The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today the Government of Canada has provided more than $11 million to PEI lobster organizations under the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures (ALSM) program since 2010. As a result, the number of traps being fished by active fishermen decreased by roughly 10,000 and 68 licences were retired across the province, representing an additional 18,500 traps.
The final results of this program were accomplished at the end of March when the industry group LFA 26A Restructuring Inc. retired the licences it had committed to retire under ALSM.
“Given the uncertainty of these last few years, I’m proud our Government has been there for lobster fishermen and their families. The Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures program has reduced pressure on stocks and improved the viability of the industry for our lobster fishermen in PEI and across the rest of Atlantic Canada.”
“We will continue to work hard to support our fishermen, generating opportunities to maximize the economic value of the fishery, opening new markets in Europe and Asia and of course ensuring the sustainability of Canadian fisheries. Additionally, our Government has recently welcomed the report of the Maritime Lobster Panel and will be acting upon recommendations made for our Department.”
The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
