NORTHPORT, P.E.I. — Tuna fisherman Doug Fraser got his due yesterday, Feb. 1, when P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz awarded the tradesman with the Premier’s Cup for reeling in the province’s largest Bluefin tuna for 2010, which weighed 1,184 pounds.
“I congratulate Mr. Fraser on his achievements and on his significant contributions to the tuna fishery,” said Ghiz of Fraser who is co-chair of the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association tuna advisory board and an industry member on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. “The tuna fishery is overcoming a number of challenges and that is because of the hard work of fishers like Mr. Fraser and others who help to ensure it is well managed and sustainable.”The Northport, P.E.I. native, who began fishing lobster in 1968 and tuna in 1991, wrestled with the massive tuna for an hour before — with some assistance — he was able to haul it aboard on the first day of the fishing season on Oct. 4.
The Premier’s Cup is presented annually in recognition of the “important” role the tuna fishery has on the province’s economy and international recognition