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rfmcdonaldThis story demonstrates why I've no faith in Atlantic Canadians to manage their fisheries.
For decades, provincial and federal governments have used the fisheries as a way to generate jobs in an underdeveloped region known for its gratefulness to whatever source of subsidies was available. The collapse of the cod fisheries hasn't taught anyone anything, it seems, apart from a desire to blame foreign fishers instead of the thousands of Atlantic Canadians happily working on boats and in processing and distribution plants on dry land with nary a thought as to what might happen. All this occurred in the name of "tradition," more precisely of a neotraditional perspective on the fisheries that didn't take into account the vastly more destructive effect of modern fishing technology on fish stocks and even the physical environment of the fish.
One final note: Lobsters have traditionally been prey for fish, like cod. Fishers are descending down the food chain, it seems. And even off Prince Edward Island, overfishing is starting to make an impact. In this context, a government program that would have the effect of subsidizing the expansion of the lobster fisheries is absurd and environmentally irresponsible. Oh well; doubtless the crayfish fisheries, or at worst the jellyfish processing plants, will do well.
P.E.I. Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair is defending a decision to offer financial assistance to new lobster fishermen when there are other efforts underway to get people to leave the industry.
Future Fishers, a provincial program announced Tuesday, includes up to $1,000 per person to help pay for training costs for those who have recently purchased a Class A lobster licence or who have recently begun fishing.
Applicants can also get up to $3,000 a year for three years to offset interest payments.
LeClair said the program does not fly in the face of efforts by the federal government to decrease the number of people with lobster licences.
He said the province doesn't want to issue new licences but instead hopes that existing licences will be bought by younger fishermen.
Training under the program will provide young fishermen with a greater understanding of the industry, which will help with their future success, LeClair said.
For decades, provincial and federal governments have used the fisheries as a way to generate jobs in an underdeveloped region known for its gratefulness to whatever source of subsidies was available. The collapse of the cod fisheries hasn't taught anyone anything, it seems, apart from a desire to blame foreign fishers instead of the thousands of Atlantic Canadians happily working on boats and in processing and distribution plants on dry land with nary a thought as to what might happen. All this occurred in the name of "tradition," more precisely of a neotraditional perspective on the fisheries that didn't take into account the vastly more destructive effect of modern fishing technology on fish stocks and even the physical environment of the fish.
One final note: Lobsters have traditionally been prey for fish, like cod. Fishers are descending down the food chain, it seems. And even off Prince Edward Island, overfishing is starting to make an impact. In this context, a government program that would have the effect of subsidizing the expansion of the lobster fisheries is absurd and environmentally irresponsible. Oh well; doubtless the crayfish fisheries, or at worst the jellyfish processing plants, will do well.
