New rules designed to give lobster boats a break, helping whales while reducing closures
Prince Edward Island lobster fishers are hoping new rules from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will mean fewer harvesting days lost to closures when endangered right whales come into Island waters. “The first change is the addition of a 5- and 15-fathom line,” said Melanie Giffin, a marine biologist who works with the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association, talking about the distance around a whale sighting where protective measures will be imposed. “We’ve always had a 10- and 20-fathom line, but this year the DFO has included a five- and 15-fathom line as well.” “If a whale comes inside the 20-fathom line, then the grids will only close to the next fathom line, which used to be 10, but now it’s 15. So it gives a little bit more space for harvesters to move their gear if need be.” Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:15
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