Island lobster fishermen are favouring a carapace size increase for the spring fishery in 2018.
Fishermen are hoping for approval of a one-millimeter increase for the minimum carapace size.
The President of the Western Gulf Fishermen’s Association, Francis Morrissey is optimistic that the measure will be meet with approval.
Morrissey is a member of the Lobster Fishery Area 24 Lobster Advisory Committee.
The PEI Fishermen’s Association has shown 62 per cent of fishermen in the east approve the idea. That’s in area 26A.
58 per cent are in favour in Area 24.
It would put the carapace size at 73 millimeters as a conservation measure. The fall fishery had 75 mm size this year.
The results are not binding. The Native Council of PEI also has to discuss the idea.
Fishermen also have approved returning female lobster over 115 mm back to the water.
They also want a minimum of six-trap bunches and two escape panels per trap by 2019.
The management plan would also have to be put forward to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.