'The fishery is obviously having an impact': Head of PEI Snow Crab Association understands DFO decision

ThePEI Snow Crab Association says it understands the Department ofFisheries and Oceans decision to close the season early.

Fishing was supposed to be allowed until July 28thbut DFOdecided on Thursday to close it a week early because of the risk of endangered North Atlantic right whales getting caught in fishing gear.

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There is currently one right whale entangled,several more have been disentangledin the last few weeksand at least onewhalehas died tangled in gear.

The eighth dead right whale in the last two months was found this week.

'A major problem'

Carter Hutt,the head of the association,said it's something he's never seen before.

"This year it seems to be a major problem," hesaid.

"The fishery is obviously having an impact."

Hutt said26 of the Island's 27 crab fishermen have already caught their allowed quota, leaving only one slightly short.

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