During a media briefing Tuesday night, Jamie Fox, Minister of Fisheries and Communities said clarity is needed on the future of the Spring fishing season from the federal government.
A definitive decision on the coming fishing season is uncertain in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic. Although fisheries workers are considered to be essential workers, the industry is beset by confusion as to the fate of the coming season.
There remain concerns from fishers and processors, said Premier Dennis King.
"There is no definitive position, no consensus from any sector in this industry, or any region for that matter, as to what the best answer is. We have heard a variety of opinions from amongst fishers, from buyers, from processors - from all aspects of the sector,” King said during the briefing.
“There is no consensus. Some want to go and are ready to go. Some don't want to go. Some want to have a delay and many don't know what to think."
The P.E.I. Fisherman’s Association, a key voice for the industry on P.E.I., has not issued a clear call whether or not they would like to see a fishing season proceed, or whether it should be delayed.
“The health and the safety of our Captains, crews and wharf personnel have been identified as the main concerns of our members. Financial viability is also key,” said a statement posted on the PEIFA website.
The PEIFA’s website also states that the organization is awaiting COVID-19 bio security protocols from the Province. Phone and web surveys of members are planned by the Association.
On Tuesday, Fox said clear direction is needed from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The industry is regulated by the federal government.
"We will continue to call on our federal government to give us an indication of what the future holds so that our industry can be prepared. This has to be done sooner rather than later," Fox said.
Fox added the fisheries brings in $600 million to the Island economy yearly and employs around 8,000 people.
"The fishery is divided over five provinces covering different areas over different fishing grounds," Fox said.
"Some (Lobster Fishing Areas), or some areas, it has affected. Some areas are not affected right now."
King said the economic pain of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by the Island’s three core industries – tourism, agriculture and the fisheries. He estimated around 9,000 Islanders have filed for employment insurance in recent weeks.
"Their feelings represent the feeling of every Islander. They want this nightmare that we are living to end and for us to return to normal. We all want that," King said.
"But until such time as that is a reality, we have to deal with the really crappy hand that we've been dealt."
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