P.E.I.'s fall lobster season delayed by weather

The opening of P.E.I.'s fall lobster season has been delayed, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

The season was scheduled to open in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 on Aug.9 and close on Oct.10, but DFO officials saythe season won't open until weather conditions improve.

Whenopening is delayed, the season closes a day late up to a maximum of four days.

In a Facebook post to members, the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association saidthe opening will be delayed until at least Aug.11.

The post saida conference call with DFO to discuss recommendations on weather conditions and opening later this week has been scheduled for Aug.9.

Lobster is Canada's most lucrative fishery.

According to a 2021 study intothe economiccontribution of P.E.I.'sseafood industry, the sector is worth about $1.2 billion$938 million to the Island's economy and a further $262 million in other provinces. More than 42 million pounds of lobster was harvested off the Island in 2019, with 72 per centof exports bound for the U.S.