Lobster season delay surprises P.E.I. fishermen

The P.E.I. Fisherman's Association says it was caught off guard by Thursday's announcement by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to delay the start of lobster season, and would have liked more consultation.

President Craig Avery told CBC News Friday morning the association had been wanting to discuss ice conditions with DFO all week. The PEIFA says a few days could make a big difference in ice conditions, and it wanted to wait until Monday before deciding what would happen.

Avery said DFO usually holds a conference call with representatives of the lobster industry before issuing delay orders, but that didn't happen.

"I guess there was meetings going internally at DFO that we didn't know about. Like I say, we only found this out yesterday," he said.

"Disappointed in that process for sure, but you know we'll discuss that and we have to work with the department and the department has to work with us."

Both sides will talk on Monday during a conference call.

Avery said some harbours are still socked in with ice while others, such as his own harbour in Northport, are open.

The lobster season was due to open April 30. A new date has not been set.

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