MONCTON, NB -Premier David Alward says he hopes an injunction to prevent fishermen from blocking processing plants will help resolve a dispute over the import of US lobsters.

He says it’s time for the fishermen to let the processors work while they work out their frustrations by talking.

The 10 day injunction puts limits on the number of pickets the fisherman can place at nine plants that process cheap Maine lobster.  

Many of the operations have been shut down over the past week by large groups of angry fishermen

Affidavits filed yesterday on behalf of the fish processors allege people have threatened to burn down processing plants and homes during this dispute.

In granting the injunction, Justice George Rideout said the fishermen have a right to be heard, but not to threaten and intimidate.

Officials with the Maritime Fishermen Union are expected to sit down with Federal Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield today.