Tuna fisherman, Lorne B. Leeco of Murray Harbour was recognized today for landing the largest Bluefin tuna of the 2005 season.
Mr. Leeco was presented with the Premier's Cup today at the Provincial Legislature. The award was established by Premier Binns in recognition of the role tuna fishing plays in the Island economy and the international recognition it gains for Prince Edward Island.
The Bluefin, landed on August 1st by Mr. Leeco, aboard the boat ‘Straits Pirate,’ weighed 1,095 pounds or 497 kilograms. He landed it in the “tuna capital of the world,” North Lake. Premier Binns stated, “I am pleased to present Mr. Leeco with this trophy in recognition of his achievement and his commitment to the fishing industry.”
In 2005, a total of 535 bluefin tuna were landed on the Island. That represents an increase of 84 fish over the 2004 season and reflects the rebound of a fishery which attracts participants from around the world. There are 360 licenced tuna fishers on PEI, with over 250 active licence holders this year.
The PEI Bluefin tuna fishery has a landed value of over $3.0 million with additional revenue from the sport fishery.
Catch rates were up this year for Bluefin tuna around PEI and as a result PEI fishers caught their quota in record time. The fishery began on the 1st of August and ended on August 26th. PEI fishers landed a total of 200.9 mt.