The Prince Edward Island (PEI) lobster trap fishery has achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
The PEI lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery is significant to the economy of Prince Edward Island - lobster landings from over 1,200 harvesters account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the value of the overall fishery on PEI, with total landed catch of approximately 28 million pounds per year.
According to the provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, this industry provides more than 5,000 jobs each year and contributes substantially to the province’s economy, which was approximately $362 million from the overall seafood industry in 2012.
The MSC certification of the PEI lobster trap fishery was the result of the combined efforts of PEI Fishermen’s Association, the PEI Seafood Processors Association, the Abegweit First Nation and the Lennox Island First Nation.
The PEI lobster fishery operates baited traps and applies restricted season openings, minimum lobster sizes, escape mechanism and biodegradable twine in traps along with additional management measures to ensure the stock is able to maintain productivity.
Lobster from the fishery is predominantly processed into a variety of raw and cooked frozen products and shipped to markets around the world. A portion of landings are shipped live to local and global markets. The main destinations for PEI lobster are export markets in the United States, throughout Europe and a growing portion to Asia.
“This is a huge achievement and result of the collaborative work of the harvesters, processors, First Nations and government support,” said Craig Avery, president of PEI Fishermen's Association. “The Prince Edward Island lobster fishery harvesting and processing sectors are proud of their conservation, cooperative resource management and ability to supply world markets and are pleased to attain MSC certification, demonstrating the fishery is sustainable and well-managed.”
