News ReleasesHOME / GOVERNMENT / NEWS RELEASES / Friday, November 10, 2006  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture MACLEOD’S LEDGE NOW PART OF PEI LOBSTER FISHERY CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- MacLeod’s Ledge will officially become a part of Prince Edward Island’s Lobster Fishing Area 24. The announcement was made today by Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Bagnall. MacLeod’s Ledge is a fishing ground of approximately 50 square nautical miles off the northwestern edge of Prince Edward Island which has been the subject of an ongoing dispute between Prince Edward Island and Quebec lobster fishers. Historically, it was a part of the Prince Edward Island lobster fishery, but an administrative error some years ago made it part of Quebec Lobster Fishing Area 22, although it is too far removed from Quebec ports for fishers to access. Prince Edward Island lobster fishers were granted access to MacLeod’s Ledge through amendments to license conditions and variation orders. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been trying to find a mutually-acceptable solution to the dispute since 2002. Earlier this year, DFO commissioned Allister Surette to examine the issue and make recommendations on a long-term approach regarding access to the lobster fishery in this area. Mr. Surette has recommended a change in the boundary lines which would include MacLeod’s Ledge in LFA 24. Mr. Bagnall said he is very pleased with the decision which gives Island fishers permanent access to MacLeod’s Ledge. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to Fisheries and Oceans Minister Lyola Hearne for the resolution of this outstanding issue,” said Mr. Bagnall. “We have been trying without success to resolve this issue for a number of years, and I am very pleased to welcome this refreshing new approach on the part of Minister Hearne.” Mr. Bagnall said the changes must still undergo legal review and publication in the Royal Gazette before they are finalized. “I also want to thank Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea for her determination to have this issue resolved,” said Mr. Bagnall. “Through her hard work and efforts, she kept this issue in the forefront on behalf of the fishers in her district.”
For additional information, contact Wayne MacKinnon. | ||||||
