For immediate release
MFU members thank the community for their support
for its support in the recent crisis affecting lobster fishermen
in northern New Brunswick
Shediac, May 24, 2024 - "On behalf of all our members, crews and families, we say a very big thank you! Your encouragement and support have been a great source of motivation." With these words, the President of the Maritime Fishermen's Union expressed his gratitude and that of his members to the community and leaders who joined the MFU in the recent crisis affecting lobster fishermen in northern New Brunswick.
Last Friday, a right whale was spotted off the coast of Lamèque Island. Following DFO's decision to close the fishery entirely for 15 days, protests erupted.
"Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier led the charge on the political side. We've rarely seen an elected official put his community first like that. Thanks also to the Forum des maires de la Péninsule acadienne for its reaction. UPM members invest a great deal in the development of our communities, and you can count on us to be first-rate allies in seeing this region flourish," says Mr. Comeau.
The MFU would also like to acknowledge the support of New Brunswick's Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Margaret Johnson, for her work on this file.
For Martin Mallet, MFU Executive Director, the community has not only demonstrated its understanding of the importance of inshore fishermen's work but also played a crucial role in resolving the crisis. "Our members are professionals in their field; they have unique knowledge and a huge impact on the region's economy. The community movement that quickly rallied around us, showing its value and importance, is proof of what we can do together."
The narrowly averted crisis for the Maritime Fishermen's Union demonstrates the urgent need to establish a genuine dialogue between senior DFO-Ottawa officials and inshore fishermen. "We're delighted that the Minister has finally understood our message. However, what has happened over the past week is a clear demonstration that DFO-Ottawa is not in touch with the reality of the industry. There must be changes, and our members and communities can count on the MFU to keep up the pressure to bring back respect for fishermen in how DFO operates," concludes Réjean Comeau.
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For information:
MFU
shediac@mfu-upm.com
(506) 532-2485
