Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Kevin MacAdam released preliminary statistics today on the 2005 spring lobster season. Preliminary figures show a decrease in total landings over last year.
The preliminary landing figures were compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture for the spring fishery in Area 24, along the north shore of Prince Edward Island, and Area 26A, the central and eastern Northumberland Strait.
“Total landings for the 2005 spring season were 16.1 million pounds. Landings in the spring season of 2004 were 17.8 million pounds representing an overall decrease of 9.1 percent,” said Minister MacAdam.
The Minister went on to say that some of the decrease could be attributed to poor weather conditions in May. The decrease in landings was offset somewhat by stronger shore prices in 2005.
In Area 24, landings totaled 12.7 million pounds, a decrease of 8.9 per cent from the 2004 landings of 13.9 million pounds.
In Area 26A the landings were 3.4 million pounds, down 9.9 percent from the 3.8 million pounds landed in 2004. Minister MacAdam noted that the continued decrease in landings in 26A continues to represent a great concern.
“The fact that landings have continued to decline in 26A is reason for all parties involved in the fishery to focus on possible solutions. There are ongoing discussions between my Department and the PEI Fishermen's Association regarding lobster fishery concerns,” said Minister MacAdam.
“I will continue to press the Federal Department to participate fully in meaningful discussions and to seek practical solutions to the issues in the lobster fishery.”