Lobster fishermen to cash in on Mother's Day sales

Lobster fishermen in New Brunswick will be able to cash in on Mother's Day sales.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has announcedlobster fishing Area 23, in the northern and northeastern part of the province, will open Friday at 6 a.m.

Jerry Amirault, president of the Lobster Processors of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, had expressed concern earlier this week that lobster fishermen might miss out on Mother's Day salesdue to the slow break up of ice this year.

Mother's Day has traditionally been a big day for lobster sales, he said.

Fishing Area 24 in northern Prince Edward Islandis also opening on Friday morning.

Opening dates for southern P.E.I. and northern Nova Scotia have not yet been determined, fisheries officials said.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is advising fish harvesters to take extra care when navigating certain areas within the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Due to higher than average seasonal ice accumulations and weather conditions, there may be some delays in theplacement of navigational aids, it said in a statement.

Fish harvesters must also exercise caution when navigating in the channel if dredging operations are ongoing, it said.