Prince Edward Island has received an additional 28 metric tonnes of bluefin tuna quota for the remainder of the season. The announcement was made today by Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Bagnall, who is attending the annual federal-provincial meeting of fisheries and aquaculture ministers in Yellowknife.
“I have made strong representations for additional quota on behalf of Prince Edward Island fishers, and I want to express my appreciation to federal Minister Loyola Hearn for his positive response,” said Mr. Bagnall. “This additional quota will help augment what has already been a very successful tuna season in the province.”
The additional quota is the result of a reallocation of some 70 metric tonnes from various fleets in the Atlantic region. Total landings in Prince Edward Island so far this year have been 215 metric tonnes.
Mr. Bagnall said he is also continuing to seek additional quota for Prince Edward Island for the next season. A review of fleet quota in the region will be undertaken this fall by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
“Prince Edward Island has not been receiving its fair share of the Canadian inshore tuna allocation, and I will be making a strong case to the federal minister to increase access for our fishers to this important resource,” said Mr. Bagnall.