BY JOHN SUTTON
Prince Edward Island has long been a destination for anglers seeking to do battle with the Giant Bluefin Tuna which swim off the coast of our fair province. One of the most prized sport-fish of the Atlantic Ocean the Bluefin Tuna has returned to Island waters with a vengeance. After stocks went in decline and no fish were caught off the P.E.I. coast for a number of years their re-appearance provides fishermen with a unique opportunity to hook and land one of the most gigantic pelagic species of fish swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. As well, boat-owners recognize the importance of landing even one of these fish as their flesh commands an astronomical price on the Japanese fish market.
A migratory species, the Bluefin Tuna follows the stream of warm water flowing from the Gulf of Mexico in search of food. This gulf-stream passes just off the coast of P.E.I., making the waters a prime location for some big-game fishing action. The Tuna is one of the strongest fighters an angler can hook, with battles usually lasting several hours and fish weighing several hundred pounds regularly being brought back to port. Throughout the 1970's and 80's Prince Edward Island was a Mecca for Tuna fishermen. In particular, North Lake, located on P.E.I's easternmost tip, was once known internationally as "The Bluefin Tuna Capital of the World". Large numbers of Tuna, some tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds, were caught year after year at this remote location. Then, seemingly out of the blue, the Tuna completely disappeared.
For years following the decline of Bluefin stocks in Island waters the giant fish was nowhere to be found. It was believed that the species had altered its annual migration route, probably seeking its main food supply elsewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. As fish stocks plummeted the Bluefin industry went into decline. No longer were anglers making the pilgrimmage to North Lake in search of the elusive giants.
The late 1990's saw the gradual return of the Giant Bluefin Tuna to Island waters. In 2000, the fish were caught in numbers so great that North Lake could once again claim its place as the ultimate destination for Tuna seekers. A fishing derby, in which some of the most internationally renowned anglers participated, was also held. Despite the fact that no fish were landed during the competition it was plain to see that the Tuna fishing industry on P.E.I. had been restored to its former glory.
What makes the Bluefin Tuna so valuable to the P.E.I. fishing industry? Quite simply, Japanese fish markets pay big, big bucks for even a single fish. Though anglers pay to catch the fish it is the captain of the boat who retains selling rights for this catch. Once caught and brought back to port, the tuna are cleaned and dressed, packed in ice and shipped to Japan. There, appraisers judge the firmness and quality of the flesh before making a bid for the fish. They are then sold to private restaurants and used to make sushi, a traditional Japanese seafood delicacy. If the flesh is of proper quality bidders pay tens of thousands of dollars for just a single fish! Suffice it to say that Tuna fishing in P.E.I., assuming the stocks are plentiful, can be a most lucrative business for Island fishermen.
Fishing for these Tuna is a rare privilege for the avid big-game fisherman. First of all, he must be in the right place at the right time to even have a chance to hook these behemoths. Then, he must possess the fortitude to land the giant fish once hooked. Prince Edward Island, and North Lake in particular, provides anglers with an exceptional opportunity to battle and land this giant of the sea.
