On the Waterfront – October 2021
$20 Million for Whalesafe Fishing Gear Adoption
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) recently unveiled a $20-million fund aimed at helping harvesters in Atlantic Canada and Quebec adopt whalesafe gear.
The Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund will provide funding over the next two years supporting Indigenous and non-indigenous harvesters, not-for-profit organizations, academia and other partners to purchase, test and refine existing whale-safe gear.
“Canada’s whale-protection ...
On the Waterfront – July 2021
N.L. Fisherman Dies After Boat Capsizes
A well-known Western Newfoundland fisherman died on May 21 after the boat he was in overturned on St. George’s Bay.
60-year-old Lawrence Kendall of Lower Cove was confirmed to be the victim of the tragic lobster fishing accident. Another man, who had been on the boat when it overturned, was stranded on a cliff and later airlifted to safety.
Bay St. George RCMP received a call about the overturned 22-foot vessel, near Lower Cove, at around 8:15 ...
On the Waterfront – June 2021
Fisheries Agreement Reached Between Government of Canada and Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government
On April 18, the Canadian Federal Government and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government announced that they have agreed to a landmark plan to advance reconciliation in the fisheries.
The five-year renewable Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries addresses areas of mutual interest and will help foster improved relationships with, and outcomes for, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq community by:
Upholding ...
On the Waterfront – April 2021
Crew Safe After Sinking of OCI Scallop Vessel
All 31 crew members of the Atlantic Destiny, Ocean Choice’s offshore trawler that issued a mayday on March 2 reporting a fire onboard, were safely transferred from the vessel before it later sank on March 3.
The fire onboard the vessel was extinguished and all 31 crew members were reported safe and accounted for. A total of 28 crew members were safely taken via helicopter to Yarmouth where they received medical attention, food and accomm...
On the Waterfront – March 2021
Grieg Newfoundland and Carpenter’s Union Sign Labour Agreement
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 579 was recently voluntarily recognized as a signatory union by Grieg Seafood Newfoundland.
Mike Williams, President of Carpenters Local 579 stated, “Local 579 is looking forward to providing our newest signatory partner with a well-trained and skilled workforce that demonstrates their strong work ethic, productivity and safety mindset on the job site every day.”
Knut ...
On the Waterfront – February 2021
CIFHF Participates in Reconciliation Workshops
Members of the Canadian Independent Fish Harvester’s Federation (CIFHF) want positive working relationships with First Nations in their geographic areas.
As a result, CIFHF members recently participated in seven workshops organized in conjunction with First Nations, the Department of Fisheries (DFO), Department of Justice, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
CIFHF stated that its members have worked alongside Indigenous ...
On the Waterfront – January 2021
FCC Praises Canada-U.K. Transitional Trade Deal
The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) recently applauded the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom for reaching a transitional trade deal ahead of the Dec. 31, 2020 deadline.
The new transitional trade deal will ensure that Canadian seafood products will continue to enjoy tariff-free access to Britain.
“The Canadian fishing industry values its trading relationship with the United Kingdom as our fifth largest importer,” said Paul ...
The Twine Loft – December 2020
Passed On: Kenneth Fillier – Englee, N.L. mariner and fish plant worker
Fillier, 94, passed away on October 4 at the Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony. He was born on December 15, 1925 in Hampden, N.L. and moved to Englee at an early age. He worked in many areas through his life, from working in the woods, operating as a deckhand on freighters and cooking on the Grenfell Mission boat, Marvel. In the last 18 years before retirement, he worked at the fish plant in Englee.
Passed ...
On the Waterfront – December 2020
Qalipu Launches Seal Oil Capsule Initiative
Funding provided through the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Seafood Development Program is supporting the launch of WASPU, a new Indigenous brand seal oil capsule developed by the Qalipu First Nation.
Funding up to $25,200 will be provided to the Qalipu Development Corporation — a business subsidiary of the Qalipu First Nation — to help with the launch of WASPU brand seal oil capsules into the ...
On the Waterfront – November 2020
Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Application Deadline Extended
The Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program has been extended by another two weeks to ensure that as many Canadian fish harvesters as possible can take advantage of it.
The online portal will now close on October 19, 2020.
The program is delivering financial support to self-employed harvesters across the country who are facing hardships brought on by the economic impact of COVID–19.
The program ...
