P.E.I. scallop fishermen propose compensation plan for cable disruption
o’learY, P.e.i.
Prince Edward Island scallop fishermen are proposing the money Maritime Electric is promising as compensation be applied toward rationalization.
The utility is offering $500,000 as compensation for keeping scallop fishermen out of part of their zone this year.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has agreed to a request from Maritime Electric to impose a fishing exclusion zone across the Northumberland Strait off Borden where the utility is currently laying new submarine power cables.
The area, which includes some of the best scallop fishing beds in Scallop Fishing Area 22, is expected to be in place for most of the month of May.
The five-week scallop fishery opens May 1 and involves fishermen from both sides of the strait.
Of the 130 license-holders in New Brunswick and 60 in P.E.I., about 60 to 70 of them are active each year.
About 40 P.E.I. fishermen attended a meeting between the Prince County Fishermen’s Association and Maritime Electric this week in O’Leary. Fishermen voiced displeasure that DFO agreed to Maritime Electric’s request without consulting with fishermen first. The cable-laying ship Isaac Newton is shown off Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., laying power cable with Confederation Bridge in the background. The ship is being used to transport and install two massive electrical cables under the Northumberland Strait between P.E.I. and New Brunswick.
The power utility has indicated the narrow exclusion zone is meant for the safety of the crews and divers laying the cable as well as the safety of the fishermen.
PCFA president Lee Knox indicated a final decision has not been made on how the compensation will be divided up but he said his members are proposing the money be set aside to be applied toward rationalization for the retirement of active licenses. “
It’s going to help,” he said in conveying members’ belief rationalization would benefit the fishery going forward.
He acknowledges it is too late to apply the money toward rationalization for the 2017 season.
Knox said he has already been in contact with counterparts in New Brunswick and they are considering applying at least some of the compensation package toward rationalization.