Tag Archives: spring lobster fishery
Lennox Island to fish 1,000 lobster traps off P.E.I.’s North Shore, with or without DFO signoff
The chief of Lennox Island First Nation says it will fish 1,000 traps in the spring lobster fishery off P.E.I.’s North Shore this year as part of its treaty-protected fishery — whether or not the Department of Fisheries and Oceans approves. The First Nation was planning to do the same last year, but ended up reaching an understanding with DFO to fish no more than the 300 traps the federal government could authorize in the spring, and later fish another 700 off the South Shore as part of the fall lobster fishery. Chief Darlene Bernard said she’s always been clear about her community’s intention to fish all 1,000 traps out of their own wharf on Lennox Island in the spring of 2023, and now they’ll be following through. >click to read< 11:38
Tignish lobsterman Dryden Buote – Let us go fishing
There can be no doubt that a spring lobster fishery must take place this year in P.E.I. and will be viable, for those who are able to fish and have a place to sell their catches. The government has already announced what will be available to fishers who suffer a loss of income should they not be able to fish and sell their catches this season. (1) They may apply for a loan through Farm Credit Canada to supplement any loss of income and to pay for miscellaneous expenses they may have already incurred before their traps are even in the water. In addition this loan could be used to pay wages to those who work on boats as fisher’s helpers. I stress that this is a loan, money which will need to be paid back in the future. Do fishers need another payment in future years? I am admittedly no economist, but taking on more unnecessary debt does not seem to be a good business decision. (2) ,, >click to read< 15:55
Fate of spring lobster fishery up in the air
“We recognize that current market conditions facing our industry are challenging, and the need to ensure that logistical support systems are in place to facilitate the movement and sale of seafood products.” The statement then points to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that will pay $2,000 a month to anyone put out of work with COVID-19 as a mitigating factor. But with lobster licences going for nearly a half-million dollars in many harbours along the shore and the right to fish crab inshore going for around $130,000 per trap, that benefit doesn’t relieve the stress of recent buy-ins to this debt-driven industry. Buyers and processors also rely upon debt. >click to read< 09:19
Poor weather, ice conditions delays opening of spring lobster fishery until Monday for northern N.B.
Sunday’s weather forecast has delayed opening day of the spring lobster fishery in northern New Brunswick until Monday at 6 a.m. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Luc Légère said the decision came Friday after consultation with industry representatives and the Canadian Coast Guard. “We looked mostly at the weather, but also ice conditions and things like that,” he said. Légère said the forecast is calling for high winds Sunday morning and big waves. Légère said some areas near Miscou Island, Shippagan, and some areas into Miramichi Bay were still having issues with ice conditions, but he hoped the warmer temperatures and winds would blow most of the ice out by Monday. click here to read the story 08:55
Most of P.E.I.’s 960-boat spring lobster fleet will set gear Saturday – Fishermen from Point Prim to Victoria will set a week later
Some lobster fishermen started transferring traps from the wharf to their boats on Thursday as preparations for Saturday’s opening of the spring lobster fishing season shifted into high gear. Many of the crews, however, are waiting until Friday to load up. “I hope everybody has a safe season, all across P.E.I and I hope the catches are good,” said Francis Morrissey, president of the Western Gulf Fishermen’s Association. Morrissey said many of the fishermen in his area have been able to catch a fair amount of spring herring for bait to get their season started, and he’s encouraged that the weather conditions for setting day, this Saturday are forecast to be good. click here to read the story, and we wish these fishermen well. Stay Safe! 11:55
