P.E.I.'s fall lobster fishing season set to open

P.E.I. lobster fishermen are preparing to set their traps for the fall season, hoping high prices will continue and an increase in the minimum lobster size won't substantially decrease catches.

• High prices, low catches for P.E.I.'s spring lobster season
• P.E.I. lobster fishermen optimistic as fall season approaches

There are 225 Island fishermen licensed in Lobster Fishing Area(LFA)25. They share the waters with 470 New Brunswick and just 16 Nova Scotia fishermen in a season that lasts two months.

"It's a lot of pressure, it's a very dangerous morning," said P.E.I. Fishermen's Association president Craig Avery of trap-setting day. He's been fishing alongside about 800 others in the Island's spring season for 40 years.

"I'm hoping they have good weather and hoping the catches are there."

'Big impact'

Island fishermen are not happy the minimum size lobster they can legally catch is going up by one millimetre this fall from 72 to 73 mm a move they complain is being forced on them by the New Brunswick fishermen, who claim mainland buyers are demanding larger lobsters.

"It could be a big impact on their end-of-year income," said Avery, noting history has shown when the maximum size is raised by one millimetre, catches usually decrease by 10 per cent.

Along with government, Island fishermen have developed markets around the world for smaller lobstersthat they worry could be jeopardized by the size increase, Avery said.

He predicts there could be some tension on the water between P.E.I. and New Brunswick fishermen over the issue, especially if Island fishermen set their traps closer to New Brunswick seeking larger lobsters.

Tensions possible

"Some areas are better for the larger lobsters for sure," said Avery. "If they're closer to New Brunswick shores that's where our fishermen are going to be looking for them."

"Could lead to some tensions there for sure if that's where the market lobsters are."

Catches have been improving in the fall fishery for about the past five years, Avery said. He credits good weather with fewer storms, a rationalization program that has reduced the number of fishermen, plus a program to throw back large female lobsters in the water to breed.

'Really strong price'

"Everything is pointing toward a really strong price this fall," said Avery, noting demand in Europe, Asia and the U.S. is high.

Fishermen received record-high prices at the end of the spring lobster fishery.

413 Transport and Rescue Squadron out of Greenwood, N.S., will have rescue crews "on a heightened 30-minute standby posture" all day Tuesday in case of any marine emergency, the Department of National Defence said in a written release.

DND also encouraged fishermen to wear lifejackets or personal flotation devices.

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