Total lobster landings of 23.8 million pounds in 2010 are the highest ever recorded in Prince Edward Island, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“I am pleased to report that the lobster landings and values have improved in 2010,” said Mr. LeClair. “Lobster is the backbone of the fishing industry in this province and we must continue to work hard to ensure its results improve in the coming years.”
Lobster landings in the fall season in Lobster Fishing Area 25 were 4.06 million pounds, an increase of 16.4 percent over 2009 landings. These are the highest recorded landings since 1985. Overall landings in the spring fishery in LFA 24 on the province’s north side were previously reported at 14.5 million pounds, an increase of one percent over 2009. In the LFA 26A spring fishery, landings were 5.17 million pounds, an increase of 3.2 percent. The total landings across the province were up by 3.8 percent over last year.
The landed value in 2010 is approximately $84 million, compared to $75 million in 2009, but still short of previous highs in the $100 million range. Mr. LeClair said the department is working closely with other governments, fishers and processors in aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns to increase returns.
“The department continues to implement measures under the five-point lobster plan including market development, innovation and product development in the processing sector, low interest loans and support to fishers in their efforts to improve the long-term sustainability of the resource,” said Mr. LeClair. “Our goal is to restore lobster as the premium seafood of choice in the marketplace and improve the overall viability of the industry.”
Mr. LeClair said the state of the resource is being closely monitored, and he is encouraged by the higher landings this year. The department’s lobster resource monitoring program once again collected data from this year’s fishery and that will be provided to fishers at a later date. Fishers also participate in the monitoring program.
The lobster fishery accounts for approximately 60 percent of the landed value of the fishery in the province. It employs 6,500 people in the fishing and processing sectors and contributes $210 million to the provincial economy.