Premier presents annual tuna cup trophy

North Lake tuna boat captain Ross Keus received the Premier’s Tuna Cup for landing 2016’s largest bluefin tuna.

An annual tradition since 1999, the award recognizes the economic impact of the tuna fishery and its growing reputation internationally. The winning bluefin weighed 491 kilograms (1,082.5 pounds) and took 90 minutes to land.

“The tuna fishery has economic and historical significance to the province of Prince Edward Island and it is important to recognize its contribution to our rural economy,” Premier MacLauchlan said. “The province will continue to work with the tuna industry to maximize the value of the fishery while supporting measures for a sustainable industry.

“I am pleased to present Captain Keus with this trophy in recognition of this significant achievement.”

Keus has been fishing bluefin tuna for 30 years and caught the giant bluefin off North Lake. He was accompanied on his boat the Neptuna by his father, Cor Keus, and Josh Adams.

“The Island’s tuna fishers are great contributors to our rural communities and to the growth of the Island’s fishery exports,” Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Alan McIsaac said. ““I want to extend my congratulations to Ross and thank our Island commercial tuna fishers for their continued contribution to a healthy and sustainable fishery.” 

Prince Edward Island’s tuna fleet landed 475 bluefin tuna in 2016. The landed value of the fishery in 2016 was more than $2.5 million.

Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
902-620-3084
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca