Re-allocated tuna tags put P.E.I. boats back to work. Some tuna fishers on P.E.I. who thought their season was over are back in business, with a green light from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) giving dozens another shot at a payday.
The federal department released 48 tuna tags to Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) licence holders on Thursday. Several fishers picked them up before heading to North Lake Harbour on the island’s eastern end, often called the “tuna capital of the world.”
The late-September re-allocation gives eligible fishers one more chance to land a high-value catch and recoup rising costs.
“It’s nice to get an extra fish every year,” said commercial fisherman Cody Gallant. “Just more income. You get to keep fishing and another chance to make back some of the loss of expenses.”
Tuna is internationally managed, having been historically overfished. Canada is given a yearly quota, which is shared among regional fleets, then divvied up to licence holders. Near season’s end, the federal department can re-allocate unused quota via tags. The tags function as tickets to catch.
It helps keep owner-operators financially viable, said Ian MacPherson, PEIFA’s executive director.
“Operating costs have been going up quite a bit over the last few years,” he said. “Fuel has gone up significantly, bait has gone up significantly… obviously, crew members’ wages have increased over the last few years.”
He said the association is continually pursuing more quota for its members. MacPherson added P.E.I. has the highest number of bluefin licence holders, but several other fleets have more quota per licence.
At North Lake, crowds gathered along the wharf to watch as crews secured lines, hauled a bluefin alongside and lifted it on a scale hook for the first weigh. Several families and tourists took photos with the catch. After grading, the fish was iced and prepared for a final weigh to determine value.
It came out to around 180 kilograms, or close to 400 pounds. One fisher said that could fetch up to $6,000 if sold domestically.
Beyond the bottom line, there are other benefits, said Gallant. “It’s good to be on the water.”
Fishers have until the end of the year to use their tuna tags, or until the quota is caught.
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