among the remarks was a commendation presented to Oliver by the Coast Guard. "Mr. Oliver's vigilance, leadership, and professionalism have been fundamental to the stewardship of Alaska's fishery resources. His many contributions and dedication to public service are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard," said Coast Guard Captain Stephen While in presenting Oliver with the Meritorious Public Service Award.
Meanwhile, salmon-supporting groups have been holding meetings about a double-barreled proposal to significantly strengthen legal protections for Alaskan rivers that contain salmon. One of the key provisions of both a House Bill and a proposed ballot initiative is a clause that calls for all rivers and streams to be considered salmon-bearing unless proven otherwise. The proposal has major implications for the state’s construction and mining industries.
Finally, some of Alaska's seafood processors say they are depending on more US workers from the Lower 48 to fill jobs because of a lack of available foreign workers this season. The shortage of foreign seasonal workers is due to a change in a returning worker exemption. Processors also said the 66,000 employee cap on allowable foreign workers was reached much earlier this year compared to 2016.
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