2 different start dates being recommended for 2 P.E.I. lobster fishing areas

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association willrecommendto Fisheries and Oceans Canadatwo different start dates forthe spring lobster seasonfor two regions around Prince Edward Island.

The PEIFA released results Tuesday from itsmember vote held over the weekend. Members were asked whether they preferred the season start on May 6 or May 13.

Voting began on Friday and wrapped up at noon on Monday. A total of 841 votes were tallied out of the eligible 954 spring lobster licence holders.

The PEIFAreported results in each ofthe two fishing areas,LFA 24 and LFA 26A. For LFA 24, 60.9 per cent voted in favour of the May 6start.

In LFA 26A,51.2 per cent of voting memberschosethe May 13 start date.

Ian MacPherson, executive director with the PEIFA, saidit showedthevariances between the two areas.

"It's not people just picking dates here and seeing what sticks," MacPhersonsaid."It's related to ...their local situation with their buyer andthe plant that they sell to, and we have 40 per cent of our spring product goes off-Island."

The PEIFAwill formally recommend the two separate start dates. The federal ministerwill have the final say as to when the spring lobster seasonbegins in all regions.

MacPherson said he expects that decision to come quickly.

"We hope that there is a real definitivedecision here in the next day or so from the minister's office," he said.

"We have every indication that the minister is processing these requests very quickly and then people can make preparations ...volumes, price, markets all those kinds of things, those are still big picture issues that are being discussed."

The PEIFAisstill working with Health PEI on guidelines for the fishermen and fish processing plants to ensure the health and safety of the workers and crews.

MacPherson said they are trying to get decisions made to provide some stability in an unpredictable year.

"I think irrespective there's anxiety ...throughout the whole season and it is not going to be one thing ...to solve it for everyone and then we're into smooth sailing so to speak," he said.

"Still lots of challenges out there for sure."

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