The opening of P.E.I.'s fall lobster season has been delayed, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

The season was scheduled to open in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 on Aug.&nbsp;9 and close on Oct.&nbsp;10, but DFO officials say&nbsp;the season won't open until weather conditions improve.

When&nbsp;opening is delayed, the season closes a day late up to a maximum of four days.

P.E.I. fishermen 'optimistic' about spring lobster season amid record prices

Island fishermen are looking forward to the start of the spring lobster season in a few weeks with a heightened sense of optimism.

Charlie McGeoghegan at work on his lobster traps on the wharf.

 Charlie McGeoghegan, chair of the Lobster Fishers of P.E.I. marketing board, says good prices for lobster help, but expenses have climbed up for fishermen as well. 

 Charlie McGeoghegan, chair of the Lobster Fishers of P.E.I. marketing board. 

Canadian lobster exports have biggest year ever, topping $3.2B last year

Soaring sales of Canadian frozen and processed lobster in the United States during 2021 accounted for most of the increase.

Dr. Shah Razul, an assistant chemistry professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S., says taste tests with community members showed his frozen lobster tastes like it was "cooked yesterday."

Lobster steel table

Soaring sales of Canadian frozen and processed lobster in the United States during 2021 accounted for most of a sharp increase in export value.

In a Facebook post to members, the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association said&nbsp;the opening will be delayed until at least Aug.&nbsp;11.

The post said&nbsp;a conference call with DFO to discuss recommendations on weather conditions and opening later this week has been scheduled for Aug.&nbsp;9.

Many fishers in Malpeque say they are now preparing to set out early next week.

Lobster traps

study into&nbsp;the economic&nbsp;contribution of P.E.I.'s&nbsp;seafood industry

, the sector is worth about $1.2 billion&nbsp;—&nbsp;$938 million to the Island's economy and a further $262 million in other provinces. More than 42 million pounds of lobster was harvested off the Island in 2019, with 72 per cent&nbsp;of exports bound for the U.S.

Atlantic Canada seafood sectors surged in 2021

According to economic data from DFO, Atlantic Canada's big money seafood species surged in value in the second year of the pandemic.

Jason Conrad captain‘s a small lobster boat in Riverport Nova Scotia on the LaHave River. 

Fishermen Income

Jason Conrad captains a small lobster boat in Riverport, N.S., on the LaHave River. 

Lobster fishing 101: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask

Every year the the beginning of May hundreds of P.E.I. fishing boats head out into the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to sink their traps and bring back lobsters, a tasty treat enjoyed around the world. But just how does it work, anyway?

Jada Yeo works on her father's lobster boat out of North Lake, P.E.I., as a 'helper' and is making a career in the fishing industry. She also has her own license to fish mackerel.

Jada Yeo, fisherman's helper on her dad's boat, North Lake P.E.I. 

Jada Yeo works on her father's lobster boat out of North Lake, P.E.I., as a 'helper' and is making a career in the fishing industry. She also has her own licence to fish mackerel.

Officials have confirmed P.E.I.'s fall lobster season will open on Thursday.

P.E.I.'s fall lobster season delayed by weather

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