The Prince Edward Island (PEI) lobster trap fishery has earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for a sustainable and well-managed fishery and is now eligible to carry the MSC eco-label.
The certification of the fishery is a result of combined efforts on behalf of PEI Fishermen’s Association, the PEI Seafood Processors Association, the Abegweit First Nation and the Lennox Island First Nation. Participants in the fishery worked with Fisheries and Oceans Canada Gulf Region to gain certification, making the process an example of a co-management approach. The provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development assisted the harvesting and processing groups throughout the assessment.
“Our First Nations are proud to be part of the client group for this MSC certification,” said Chief Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation and Chief Matilda Ramjattan of Lennox Island First Nation. “Sustainability of the resource is primary in our aboriginal culture and this is a positive step for the PEI lobster industry.”
“Achieving the MSC certification of PEI lobster confirms for our many clients that the stock is managed on a sustainable basis,” said Jeff Malloy, president of the PEI Seafood Processors Association. “For over 100 years, lobster has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of our fishery in PEI.”
Lobster landings from more than 1,200 harvesters account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the value of the overall fishery, with annual landings of around 28 million pounds.
The fishery operates baited traps and uses restricted season openings, minimum lobster sizes, escape mechanism and biodegradable twine in traps. SAI Global conducted the independent, third-party assessment.
