Tuna Cup awarded to fisherman who caught 1,162-pound tuna

Bragging rights for the 2009 tuna fishery in P.E.I. belong to Eric MacKinnon.

Fishing out of the eastern P.E.I. port of Murray River, MacKinnon landed the largest fish of the season at a whopping 1,162 pounds. Following a tradition started by his predecessor Pat Binns, Premier Robert Ghiz honoured this accomplishment by awarding MacKinnon the premier’s cup. “I am pleased to congratulate Mr. MacKinnon on his achievement, along with all those other fishers who have helped make the industry such a success,” said Premier Ghiz. “Bluefin tuna is a world-class, highly sought-after product that commands a premium price in international markets.”

MacKinnon landed his giant fish on the opening day of the fall season, following an hour-and-10-minute battle fought aboard the vessel Pier Pressure I off Cape Louie, east of Fisherman’s Bank, in about 100 feet of water. He had the assistance of his helper, Shawn Dawson, also of Murray River, in landing the fish.

MacKinnon has been fishing tuna since the mid-1980s. Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair was on hand to congratulate MacKinnon. “Prince Edward Island tuna fishers have been working hard to maximize the value of the tuna resource, and at the same time support measures for a sustainable fishery,” he said.

In 2009, a total of 489 tuna with a total weight of 153.45 metric tonnes were landed in Prince Edward Island. The fishery has a landed value of $3 million. Catches in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continue to be strong.