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The Coast of Bays Corporation, in partnership with the Fish Harvesters
Resource Centre, sponsored the Fish Forum 2001, "Charting the Course",
which was held in Harbour Breton February 21-22. The forum was attended by approximately
80 fishers from the Coast of Bays region. The two day event had a diverse agenda which
included discussions on professionalization of the fish harvesters, maximizing your
returns - the business of fishing and planning for the future. Hal Stanley of the
Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board gave a presentation on the oil exploration
activity on the Grand Banks and the effects on fish behaviour. This was followed by a
presentation by Mildred Skinner on fishing being a family business - everyone shares the
work, the burdens and the benefits. Joan O’Brien of the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans discussed the Integrated Coastal Zone Management concept which is a part of the
Oceans Act of 1997. The strategy balances social, economic and cultural goals while
managing the resources of the ocean in a sustainable manner with communities and other
stakeholders having a hands-on role in the process.
As cod grow-out has been successful in other parts of the province, the Coast of Bays
Corporation is encouraging fishers in our zone to consider it as a source for a
supplementary income. Bernard Norman, a cod rancher from the Burin Peninsula, along with
Roland Hedderson gave a presentation about the ‘new’ fishery and entertained
questions from the audience about the various aspects of ranching including set up costs,
food sources, quality, transportation to markets and the market price.
Day two of the forum began with a discussion about quality by George Chafe, a fisherman
from Petty Harbour. Quality, he stressed, is the responsibility of the fishers from the
time the fish comes aboard the boat until it is sold to the processor. A top quality
product will bring a high market value. Representatives of FPI also spoke about the
importance of a top quality product and answered questions about how the prices on the
global markets are affected. This was followed by a demonstration by Colin Hiscock,
Canadian Coast Guard, about the various types of personal flotation devices and other
safety equipment. Tracey Perry, Executive Director of the Coast of Bays Corporation,
discussed the Strategic Economic Plan and how it supports the fishing industry in the
region. She also invited the fishers to provide input into the updating of the SEP.
The guest speaker at the luncheon on day one was Nelson Higdon of the Department of
Fisheries and Aquaculture who spoke about the importance of the fishing industry to the
economy of the province. Reg Anstey of the FFAW spoke at the luncheon on day two. He
stressed that safety is an important issue with the union and reiterated that quality will
be the determining factor to compete in the global marketplace. He also pointed out that
the fishing industry has been and will continue to be the backbone of the economy of many
rural Newfoundland communities and that Governments have to be more proactive in support
of the industry for its economic and social benefits.
For further information, contact:
Ms. Tracey Perry, Executive Director
Coast of Bays Corporation
P.O. Box 310
St. Alban's, Newfoundland
A0H 2E0
Phone: 709-538-3552
Fax: 709-538-3627
E-mail: inquiries@coastofbays.nl.ca
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