Preliminary figures confirming a decrease in lobster landings for the 2011 spring lobster season are disappointing but not surprising following a change in carapace size, very poor fishing conditions and compared to record-high landings in 2010, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
The two areas fished during the spring include LFA 24, the north shore of Prince Edward Island, and LFA 26a, the central and eastern end of the Northumberland Strait. LFA 24 reported landings of 12.2 million pounds, down 16 per cent from 2010. In LFA 26a, landings were reported to be 4.8 million pounds, down seven per cent from 2010. Overall, spring landings of 17 million pounds were down 13.7 per cent compared to 2010 figures.
“We have been in discussions with the industry all spring and have monitored landings very closely. The one millimetre increase in allowable carapace size, which was supported by our fishers and will result in a stronger resource for years to come, was projected to reduce landings by five to seven per cent this year.”
The carapace size increase combined with cold water temperatures and windy conditions were felt to be contributing factors to the landings decline. The first four weeks of the season saw a drastic decline in landings compared to the same time period in 2010. Landings during the month of June were stronger than previous years.
“Improved shore prices helped offset the decrease in landings. It is pleasing to see that the market for our lobster products continues to improve. Our industry has been working hard to heighten the awareness of our high quality lobster and expand into new areas, which I am confident is beginning to pay off,” said Mr. LeClair.