Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Greg Deighan commented today on the new multi-year lobster management plan announced by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Members of the PEI Fishermen's Association devoted a great deal of time and effort in providing input to DFO on a new management plan, and I believe their hard work has paid off. It would appear that the views and concerns of Island fishers have, for the most part, been taken into consideration in the development of this new three-year plan," said Minister Deighan.
The management plan includes an increase in the minimum carapace size over three years, to 70 millimetres (2 ¾ inches) by the year 2005; and a requirement that all female lobsters in the size range of 115-129 millimetres (4 ½ to 5 1/16 inches) be returned to the water.
"There had been indications that this would apply to male lobsters as well so I am pleased to see that is not the case," said Minister Deighan. "Both Premier Binns and I intervened with the federal minister on this point as there would be no conservation benefit in implementing this prohibited size range for male lobsters. I commend Minister Thibault for listening to our concerns."
Minister Deighan added he was also pleased to see that this management measure will be reviewed in 2005 to assess its success. That is something that Island fishers had requested.
In releasing the new multi-year lobster management plan, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans also announced that joint DFO/industry working groups will be formed this year to look at data collection, catch and effort reductions, and minimizing impact of dragging on lobster habitat with implementation of measures in 2004.
"The Province looks forward to taking an active part in the working groups. This will provide an ongoing forum for industry concerns to be addressed," said Minister Deighan.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister noted that lobster is a key component of the Prince Edward Island fishery, with lobster landings representing over 60 per cent of the total landed value of the fishery. Lobster landings for 2002 were close to 20 million pounds, with the landed value more than $100 million.
"Over 5,000 Islanders earn a substantial portion of their annual income from the lobster fishery and the industry plays an important role in keeping rural and coastal communities vibrant. It's vital, therefore, that we continue to work to ensure a strong future for the industry. Conservation is an important part of that so I'm pleased that a new multi-year management plan is in place," said Minister Deighan.