Gaspésie lobster fishermen set sail Saturday morning for the first time this season.
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First, they launched the boats and traps. As of Sunday, the very first lobsters of the year should be taken out of the water.
In an interview with LCN, the scientific director of the Association of Professional Fishermen of the South of Gaspésie, Jean Côté, spoke of “ideal” weather for the start of the season.
“It was a windless morning, calm seas. This is what we need to make a safe exit to place the traps on the bottom,” he declared.
According to him, the first lobsters from Gaspésie should arrive in grocery stores in the province by next Friday.
“It will take some time before the fishing industry has sufficient inventory in their fish tanks to supply you in town,” says Mr. Côté.
The latter reminds consumers to look for the traceability medallion to ensure that they are purchasing lobsters from Gaspésie.
“He’s the only one who has that. It is unique in the world thanks to this little medallion. We invite you to look for it!”, he says.
After breaking fishing records last year, Jean Côté anticipates another excellent season this year.
“Our inventories last fall showed us that there were still a lot of commercial lobsters at the bottom of the water and that there were still a lot of small ones. So, for this year, next year and the years to come, it looks good for the moment,” explains the expert.
As for the price of Gaspé lobster, it should be reasonable.
“We expect to receive prices comparable to those of last year. So, probably it’s going to be the same thing. There may be some inflationary pressure, but it’s always hard to say,” says Jean Côté.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.
