Tuna master getting tuna fishers a better price

SUMMERSIDE - Bruce Palmer is attempting to change the face of the Island's tuna fishing industry.
Palmer, a tuna fisher based in Summerside, has contracted the services of a Japanese tuna technician.
The technician works with Island tuna fishers to get them a better price on their fish - a price based on what sellers get at the Tokyo auction.
"We're going to be giving them the direct price, right from Tokyo," said Palmer, an accredited buyer who runs Blue Marine Fisheries Inc.
Recently two large tuna, 550 pounds and 750 pounds, were unloaded at Summerside's Queen's wharf, dressed and loaded into "coffins" or specially prepared containers for shipment overseas.
They were dressed under the watchful eye of the Japanese technician, known in the business as "a tuna master."
Palmer's company gives customers written estimates of the price they can expect from auction in Japan.
Later, they will get a statement with the actual price, less expenses.
"It'll be a better price, for sure," said Palmer.
For example, a fish that sold for six dollars a pound in P.E.I., might go for $30 a pound in Japan.
Costs include shipment fees, Palmer's commission and handling expenses.
Palmer said sellers will be able to bypass auctions in P.E.I.
"Right now fishermen are auctioning off a lot of fish and getting paid minimum money compared to what they are worth in Japan."
He went on to say there are often only two to four buyers at Island wharfs at any one time, which accounts for lower prices.
In Tokyo, up to a hundred buyers bid on one fish, he said.
Earlier this week the tuna season was closed until Oct. 6, but fishers are trying to have it reopened.