[ALBERTON, PE] — Things are looking up for Prince Edward Island’s spring lobster fishers, especially in Western P.E.I.
Like many of his fellow fishers, Western Gulf Fishermen’s Association president Craig Avery remained in port Wednesday due to windy conditions. He’s not panicking even though the season closes on Saturday. With catches remaining strong, Avery is not expecting to see fishers bringing in any of their gear before Friday.
Fishers were landing between a pound and a half to a pound and three-quarters per trap on Monday and were still over a pound to the trap on Tuesday.
“That’s unheard of this time of the year,” Avery suggested.
It’s the continuation of what has been a good season in the fishery. Avery estimated landings in Alberton are up 25 per cent from last year and back up to 2010 levels, and he said landings in Tignish were even stronger, maybe 35 per cent better than last year. Hardy’s Channel fishers also experienced an improvement in landings, though smaller than in Tignish and Alberton, Avery reported.
