Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan is calling on his federal counterpart to resolve the issue that recently saw 28 Island fishers receive illegal fishing warnings.
The fishers had set lobster traps in waters off North Cape, in the area of the boundary line between lobster fishing areas 22 and 24. Minister Gillan noted the area is considered a Quebec fishing zone even though it is only five and half kilometres from the PEI shoreline and approximately 90 kilometres from the Îles de la Madeleine.
"Generations of fishermen in the North Cape region have fished in this area, without incident, for decades. The issue must be resolved to ensure fishers in this area maintain access to their traditional fishing grounds," the Minister said.
Minister Gillan has written to Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Robert Thibault asking him to seek a resolution to the situation. As well, staff in the provincial department have discussed the issue with the federal minister's office.
"There is a need to find an immediate interim resolution to this issue and, beyond that, a long-term solution for fishers in the North Cape area," said Minister Gillan. "I have conveyed that message to Minister Thibault, and I look forward to a positive outcome."
Minister Gillan said his department staff will continue to closely collaborate with the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association which has been working diligently to find a solution to the boundary line issue.