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“I am pleased to present Mr. O’Neill with the Premiers Cup trophy in recognition of his significant achievement,” said Premier Ghiz. “The Prince Edward Island tuna fishery continues to be healthy and sustainable and is a strong contributor to the Island economy.”

The award is presented annually to recognize the economic importance of the tuna fishery and the international reputation it brings to Prince Edward Island.

Mr. O’Neill’s bluefin weighed 481.5 kilograms. He caught the tuna on October 6 off Souris. O’Neill was accompanied by his crew of Rose Llewellyn, Skip Mallard and Edward Jackson aboard the vessel Reel Turmoil. It took almost three hours to land the giant tuna.

The tuna fishery had a landed value of over $3 million in 2013.

A total of 418 tuna, weighing 127.4 metric tonnes, were landed in 2013 in Prince Edward Island by the Island tuna fleet. 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.

Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley was on hand to congratulate Captain O’Neill. “The Island’s tuna fishers are great contributors to our rural communities and to the growth of the Island’s fishery exports,” said Minister MacKinley. “The province will continue to work with the tuna industry to maximize the value of the fishery while supporting measures for a sustainable industry.”