ALBERTON -- The P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association anticipates hiring one additional staff member for a one-year term, and another worker for at least 14 weeks to help roll out its tag supply service to fishermen.
The PEIFA became the first organization in Canada to approved by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a net and tag supplier.
Fishermen are required to carry tags on all lobster, herring, crab, bait and tuna gear as proof that they are registered to fish specific species of fish. DFO will continue to supply tags for the tuna fishery as it is internationally regulated.
“It’s a good program and DFO did a good job of it,” acknowledged Ian MacPherson, managing director of the PEIFA. He admitted the organization would have preferred that DFO continued to supply tags, but when it became obvious that was not going to happen, the fishermen’s organization filed application to be a supplier and became the first organization in Canada to receive DFO approval. That occurred in early December and the organization has been busy since then ironing out the details.
I like to think it is indicative of the importance of the issue to the PEIFA - PEIFA managing director, Ian MacPherson
“I like to think it is indicative of the importance of the issue to the PEIFA,” MacPherson said in discussing why the organization chose to become a tag supplier.
He acknowledged that other suppliers on P.E.I. could still be approved. As well, fishermen from other provinces will be able to obtain tags through the PEIFA, if they choose. They’re hoping to provide a bilingual position.
While the PEIFA does not regard the supply of tags as a revenue-generating opportunity for the organization, MacPherson said tags will likely cost more than in the past.
That’s because DFO, in ordering for all of Canada, was able to get better rates from manufacturers.
The same type of tag will likely be issued for all of the fisheries. Fishermen will be able to order them through the PEIFA office and MacPherson said tag pick-up days would also be scheduled across the province.
