Canada: Frustrated western Newfoundland harvesters say they’re not allowed to fish shallower depths where redfish are located

CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Inshore harvesters in western Newfoundland are demanding immediate changes to how the federal government is managing the Unit 1 redfish fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Dozens of harvesters representing the 4R inshore fleet rallied outside the Barry Group fish plant in Corner Brook on Tuesday, Oct. 8, demanding the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to implement changes so they can access the small, time-sensitive fishery. According to a press release issued by FFAW-Unifor — the union that represents the province’s inshore harvesters and plant workers — this fishery is critical to these harvesters but current rules mean they cannot access the small quota they have. 'Nearly all we have' Unit 1 redfish are commonly found at depths of 120-140 fathoms, the release states. DFO has set the minimum fishing depth at 164 fathoms from June 15 to Oct. 31, which the union says effectively prevents harvesters from accessing the resource they can clearly see on ...