The board of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association met Tuesday and forced the resignation of its president, Ken Drake.

The request follows an incident in May when Drake was charged with possession of an undersized lobster. He pleaded guilty in August and was fined $5,800.

At the time, he said he was responsible for the catch as captain of the boat, even though he was not the person who emptied the traps and handled the lobster.

At Tuesday's meeting — the first since the case made its way through the court system — the board said many members felt Drake should no longer represent them.

Michael MacGeoghegan of Belle River has been appointed interim president of the association.

"I back Kenny 100 per cent, personally," he said. "But they felt that the fishing community look on this as favouritism so they decided to take a vote, and it come that Kenny had to step down.

"Hopefully the association will be stronger for it. It's just a tough time. It's tough all the way around."

Attempts to reach Drake on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

MacGeoghegan said the association has always taken a stand for harsh penalties for people who break fisheries regulations.

"When an elected official of the association is found guilty of such an offence, it is incumbent upon the association to lead by example," he said earlier Tuesday in a release.

The board said it was a matter of principle, and added that Drake had served the association and the fishing community of P.E.I. "with dedication."

MacGeoghegan has been a commercial fisherman for approximately 32 years and has been the president of the Central Northumberland Strait Fishermen's Association.

He will hold his new position until the association elects a full-term president at its annual general meeting in March.