Lobster landings in 2002 were up slightly over last year according to preliminary figures released today by Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Greg Deighan.
"I am pleased to report that total landings for 2002 reached 19.9 million pounds. That's an increase of one million pounds or 5.4 per cent over landings in 2001," said Minister Deighan.
The total landings for 2002 include: the fall season in Area 25, the western Northumberland Strait from Victoria to North Cape; the spring season in Area 24, along the North Shore of PEI; and Area 26A, in the eastern Northumberland Strait.
Landings this spring from Areas 24 and 26A totalled 17.1 million pounds, an increase of 1.1 million pounds or approximately 7.2 per cent over 2001. The largest increase was in Area 26A where catches were up 22 per cent to almost 5.1 million pounds, compared to 4.2 million pounds in 2001. Landings in Area 24 totalled 11.9 million pounds, an increase of approximately 1.5 per cent over 2001.
Minister Deighan said figures recently compiled by his department for the fall lobster season indicate landings were 2.83 million pounds. That represents a decrease of approximately 5.4 per cent or 160,000 pounds in comparison to the 2001 landings in this area. In some ports, landings remained similar to 2001, while in others, catches were down.
"I am pleased to see that lobster landings remain strong overall. However, I share the concern of fishers in Area 25 who have seen their catch decline," said Minister Deighan, commenting on the 2002 season. "I think this once again points to the importance of research to understand why landings in the central Northumberland Strait have declined while landings in other areas have increased."
The minister noted that the landed value of the lobster catch for the 2002 season is expected to be similar to that in the year 2001 - in the $100 million range.
"Lobster continues to be 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," Minister Deighan added. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with the industry and other partners to maintain the position of the lobster fishery as an important part of our rural economy."
Preliminary figures for the 2002 lobster landings are based on information provided to the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by licensed lobster buyers throughout Prince Edward Island.