Chad Matthews, a fisher from Northport, was recognized today for landing the largest Bluefin tuna of the 2008 season.
Mr. Matthews was presented with the Premier’s Cup today in Charlottetown by Premier Robert Ghiz. The cup is awarded annually in recognition of the role tuna fishing plays in the Island economy and the international recognition it brings to Prince Edward Island.
“I am very pleased to present Mr. Matthews with this trophy in recognition of his achievement this year,” said Premier Ghiz. “The tuna fishery makes a significant contribution to our province, and I commend everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.”
The bluefin was landed on October 9 and weighed 1,318 pounds or 598 kilograms. This is the largest tuna landed in Prince Edward Island since the inception of the annual award 10 years ago. Matthews fought the tuna for about four hours aboard the vessel Ruff Enough, off North Rustico. He had assistance from his helper Darryl Profit, also from Alberton, in landing the fish.
Matthews has been fishing bluefin for over twenty years, including a number of years with his father, and has been on his own as a lobster and tuna fisher for over 12 years.
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Allan Campbell was on hand to congratulate Matthews. “Prince Edward Island tuna fishers have been working hard to maximize the value of the tuna resource and at the same time support a sustainable fishery,” he said.
In 2008, a total of 486 tuna were landed by Prince Edward Island tuna fishers with a total weight of 156.5 mt. Catches in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continue to be strong. The Prince Edward Island bluefin tuna fishery has a landed value in excess of three million dollars.