Increasing the local demand for lobster is the focus of the province’s promotional campaign, Love our Lobster, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.

“This promotion celebrates the high-quality of Prince Edward Island lobster which is the best in the world,” said Minister MacKinley. “We are declaring May as Love our Lobster Month to promote our lobster and support fishers, processors, retailers, peddlers and other sectors of the industry.”

During May, Island radio stations Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5 are promoting contests that offer prizes from Prince Edward Island companies whose main business involves lobster. Prizes include lobster dinners, home deliveries of cooked lobster, lobster charters and a backyard lobster party for 20 people catered by a local chef. The radio stations are also featuring lobster shucking contests and competitions among local chefs for the best lobster recipes.

The lobster fishery is the economic backbone of many communities across the province. In 2011, more than 21 million pounds of lobster were landed with an approximate value of $200 million to the Island economy including spin-offs. Most of the product is exported to domestic and international markets.

“We are encouraging Islanders to eat more fresh lobster and enjoy this premium Prince Edward Island product. We want to make lobster an important part of our celebrations with family and friends,” said Mr. MacKinley.