2024 Lobster Release – The Largest Ever
The largest lobsters we’ve seen in recent history
On July 6, under stormy skies that miraculously cleared as we sailed out of Pleasant Bay harbour, we released over 390 pounds of lobsters back into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Each year for over 30 years the Abbey has been working with a local lobster fisherman, Captain Mark Timmons, to purchase the catch from the last day of the lobster season and release it back into the same waters. This year, the final day catch purchase totalled $2737.00. This tradition of live release is very old – you can read more about it here.
Even Captain Mark was amazed at the size and age of the lobsters released this year. “Some of these are over 30 years old, and they just made a mistake today…but then they got lucky”.
Yes, there are occasionally pinched fingers.
Every year, Captain Mark teaches us something new about the life of a lobster.
This year we were joined by Cape Breton filmmaker Nelson MacDonald and sound specialist Jamie Foulds who are creating a film about rituals in the fishing industry. Jamie Foulds offered many good photos of the day.
If you are interested in supporting this annual practice of lobster release we welcome your donations.
