Lobster size decision was 'responsible, sustainable,' says new minister

A decision to increase the minimum size for lobsters caught in the western end of the Northumberland Strait will not be changed by the new fisheries minister.

• P.E.I. fishermen aren't happy with the lobster size increase

Dominic LeBlanc MP for the riding of Beausjour in New Brunswick took over the portfolio when Hunter Tootoo resigned Tuesday to seek treatment for addiction.

• P.E.I. fishermen hopeful of smooth federal minister transition

P.E.I. fishermen and others have questioned Tootoo's recent decision to increase carapace size for Lobster Fishing Area 25.

"Mr. Tootoo had looked at scientific advice, had listened to the arguments from a number of experts in terms of how to maximize the value of that resource," said LeBlanc.

"I supported that decision.I encouraged Mr. Tootoo to make that decision. I would have hoped that his predecessors - plural - might have been able to make that decision years ago."

LeBlanc, who was taking questions from reporters in New Brunswick Thursday, said the decision will not be reversed and it is time to move on to other issues.

Developing markets for smaller lobster

The carapace size the measurement used to determine how small a lobster can be legally caught for sale will increase by one millimetre this year to 73 millimetres. By 2018, it will go up to 77 millimetres.

The government should follow scientific advice to ensure that we're conserving those resources.- Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc

People in the industry on P.E.I. complain that will hurt fishermen who supply smaller-sized lobsters, known as canners. There are also concerns about P.E.I. processing plants, which have invested money to develop and service the canner market.

But LeBlanc said the decision is both sustainable for the lobster resource, and in the best economic interests of fishermen.

"The government should follow scientific advice to ensure that we're conserving those resources," he said.

"But we also have an obligation to think about the people whose livelihood and the communities that depend on these resources and what responsible, sustainable decisions can we make to ensure that the economic future of these communities remains strong."

LeBlanc went on to say he intends to be a minister who will make decisions based on the best interests of all fishermen.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Why is N.B. getting a better HST credit than P.E.I.?
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Cavendish Beach Music Festival sees support for planned changes