Lobster fishery opens in Northumberland Strait
Lobster season delayed 11 days on South Shore, eight days on North Shore
The season was delayed by 11 days because of ice in the Northumberland Strait.
The season in the strait was supposed to start April 30, along with the season on the North Shore. North Shore fishermen only got out onto the water Friday, and South Shore fishermen had to wait another three days.
South Shore fishermen asked DFO for an extension to the season Friday, according to the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association. The group said North Shore fishermen will likely submit a request for extension Monday.
Bryce Coady set his traps on the North Shore Friday, and brought in his first catch Saturday:
"It was a long wait there and it wasn't looking good for a while," said Coady.
"The water's still cold, the temperatures, and [the lobster are] moving along a little bit better than I thought they would be, compared to last year. I think it's going to be a very good season."
At Covehead Wharf, on the North Shore, direct-to-consumer prices for lobsters were $4.50 a pound this weekend.