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Alberni fishmonger fears tariffs

Mar 6, 2025 | 8:30 AM

Local seafood producers are facing tough times as U.S. tariffs hit their industry.
Victoria Lake from Effingham Oysters said they send 350,000 Barclay Sound oysters south of the border each year, representing 33% of their annual harvest.
“A lot of of our products are similar to ones that are available across the border, as we share the Pacific Ocean obviously,” she said. “The customers we have, they like to offer a variety of products to their customers so they like to have oysters from BC, from Washington, and from California. It may be harder to get those BC oysters to them, or they’re going to be too expensive.”
Lake said they have expanded their business to include all other local fish and shellfish products, and will soon be selling locally at the former Codfather’s shop at the Harbour Quay.
In the meantime, she hopes their American customers will accept price increases, and the governments will come through with promised assistance.
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