Fishermen recover lost traps from P.E.I. waters

After the spring lobster season came to a close, some fishermen on P.E.I. went back onto the waterto help recover missing gear.

Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox applauded the efforts offishermen from Lennox Island and the Western Gulf Fishermen's Association for pulling59 traps and a gill net from P.E.I.waters, a news release said.

Recovering "ghost"gear as some fishermen call missing traps, buoys and ropesprevents the ongoing trapping of lobsters andreduces the possibility of animalssuch as North Atlanticright whales becoming entangled.

"Them going out and looking for ghost-type gear is a positive, not only on the fishing side but also for the environment and the industry," Fox told CBC News.

"Of course we have the right whale issue and it helps alleviate that contact with those mammals."

Fox said the fishermen's efforts would helpfree hundreds of lobsters.

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