Lobster landings this spring were about on par with recent years. Preliminary estimates were released today by the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Total landings in District 24, from North Cape to East Point, are estimated at more than 9.9 million pounds. That compares to the average of the past three years of 10.5 million pounds. In District 26A, East Point to Victoria, total landings were just over 4 million pounds, compared to the previous three year average of 4.1 million pounds. These do not include dockside sales.
Lobster landings have been generally on the increase over the past decade.
"These figures indicate the success of lobster management practices in Prince Edward Island and the sustainability of the resource," said Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Walter Bradley. "Nevertheless, they point to the need for continued conservation efforts."
Mr. Bradley said that the introduction of new lobster escape mechanisms by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not appear to have any significant effect on landings.
Average prices were lower than last year. In 1995, the total value of lobster landings for all of Prince Edward Island reached an all-time record high of $78 million.
The fall season opened this past week in District 25, Victoria to North Cape.
Final figures will not be available until later this year.