For immediate release
Shediac, March 21, 2024 - Inshore fishermen, members of the Maritime Fishermen's Union (MFU) are fed up with being ignored by the federal government and are ready to change their methods to make their grievances heard. At their annual convention in Moncton earlier this week, they commented at length on their treatment by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) over the past several years.
"The federal government forgets that the seafood industry starts with the fishermen. Inshore fishing is a vital economic engine for our regions. We don't understand how DFO and the government can ignore us and even expropriate our fisheries from us as they do," explains Réjean Comeau, President of the MFU.
Threats to our industry
This was the theme of the 43rd MFU Congress. And the threats are evident to members:
The exclusion of inshore fishermen from decisions that affect them and hidden deals between the government and First Nations.
DFO's mismanagement of various predator species that damage stocks (e.g. striped bass and grey seals), leading to the decline and closure of fisheries such as mackerel and herring.
The government's lack of courage when it comes to enforcing its own rules against poaching.
The processing sector of the industry takeover by multinationals.
"Some of us were at Seafood Expo North America in Boston last week. It was incredible to see the federal and provincial governments fussing about the quality of our seafood. You'd think they'd actually be the ones fishing the resource. When we see that, we expect more consideration from our governments," adds Réjean Comeau.
MFU members have tried negotiating and discussing with the authorities for years, but to no avail. "Our members are tired of being treated like second-class citizens. We have families and communities who rely on us. What will happen to our coastal regions when there are so many barriers to our trade that we have to stop fishing?" says the MFU President.
Members at the Congress repeatedly mentioned that more robust pressure tactics should be considered.
"The discontent is genuine, and since discussions are going nowhere, we'll have to turn to other negotiation methods," concludes Mr. Comeau.
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For information
Pascale Paulin. Director of Communications
(506)532-2485
