Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism, announced today that the successful candidate to carry out the Lobster Marketing Mechanism Study is Smith Green and Associates based in Charlottetown, PEI.
"The process of awarding this contract began last fall when a Lobster Steering Committee of four Island lobster fishermen and an independent chairman was formed," said Mr. MacAdam. The Minister noted that the duties of the committee include developing a terms of reference for the Study, evaluating the proposals and monitoring the Study as it progresses. "The Steering Committee has completed the first two phases of their work, and it is now the role of the consultant to carry out the study with the Steering Committee simply monitoring their work," said Mr. MacAdam.
The Minister reported that the Steering Committee received six proposals and reviewed them against pre-determined selection criteria, including interviewing the top three candidates. "The committee recommended hiring Smith Green and Associates, and I am concurring with their recommendation," said Mr. MacAdam.
The Smith Green firm is headed by John Eldon Green who has participated in more than 50 contracts covering a wide spectrum of work. "I am confident that the study will be carried out in a professional manner and will meet the objectives as laid out by the Steering Committee," said the Minister.
Mr. MacAdam pointed out that he has been assured that the process for the study will be open to receiving the views and input of all participants in the lobster fishery. "Smith Green and Associates will initially research past and present reports on marketing mechanisms at first level of sale and soon, thereafter, will invite all vested parties, including lobster fishers, buyers and processors to attend regional meetings across the Island for input. They will also invite written briefs and carry out private meetings to facilitate all avenues of communication from the industry to the consultant," said the Minister.
"I look forward to the final report expected to be completed in March," concluded the Minister.