Providing new entrants to the lobster fishery with the tools they need to be successful was the focus of a workshop held this past week, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“The lobster fishery is becoming more complex and demanding, and a new generation of fishers needs to become more aware of the challenges and opportunities it faces,” said Mr. LeClair. “The Future Fishers program will better enable new entrants to become more knowledgeable in all aspects of the fishery and to be better positioned for success.”
On Thursday, 25 fishers who entered the program in 2009 attended a workshop in Summerside to hear more about emerging issues in the lobster fishery. Those included market development, certification and eco-labeling, and new product development. A number of other presentations dealt with financial management, traceability and a long-term strategy for the Canadian lobster industry. Presentations were made by department staff, local accountants, representatives of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, processors, retailers, the Lobster Council of Canada and the Prince Edward Island Fishermens Association.
The Future Fishers Program provides a combination of financial assistance and formal training to new entrants. Financial assistance is provided in the form of an interest rebate to those who purchased a Class A lobster license from a retiring fisher. New entrants are also provided with support for training. The program was initiated in 2009.
This year, a total of 19 new entrants have been accepted into the program. They will be taking part in a workshop before the opening of the spring lobster season.
“I am very pleased with the major success of the program to date,” said Mr. LeClair. “Attracting new entrants to the lobster fishery, and giving them the skills to succeed, will help broaden their opportunities and help take the industry to a new level.”