Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Faces Demographic Challenge Amid High Value

The wild fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador reached a historic high in total landed value of nearly $1.3 billion last year. However, the industry faces a major demographic problem, with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' union expecting 2,500 crew members and enterprise owners to retire over the coming decade. The union is currently working on recruitment and retention efforts for young fishers.

The large-scale retirement of industry workers threatens the ability of the Newfoundland and Labrador wild fishery to continue achieving its historic high values, which affects the provincial economy. The union notes that the industry needs greater public awareness to attract new workers, as fishing is often not viewed as a viable career outside of established fishing families.