Snow crab season possibly starting Saturday

Conference call Friday could set start date

Some Northport crab fishermen have already loaded their boats in anticipation of a Saturday opening of their season. Fisher groups are expected to consider a Saturday opening during a Friday morning conference call. - Eric McCarthy

NORTHPORT

The president of the Prince Edward Island Snow Crab Fishermen’s Association is hoping a Friday conference call will result in the opening date of the Area 12 Gulf snow crab season.

Fishermen had hoped to be on the water by April 20, but heavy ice in Northern New Brunswick forced delays.

Carter Hutt said ice conditions have apparently improved sufficiently for the season to get underway, but weather conditions are the new concern. “It’s giving heavy sou’east for Thursday, diminishing Friday around noon for a small window."

P.E.I. Snow Crab Fishermen’s Association Carter Hutt was doing some last-minute repairs to his fishing boat Wednesday as he awaits an anticipated Saturday opening to the snow crab fishery. He expects an opening date to be set during a conference call on Thursday. — P.E.I. Snow Crab Fishermen’s Association Carter Hutt was doing some last-minute repairs to his fishing boat Wednesday as he awaits an anticipated Saturday opening to the snow crab fishery. He expects an opening date to be set during a conference call Friday morning.

During a conference call on Wednesday, which included Environment Canada ice and weather personnel, representatives from fisher groups and Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials, a decision was made to resume the call on Friday and to re-evaluate then.

“Basically, if conditions are good, it’s a ‘go’ for Saturday,” Hutt said in giving his understanding of what is being considered.

Note: This corrects an earlier version which erroneously indicated the follow-up call would be on Thursday. The call is happening Friday morning.