MIMINEGASH, P.E.I. — Despite missing about 10 fishing days, including four last week due to foul weather, Miminegash lobster fisherman Thane Deagle said Tuesday he’s quite satisfied with the Lobster Fishing Area 25 fall lobster fishery, which closes Wednesday.
Deagle said his catch was up over last year, and he thinks just about every fall lobster fisherman saw an increase this year.
The overall 2018 lobster landings in LFA 25 were approximately 8.26 million pounds. That was an 11 per cent increase over the previous year and landings are expected to soar to a new high once all the 2019 data is counted.
While he gave some credit for the improved catches to the sacrifices fishermen made in enduring a five-millimetre carapace size increase over three years, ending last year, Deagle thinks the majority of the credit goes to a decision nearly two decades ago to throw back the large females.
Catches were not the only improvement P.E.I.'s fall fishermen witnessed this year.
Shore price was up approximately 75 cents to a dollar a pound over last year. The price has hovered around $5 a pound for canners and $5.50 a pound for markets for much of the season.
Last year the average price was closer to $4.25 a pound for canners and $4.50 a pound for markets. With the season winding down, many boats returning to port Tuesday had some gear onboard.
All gear needs to be landed by Wednesday night.
