Eric MacKinnon, a tuna fisher from Murray River who fishes out of Beach Point, has been recognized for landing the largest Bluefin tuna of the 2009 season at a Prince Edward Island port. MacKinnon was presented with the Premier’s Cup today in Charlottetown by Premier Robert Ghiz. The cup is awarded annually to recognize the importance of the tuna fishery to the economy and the international recognition it brings to Prince Edward Island.
“I am pleased to congratulate Mr. MacKinnon on his achievement, along with all those other fishers who have helped make the industry such a success,” said Premier Ghiz. “Bluefin tuna is a world-class, highly sought-after product that commands a premium price in international markets.”
The 1,162 pound tuna was landed on October 10, the opening day of the fall season. MacKinnon fought the tuna for an hour and ten minutes aboard the vessel Pier Pressure I off Cape Louie, east of Fishermans Bank, in about 100 feet of water. He had the assistance of his helper, Shawn Dawson, also of Murray River, in landing the fish. MacKinnon has been fishing tuna since the mid-1980s.
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair was on hand to congratulate MacKinnon. “Prince Edward Island tuna fishers have been working hard to maximize the value of the tuna resource, and at the same time support measures for a sustainable fishery,” said Minister LeClair.
In 2009, a total of 489 tuna with a total weight of 153.45 metric tonnes were landed in Prince Edward Island. The fishery has a landed value of $3.0 million. Catches in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continue to be strong.