James Gaudet, a fisherman from Tignish Run, was recognized today for landing the largest Bluefin tuna of the 2007 season. Premier Robert Ghiz presented the Premier’s Cup to Mr. Gaudet at a ceremony in Charlottetown. The award was instituted in recognition of the role tuna fishing plays in the Island economy and the international recognition it brings to Prince Edward Island.
"I am pleased to present Mr. Gaudet with this trophy with our congratulations in recognition of his achievement this past year," said Premier Ghiz. “I would also like to commend everyone involved in the tuna fishery for the important contribution they are making to our economy.”
The Bluefin tuna, landed on September 17 by Gaudet, weighed 1,085 pounds or 493 kilograms. He fought the tuna for 1 1/2 hours aboard the vessel Lady Michelle No. 1 off North Cape. He had assistance from his wife Donna, son Dwayne, and long-time friend from Philadelphia, Jeff Barlow, in landing the fish.
Gaudet has been fishing tuna since 1987 and lobsters since 1972 in western Prince Edward Island.
In 2007, a total of 413 tuna were landed by Prince Edward Island tuna fishers with a total weight of 145.4 mt. A total of 802 tuna were landed in 2006. The Prince Edward Island bluefin tuna fishery has a landed value in excess of $3 million.