Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair today welcomed more than 20 participants in the new Future Fishers Program during a workshop at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown. The Future Fishers Program was announced last November to provide new entrants to the lobster fishery with a combination of assistance ranging from training to interest relief. It will help introduce a new generation of fishers to the industry.
“As a department, we are extremely pleased with the positive response to the program, and look forward to providing the participants with the resources they need to succeed in the fishery,” said Minister LeClair. “Today, the knowledge, technology and skills required to succeed in the fishery are more challenging than ever, and we are committed to supporting this new generation of fishers.”
The Future Fishers Program provides formal training in areas such as marine operations, lobster biology and management, marketing and financial management. Each participant is eligible for an interest rebate of up to $3,000 a year for three years and $1,000 to cost-share various training initiatives.
Minister LeClair said the new program was developed in response to requests from the industry in light of the increasing average age of fishers in the province. “The program will assist in attracting new entrants to the fishery and give them tools to begin a successful new career,” he said.
The Minister said that the Future Fishers Program is not inconsistent with ongoing efforts to rationalize the fishery. “Although a number of licences are being retired, we also need additional measures to help younger fishers enter the industry as older fishers sell their fleets and retire,” he said.
Minister LeClair said the department continues to accept new applications. The program is open to residents of Prince Edward Island over the age of 18 who are purchasing a Class A lobster licence.