Lobster prices solid, but catches are an issue

P.E.I. fishermen say the season is off to a strong start, but they're still waiting for the water to warm up so catches will improve.

• Lobster fishermen still waiting for prices

P.E.I. Fishermen's Association executive director Ian MacPherson said fishermen are getting$5 a pound for canners and $5.50 for markets.

But some blustery weather has also affected catches.

"Catches are down in most areas," saidMacPherson.

"The water is still extremely cold. In certain cases it's even colder than last year, which is a real surprise to a lot of long-time fishers out there."

A good season ahead

Most fishermen are confident that it will still be a good season, with catches picking up when the weather improves.

"Last year we had a lot of ice for a couple of weeks and we were a couple of weeks later starting, but even though there's been very little ice this year it just seems that it's still impacted the water temperature," saidMacPherson.

Lobster season started on P.E.I. on May 1, but fishermen had to wait for their first statements, delivered Friday, to find out what they were selling for.

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