Preliminary numbers from the spring lobster season in Lobster Fishing Areas 24 and 26A show an increase in landings from 2007. The numbers were released today by Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Allan Campbell.
The total landings in the spring season were 18.7 million pounds, up by 10.3 percent over 2007. In LFA24, along the north shore of Prince Edward Island, landings were 14 million pounds, up by 6.1 percent over last year. In LFA26A, in the central and eastern part of Northumberland Strait, landings were 4.8 million pounds, an increase of one million pounds or 24.5 percent over last year. The landings in 26A were the highest recorded landings since 2002 when 5.1 million pounds were landed.
“I am very pleased with the preliminary reports of higher landings this season, especially in 26A where there have been concerns about low landings in recent years,” said Mr. Campbell. “Despite higher landings, many fishers continue to face challenges because of rising costs for fuel and bait and lower prices.”
Mr. Campbell said that weather and water temperature conditions are critical to lobster catches. He said that many fishers experienced a slow start to the season, but landings showed improvement as water temperatures rose. The minister said he was encouraged by reports that fishers continue to see good numbers of undersized lobsters and egg-bearing females in traps which should be a positive sign for coming years.
“For the past number of years, the department has been carrying out a lobster monitoring program to collect date on the lobster stocks, and we are committed to continuing this program in partnership with fishers and scientists,” said Mr. Campbell. “This program to identify trends in the fishery is funded entirely by the department and is the best of its kind in the region.”