Back to the sea

Fishers are back at sea again since the lobster season opened earlier this week on Prince Edward Island.

Prior to the start of the season, boats are returned to the water, traps and other gear readied. In addition, dredging of the waterways occurs since the sand around the island shifts over the winter and can pose a hazard to the boats.

At Seacow Pond on the northwest corner of the island, this was the scene last week as boats and gear were prepared for the season. 

Boats lined the pond and along the wharf, by each boat, its gear was piled, ready for loading on the big day.

It was interesting to be close enough to see the weight in each trap, which causes it to sink in the water. 

The buoy which is the marker for each trap has a weight as well which keeps the buoy upright in the water. The weights on PEI are concrete, made by the fishers.

On Setting Day, the opening of the season, fishers load the gear and head out to the fishing ground as their families gather along the shoreline to wish them a safe and successful season.

Last week in a nearby inlet, we saw a dredger which was pulled ashore,

allowing us to see the cutter head which bores into the seabed. 

The sand is sucked through the dredger and ejected away from the shipping channel. With the weather co-operating, the dredging done and gear and boats ready, Setting Day was Tuesday.

That day on the northwest coast, we had our picnic lunch in the yard of Christ Church at Kildare Capes, a peaceful setting along the coastline. There is a stained glass window at the back of the church with the words, “Peace be still,” whilst Jesus stands in a boat amid stormy seas. It is a reminder of the danger of working at sea and the faith of many people on the island. 

Meanwhile, as is the tradition with many island families, we are having our first lobster of the season for Mother’s Day this Sunday. Even the children enjoy a meal of lobster. It is a part of island culture which our family enjoys.

Island spring

One of the many things I love about Prince Edward Island is how the land and the sea are entwined in the lives of the people. While the sea separates us from others, it is a focus of life here as it provides food and a source of income as islanders harvest the sea in a sustainable way. The sea also lures us to its shores to play on the beaches and in the waters which lap the shore.

On this island, farmers’ fields drop into the sea as the rich red soil supports agriculture. 

Animals are part of that life too including cattle, dairy cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chicken and others. The land has supported farming for centuries as the original settlers cleared the land and planted vegetables and raised animals. Today, potatoes are the largest crop.

This connection of land and sea was evident last week when my husband and I stopped at Seacow Pond on the north coast of the island. The lobster fishery which normally begins at the end of April has been postponed until May 15th. There is concern for the safety of crews and their ability to social distance. Also, the markets are gone since restaurants aren’t open though that will change over the next few months.

Fishers are preparing for the start of the fishery and traps are ready to be loaded aboard the boats, the colourful marker buoys ready for their sentinel duty with the lobster traps.

As we looked over boats at Seacow Pond, just over our shoulders two horses walked around a pasture which will soon turn green. 

In the distance fields will be ploughed for another crop in rotation.

Island life embraces spring in spite of the pandemic.