Fisheries Issues Spill Over Into Protests
The Newfoundland and Labrador fishery has been hit hard by 2017 quota cuts to two of the key and most profitable species.
Earlier this year, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced a 63 per cent cut to the inshore Northern shrimp quota in Fishing Area 6 — meaning the total allowable catch for SFA 6 went from 48,196 tonnes in 2015 to 27,825 tonnes in 2016, to 10,400 tonnes announced for 2017. This amounted to a 78 per cent quota reduction over two years.
In the wake of ...
Why Did Richard Gillett Go on a Hunger Strike?
On April, 13 Richard Gillett went on a hunger strike because he felt that the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador was facing a bleak future because of the mismanagement of our oceans that had sustained us for 500 years.
Over the last 30 years, we have seen just about everything involving our oceans — we went from the moratorium to the present day, but what did we learn?
Richard had two requests:
One for a review of the science and management of all provincial fish stocks, the ...
Protest at FFAW Headquarters Over for Now
More than 50 disgruntled fishermen gathered at the provincial office of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) today, demanding a meeting with union executive members.
The situation turned tense this morning when the fishermen found the union office doors to be locked. A large contingent of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) officers were also on scene.
The fishermen demanded a meeting with the union, with media present. RNC Superintendent Joe Boland acted as a mediator between ...
Richard Gillett Back at DFO Protest
The day after ending his 11-day hunger strike, Richard Gillett was back at the entrance to DFO headquarters in St. John’s this morning thanking his supporters.
Gillett said he was very grateful for all of the support he received from all over Newfoundland and Labrador and emphasized that the fight is not over.
Gillett, vice-president of the Federation of Independent Seafood Harvesters (FISH-NL), has been camped out at the entrance to DFO’s head office in St. John’s since April ...
Gillett Hunger Strike Comes to an End
Richard Gillett’s hunger strike is over.
His 11-day protest ended Sunday after paramedics were called in by his wife Joyce.
Gillett, vice-president of the Federation of Independent Seafood Harvesters (FISH-NL), has been camped out at the entrance to DFO’s head office in St. John’s since April 13.
He has been asking for an independent review of DFO science/management, as well as an independent review of the relationship between DFO and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) ...
Gillett Vows to Continue Protest
Despite speaking with Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc Thursday night, Twillingate fisherman Richard Gillett says he is going to continue his hunger strike – now into its ninth day.
Gillett, vice-president of the Federation of Independent Seafood Harvesters (FISH-NL), has been camped out at the entrance to DFO’s head office in St. John’s since April 13.
He is asking for an independent review of DFO science/management, as well as an independent review of the relationship ...
DFO Protests Continue In St. John’s
Richard Gillett’s hunger strike is now entering its second week.
The inshore fish harvester from Twillingate and Vice-President of the Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL), began a hunger strike last Thursday afternoon on the grounds of DFO’s Newfoundland and Labrador headquarters in St. John’s.
Gillett’s demands include: a meeting with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Dominic LeBlanc, and his assurance of an independent ...
DFO Responds to Richard Gillett Hunger Strike
In a press release, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recognizes the right of individuals to protest and voice their positions in a reasonable manner. It is of course concerning when anyone takes a course of action such as the one Mr. Gillett is pursuing, and we share the public’s concern for his health.
We understand that this is a difficult time for the fish harvesters and communities affected by recent fisheries management decisions, and we are always willing to listen to and work with ...
Protest in Support of Richard Gillett Hunger Strike
A number of fishermen and members of of the Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) were protesting at the entrance of DFO’s Newfoundland and Labrador headquarters in St. John’s this morning.
They were there to support the Richard Gillett, an inshore fish harvester from Twillingate and Vice-President FISH-NL), who began a hunger strike last Thursday.
Gillett’s demands include a meeting with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Dominic ...
Richard Gillett Enters Day Five of Hunger Strike
Richard Gillett, an inshore fish harvester from Twillingate and Vice-President of the Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL), began a hunger strike Thursday afternoon on the grounds of DFO’s Newfoundland and Labrador headquarters in St. John’s.
Gillett’s demands include: a meeting with the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Dominic LeBlanc, and his assurance of an independent review of DFO science/management; as well as an independent ...
