Devon Lynn, a Research Assistant at University of Prince Edward Island was actually looking for a species of laminaria (kelp) for a nutrition analysis study and found hoards of lobsters instead while diving at North Rustico breakwater.
North Rustico is a town in Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. North Rustico was developed around a small natural harbour on the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast around 1790. Although English, Scottish, and Irish settlers poured into the area during the remainder of the 18th century and during the 19th and 20th centuries, the territory was home to a remnant Acadian community who fled British capture and deportation during the Seven Years’ War. Rustico is derived from Rassicot, the name of one of the first French settlers.
Fishing, tourism, and agriculture are the main industries in North Rustico. The village, which is 30 kilometres (19 miles) northwest of Charlottetown, is rapidly transforming into an exurb, with residents commuting to work in the city.
Every year on July 1st, North Rustico hosts a Canada Day celebration. The event typically draws over 10,000 people, filling the town to capacity. It features a park festival, a parade down Main Street, and a boat parade on Rustico Harbour. Families, teenagers, and adults all enjoy the festivities. A fireworks show over the bay brings the day to a close.
With roughly 40 vessels home-ported in a small craft harbour, fishing is the village’s most important economic activity. Lobster fishing is the primary focus of much of the fleet, and fresh north shore P.E.I. lobster can be purchased in a seafood market on the harbour wharves or straight from the boats during the months of May and June. “Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers” and “Blue Mussel Cafe” are two restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Dive Report
Devon was diving alone at a depth of 15 feet with visibility of 15 feet. A GoPro Hero 7 was used to video the above video. She was in the water for around 50 minutes with a temperature of 22 degrees C (71 F). It was only a scouting dive; she was actually hunting for a species of laminaria (kelp) for a nutrition analysis study, but instead came across a swarm of lobsters.
Devon Lynn
Devon, by the way, found the laminaria, but it wasn’t doing so well, so she’ll have to look for another source.
Thanks to Devon Lynn for her video contribution. Devon is a Research Assistant at University of Prince Edward Island.
Follow Devon’s Scuba Adventures on Facebook.