The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) will hold its convention and election of officers at Gander’s Albatross Hotel on Jan. 24.
FISH-NL will also announce the winner of its first ever Inshore Harvester of the Year Award.
“It’s full-steam ahead for FISH-NL,” says FISH-NL president Ryan Cleary.
“It’s our intention that 2019 will be the year of the inshore harvester, and they’ll finally get the right to choose their labour future.”
Elections will be held for FISH-NL’s executive positions — including president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, captain (under 40 fleet), and captain (over 40 fleet).
Nominations will take place on the convention floor.
The convention will also deal with a number of proposed constitutional amendments — including term limits for executive members.
“Too many union leaders have jobs for life, building their own little empires around them,” says Cleary. “It’s my belief that FISH-NL should be structured so that not only can inshore harvesters vote the executive out if they’re not doing the job, but there will be automatic turnover after two terms.”
Nominations are also open for FISH-NL’s 2018 Inshore Harvester of the Year Award. To be nominated, an inshore harvester must live in Newfoundland and Labrador, and represent excellence within an aspect of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commercial fishery between January-December 2018.
“This award is important to recognize our fishermen/women, and to celebrate their role in our culture, society, economy, and future as a fishing province,” said Cleary. “Skills, determination, leadership, consideration for other harvesters, and adaptability to changes in today’s fishery are all important qualities to consider.”
To nominate an inshore harvester, visit fish-nl.ca. Nominations for fisherman/woman of the year will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4.
