FOOD & DRINK
PEI’s Lobster Fishery Serves Up Both Lobster and Community This Summer By Brianne Hogan Photos Stephen Harris
P rince Edward Island lobster is not just for Islanders; it’s a seafood staple that’s beloved around the world. It is known in the lobster market as a gourmet delicacy, thanks to its hard shells and tender juicy meat. There are more than 1,200 lobster fishers on PEI who operate during two seasons: the spring season, and the fall fishing season. The spring fishing season takes place from late April through the end of June, and the fall season spans from August through October. It’s a yearly tradition that Islanders have looked forward to for more than 150 years.
sense of identity and great reputation the industry gives to the Island, the PEI lobster industry contributes to the Island economy through landing values, processing plants, and of course public consumption,” says Dave MacEwen, director of Marine Fisheries and Seafood Services for the Department of Fisheries and Communities. However, like many industries this year, the lobster fishery was also affected by COVID-19. In addition to an economic impact, MacEwen says the industry was also impacted by timing and logistics. This year’s lobster fishing season was delayed from April 30 to May 15, and was also extended from the end of June to July 4th. Other difficulties faced were logistics on boats considering social distance
When you think of summer on PEI, you probably think of fresh lobster and the joy of sharing a delicious lobster dinner with friends. The lobster fishery is truly at the heart of PEI for many Islanders; they can attest that life on the Island seems to ebb and flow with the lobster season.
The lobster fishery is also a key driver of PEI’s economy. “Aside from the
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www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020
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