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Sustainable Lobster Fishing in PEI

Sustainable Fishery

In November, 2014 the Prince Edward Island lobster trap fishery was certified as sustainable and well-managed according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) globally recognized, science based standard. As a result, PEI lobster is authorized to carry the MSC blue fish label. The PEI Fishermen’s Association, the PEI Seafood Processors Association, Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation worked together to attain this certification, along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the provincial government.

The 2014 certification is the official recognition of a fishery that can claim many decades of responsible management. Prince Edward Island’s traditional lobster fishery dates back generations and fishers have made it a priority to protect the resource ensuring a sustainable industry for generations to come.

Sustainability in practice

A Canadian Lobster Story

How Do PEI Fishers Protect the Resource?

Multi-year integrated management plans ensure that a healthy fishery is maintained in PEI. The plans may vary from region to region and some practices are enforceable by government while others are voluntary, but here is a list of key conservation measures utilized by the PEI lobster fishery:

Carapace Size Limit

Minimum (in some cases maximum) lobster carapace shell size is established for each area based on the condition of the fishery.

Limited Number of Licenses

the number of licenses is limited, determined by the management plan.

Seasons

Prince Edward Island lobster fishers fish in either of just two seasons. The spring season usually runs May 1–June 30 and the fall from about August 9 – October 9.

Trap Limits

Each PEI fishing license is limited to 250–300 traps depending on location.

Escape Mechanisms

PEI lobster traps are equipped with escape mechanisms that enable undersized lobsters to exit the trap. As well biodegradable panels enable trapped lobsters to escape in the event the trap is lost at sea.

Females

PEI fishers release female lobsters bearing eggs or of optimum breeding size.

Fishing Days

in PEI lobster fishers work just six days per week during the season.

Research

PEI fishers actively collaborate with researchers to collect data to better inform sustainability measures for the future.

Do you know lobster? There are two sizes of PEI Lobster

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Do you know lobster? Lobsters traps have both a kitchen and a parlour.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? It takes 5 to 7 years for a lobster to grow to legal size or about one pound.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Once inside a trap lobsters can never get out.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobsters have a pigment in their shells making the shell appear red.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? The red part found inside some lobsters is called the roe, or the unfertilized eggs of the female.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? A freshly laid lobster egg is the size of the head of a pin (1/16").

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Whistling on the boat is considered bad luck.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Buoys that mark lobster traps are all of uniform size and colour.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobsters are handled one at a time.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobster is good for you.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? There are two sizes of PEI Lobster

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobsters traps have both a kitchen and a parlour.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? It takes 5 to 7 years for a lobster to grow to legal size or about one pound.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Once inside a trap lobsters can never get out.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobsters have a pigment in their shells making the shell appear red.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? The red part found inside some lobsters is called the roe, or the unfertilized eggs of the female.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? A freshly laid lobster egg is the size of the head of a pin (1/16").

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Whistling on the boat is considered bad luck.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Buoys that mark lobster traps are all of uniform size and colour.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobsters are handled one at a time.

TrueorFalse

Do you know lobster? Lobster is good for you.

TrueorFalse

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