P.E.I. tuna fishery closes for weekend

The rest of the P.E.I. bluefin tuna quota, more than 40 tonnes, will not be landed until next week, says the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association.

“Given the Thanksgiving holiday when the federal fisheries department will be closed and the forecast of strong northerly winds on Monday, the bluefin tuna fishery will shut down Friday evening and open again on Tuesday morning at 5 a.m., Oct. 14. DFO will issue a variation order to that effect,” said the PEIFA’s executive director, Ed Frenette.

“This temporary closure will allow DFO and the tuna committee an opportunity to review landings to date and determine what approach will be taken to close the fishery when landings are nearing the full quota,” he said.

The season will continue until the quota is fully caught.