Fisherman's Road

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, Nov. 29th, 2016  The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) is challenging the FFAW to a public debate on the representation of the province’s fish harvesters. “Fish harvesters deserve answers, honesty, and a clear vision for the future — not yet more FFAW lies and deception,” says Ryan Cleary, president of FISH-NL. “Harvesters do not trust the FFAW, or, as the union is better known these days, the ‘salt-water mafia.’” FFAW members are being told that FISH-NL supports an end to the northern cod stewardship fishery, the demise of fishing EI, and is funded by the offshore sector.  “That’s outright deception,” says Cleary. “The FFAW is about smears and fear mongering, refusing to respond to the legitimate concerns of its membership.” Concerns have been raised over secrecy surrounding revenues from the Fish Harvesters’ Resource Centres (FRC), the union-controlled dock-side monitoring...

I was mailed this note today (Nov. 11th), and the writer asked to remain anonymous. Hi Mr. Cleary, I just wanted to write you to let you know that I and my family support you 100%.  My father is a small-boat, inshore fisherman who has fished since he was eight years old, and had his own boat since he was 16.  My father came from a family of 10 — five boys, five girls. His father was also a fisherman, and two of his brothers currently fish for a living as well. Unfortunately, neither of his brothers have children who fish; I am the only one — the only one of my generation who has followed in the family footsteps.  I have fished with my father every summer since I was 14 years old (I'm now 30). Both my mother and father live off of their fishing income, so as I got older I was forced to seek employment elsewhere in order to make a living.  I currently work as a 4th-year residential electrician, and plan to write my journeyman exam next yea...