For the second time in as many years, Fred Gavin of Seacow Pond has captured the 2002 Premier's Cup for landing the largest bluefin tuna of the season.
Premier Pat Binns presented Mr. Gavin with the award on Saturday, February 8 in Tignish. Captain of the Megofish, he landed the giant tuna August 30, after a struggle of just one hour. Weighing in at 1,193 pounds, the fish was four pounds heavier than Mr. Gavin's record catch in 2001.
"I am delighted to recognize Mr. Gavin for his achievement. He is clearly demonstrating that our Island tuna fishers consistently land some of the largest bluefin tuna anywhere in the world," said Premier Binns.
Mr. Gavin was fishing out of Seacow Pond when he landed the tuna. Crew member Kenneth Hackett, also of Seacow Pond, was with him on the voyage.
The Premier's Cup award was established by Premier Binns in 1998 in recognition of the importance of the Island tuna fishery and the international attention it garners for Prince Edward Island. That year, 91 bluefin tuna were caught off Prince Edward Island. In 2002, 313 tuna were landed at eight Island ports. The average weight was 752 pounds.
"We have seen a significant rebound of the fishery in recent years with an increase in both the number and size of tuna landed in local waters," said Premier Binns. "Rural and coastal communities throughout the province are reaping the benefits of this."
The premier said sport fishers from around the world come to Prince Edward Island in hopes of doing battle with the giant bluefin tuna.
"Our reputation for tuna fishing, combined with our world-renowned hospitality, makes Prince Edward Island the ideal sport fishing destination," added Premier Binns.