P.E.I. lobster fishermen pleased with first catches

Saturday marks the first day of the year that fresh Island lobster is available for sale on P.E.I.

Fishermen along the North Shore started their season yesterday, eight days late, because of ice.

Thedelayed opening to the season had people wondering whether fresh, local lobster would be available for traditional Mother'sDay meals.

By Saturday, boats began to return with lobster.

At theCovehead Wharf in Stanhope, fishermen said the catches looked good and they were selling lobster for $4.50 per pound.

Joseph Murray was there to pick up lobster for his family's Mother's Day tradition.

"We didn't really think it was going tohappen, but there's been a few guys coming in and willing to sell us some lobster right off the boat. It's been exciting," he said.

It's too early to predict seasonal prices for the entire island.

On the South Shore, lobster fishing season will begin on Monday because conditions haven't improved enough yet.