pilot project next year will study the impact of moving the start of the fall lobster fishery in the Northumberland Strait between P.E.I. and New Brunswick.Anecdotal evidence suggests the quality of lobster caught could be improved if the start date is moved a week earlier, says the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association. Fishing usually starts Aug. 9.
Association manager Ian MacPherson said the study will look at lobster quality before and after that date.
"Just to collect more data, track the movement of lobsters, and see if there were any discussions moving forward on how the season could be adjusted, what would work in certain areas," said MacPherson.
"With the changing conditions out there, we felt it was critical to gather some more information and sit down and have all the facts on the table."
MacPherson said this is one suggestion from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans working group exploring ways to improve the fall fishery. Last year prices plummeted below $3 a pound towards the end of the season.
