Lobster traps being placed in the sea. (Photo: Stock File)
Lobster capture season extended
CANADA
Monday, June 29, 2015, 03:00 (GMT + 9)
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea authorised a four four-day extension to the Spring lobster capture season throughout the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to compensate for the lost fishing days on account of adverse weather conditions.
This implies the lobster capture season will finish on 4 July as opposed to the usual 30 June closure in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and on 9 July in the region from Victoria to Point Prim, The Journal Pioneer informed.
Nevertheless, some sector sources consulted by FIS.com consider federal authorities' decision is not enough.
Director of the PEI Fishermen’s Association Ian MacPherson expressed satisfaction about the measure but stressed fishermen in Lobster Fishing Area 26A, in the Northumberland Strait area, have suffered from cold water temperature and poor catches throughout the season. He said catches are off 20 to 30 per cent in some of those ports.
At the same time, fishermen in some north side ports have reported catches up or holding their own in comparison to previous years.
As far as some Northport fishermen's concerned, the decision approved by the fisheries minister should allow for a smooth ending to the season.
As to the lobster price, it has increased as a result of the demand after landings fell due to icy and windy weather conditions, which forced the fleet to remain at port, The Guardian reported.
Buyers’ demand contributed to raise the price of lobster to USD 4.50/USD 5.00 a pound, which represents a 25 cent increase since the start of the season.
Meanwhile, in United States it has been estimated that the reduced catch in Maine is due to warmer oceans, which are making the crustacean “move north to Canada” to escape the heat. It has also been stressed that while international demand continues growing, this year's lower supply has led to increase in prices.
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