Eric MacKinnon, a tuna fisher from Murray River who fishes out of Beach Point, has been recognized for landing the largest bluefin tuna of the 2009 season at a P.E.I. port.
MacKinnon was recently presented with the Premier's Cup by Premier Robert Ghiz.
The cup is awarded annually to recognize the importance of the tuna fishery to the economy
and the international recognition it brings to Prince Edward
Island.
"I am pleased to congratulate Mr. MacKinnon on his achievement, along with all those other fishers who have helped make the industry such a success," said Ghiz.
"Bluefin tuna is a world-class, highly sought-after product that commands a premium price in international markets."
The 1,162-pound tuna was landed on Oct. 10, the opening day of the fall season.
MacKinnon fought the tuna for an hour and 10 minutes aboard the vessel Pier Pressure I off Cape Louie, east of Fisherman's Bank, in about 100 feet of water.
He had the assistance of his helper, Shawn Dawson, also of Murray River, in landing the fish. MacKinnon has been fishing tuna since the mid-1980s.
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair was on hand to congratulate MacKinnon.
"Prince Edward Island tuna fishers have been working hard to maximize the value of the tuna resource, and at the same time support measures for a sustainable fishery," said LeClair.
In 2009, a total of 489 tuna with a total weight of 153.45 metric tonnes were landed in Prince Edward Island.
The fishery has a landed value of $3.0 million.
Catches in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continue to be strong.
MacKinnon lands Premier's Cup for biggest tuna
MacKinnon lands Premier's Cup for biggest tuna
- Published on December 21st, 2009
- Published on June 14th, 2010
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Staff ~ Farm Focus
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Comments
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- WOW!
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:31:09
Charlie Mcg! He once fell overboard and was quoted as saying if it wasn't for my exceptional strenght I wouldn't have gotten back in the boat ..he should have won an award for that!
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- Spoilsofwar
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:10:15
Amazing that they give awards for killing an endangered species!
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- Me
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:41:30
Too bad he only got $1 per pound for such a big fish!
