P.E.I. South Shore lobster season starting early to avoid fishing into July
CBC
There will be two opening days in P.E.I.'s spring lobster season in 2023, with setting day for harbours on the Island's South Shore on Wednesday, April 26, four days earlier than the traditional setting day of April 30.
Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 26A includes 365 boats from harbours ranging along the southern coast of P.E.I. from Victoria all the way up to Souris.
Crews from harbours on the North Shore will set their traps in LFA 24 on Saturday, April 29, one day earlier than the traditional date because the 30th falls on a Sunday.
"The early opening is in an effort to keep the season from extending into July," said Mike Dixon, who chairs the lobster advisory committee for 26A.
"We have fished into July in the past, and we know that's the time of year that the lobsters are into their reproductive stage and also their moult stage, so it's to make sure that the season's over June 30 or earlier."
Dixon said opening day has been delayed several times over the last five years, mostly because of wind. In 2015, however, ice meant the season started 11 days late.
Last year, LFA 26A crews had permission from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for a flexible start with April 26 as the first possible day, but stubborn winds still pushed back the opening to May 3.
Dixon said the South Shore fishers had a late start, but they voted not to extend the season to make up for the lost days.
"We had that option, but the fishers voted not to go into the extended season," he said.
"So last year the season actually did end on June 30, even though it didn't start till May 3."
Dixon said changing water temperatures are one of the reasons behind seeking an earlier start date.
"When you talk to fishers in general around the wharf, they feel — basically due to climate change — in the last few years, it does seem to warm up quicker than it has maybe 20, 25 years ago.
"When the water warms quicker like that, the lobsters are probably more active, and it seems maybe they get caught up quicker."
Danny Steele is also with the 26A lobster advisory board, and fishes out of Graham's Pond.
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