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“I am pleased to present Mr. Dixon and Mr. Jamieson with this trophy in recognition of their significant achievement,” said Premier Ghiz. “Long-term management measures implemented by the Prince Edward Island tuna fleet are keeping the fishery healthy and sustainable and maintaining its strong contribution to the Island economy.”

Each bluefin weighed 480 kilograms or 1,058 pounds. Mr. Jamieson landed his tuna on September 23 off North Lake. Ten days later, Mr. Dixon caught his tuna in the same area.

Mr. Jamieson’s son Logan and father-in-law Craig Jenkins helped land the tuna aboard the Robin Gayle. It took almost two hours to land the fish. This is Mr. Jamieson’s first year with his own tuna license. He has fished tuna for over 10 years.

Mr. Dixon was assisted by his son Jordan and Mark Dixon aboard the vessel All Points. It took only an hour to land the tuna on October 3 in North Lake. Mr. Dixon has fished lobster and tuna for more than 30 years from his home port of Graham’s Pond.

A total of 434 tuna, weighing 127 metric tonnes, were landed in 2012 in Prince Edward Island. Fishers reported an abundance of tuna during the summer and early fall which led to the quota being fished and new business for the emerging catch-and-release fishery.

Premier Ghiz acknowledged the contribution tuna fishers are making to coastal communities and to the growth of the fishery and exports.

Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley also attended the presentation.