FISH-NL convention set for Jan. 24th in Gander; nominations open for 2018 Inshore Harvester of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 2018

The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) has set Jan. 24th, 2019 as the date for its next convention and election of officers at Gander’s Albatross Hotel.

As well, to coincide with the convention FISH-NL is announcing the first ever Inshore Harvester of the Year Award.

“It’s full-steam ahead for FISH-NL,” says Ryan Cleary, President. “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 also open today for FISH-NL’s 2018 Inshore Harvester of the Year award. To be nominated, an inshore harvesters 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 please visit FISH-NL’s home page (fish-nl.ca), and click on Harvester of the Year (https://www.fish-nl.ca/inshoreharvesteraward).

Nominations for fisherman/woman of the year will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, with a single winner announced at the Gander convention.

Contact: Ryan Cleary 682 4862