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The PEIFA has been involved in the input and coordination of the following two projects:
1) EFFICIENCY OF BIODEGRADABLE ASPECT OF LOBSTER TRAPS – PROJECT:
In fall of 2008, the issue of the effectiveness of the biodegradable aspect of the lobster trap was raised once again at one of the Gulf Lobster Advisory Committee meetings in Moncton. Since this time, the Federal Government has announced funding through the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability measures program which enabled Lobster Fishing areas to apply for funding towards a local rationalization program. Part of the criteria for this funding involves agreeing to look into the effectiveness of the biodegradable aspects of the lobster trap.
The PEIFA along with other fisher’s organizations asked that further research be done before any measures were introduced. The PEIFA has also asked to be able to provide input into the study and agreed to assist in certain aspects of the project. The following is a description of what is being done in 2010:
Part 1 – Cotton twine on workable traps – Fishermen in LFA 24, 26A outfitted traps with a #21 strength untreated cotton twine during the spring lobster season. We are still waiting to hear back from all fishers who tried the twine however, those who have reported back showed no signs of biodegrading in the workable trap during the season. Some in LFA 25 have also agreed to try the twine. IF OTHER LFA 25 LOBSTER FISHERS ARE INTERESTED IN TRYING THIS COTTON TWINE DURING THE FALL FISHERY (BEGINNING AUGUST 9TH, 2010) PLEASE CONTACT THE PEIFA OFFICE.
Part 2 – Ghost fishing sites – Following last year’s sites, another two areas (Rustico and Wood Islands) have been set with traps and will be monitored by divers. Each area has two sites, one at 30 feet and one at 70 feet. Divers will be monitoring many aspects of the traps including twine, wooden lathes, headsticks, amount of lobster in each, ect. They are also using three varieties of traps (wooden, hybrid and wire) in the study.
Preliminary footage from diver video of the 2009 ghost fishing site was presented to some members of the Board and Lobster Advisory Chairs in March, 2010.
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN THE LATE FALL / EARLY WINTER OF THIS YEAR.
The voice of Island fishermen
2) POST-LARVAL LOBSTER COLLECTOR PROJECT:
The PEIFA, in partnership with local PEI Associations, DFO Science and PEI Dept of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development have continued the Post Larval Lobster Collector project which began in 2008. The project aims to collect info on settlement of stage IV lobster in specific areas as well as recording bottom temperatures.
Collectors were deployed in July, 2010 at 6 sites across PEI including; Skinner’s Pond, Alberton, Covehead, Fortune, Murray Harbour and Nine Mile Creek. Site locations are in 25-30 feet of water with 30 collectors per site. One exception is the addition of 5 collectors in the Fortune area at 70 feet. Each collector has a visible marked buoy attached to the 250-pound collector which contains cobble rock and gravel (ideal settling habitat for lobster!). Posters are also being distributed with this info. PLEASE ADVISE OTHERS THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THESE COLLECTORS TO REMAIN ON THE BOTTOM AND UNTOUCHED.
Collectors will be retrieved beginning mid-September and results will be available this fall including trends in # of post-larval lobster in the past 3 years as well as daily temperature data in those areas.
If you have any questions or comments concerning these lobster projects please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (902) 566-4050.
