The lobster fishing season for the North Shore of Prince Edward Island has been pushed back until at least Tuesday, April 28, 2026, due to poor weather and the need for urgent maintenance at local harbours.
The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association, working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, confirmed the decision following a meeting of the advisory committee on April 21, 2026. The delay affects the area stretching from North Cape to East Point, which includes coastal communities near Summerside.
At least three harbours currently require dredging to ensure vessels can navigate the channels safely. Local fishers have expressed support for the delay, noting that safety remains the top priority. Timothy Wall, a third-generation fisherman based in Malpeque Bay, noted that attempting to head out to the fishing grounds under current conditions would be too risky. Similarly, North Lake fisherman Leonard Kortekass pointed to the challenging winds and incomplete dredging work as primary reasons for holding off on the start of the season.
The spring lobster season is a vital part of the island’s economy, with fishers landing nearly 47 million pounds of lobster valued at $359 million in 2024. The postponement impacts not only the families who fish for a living but also the local processing businesses that rely on the seasonal window.
Industry representatives and federal officials are expected to hold a follow-up meeting on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 3:30 PM to review the progress of the dredging and determine if the season can officially move forward on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the lobster fishing area covering the south shore of the province is currently set to begin its season on Monday, April 27, 2026.
