ST. JOHN’S—For many years, Oceans North has worked side-by-side with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) and other industry stakeholders to hold productive conversations about our oceans and fisheries. We believe management works best when a variety of viewpoints on the future of our commonly held resources are allowed to be heard.

As a civil society organization, Oceans North was granted “participant” status at the recent capelin advisory meeting in Gander, meaning our representatives would have the opportunity to speak at the table with partners. This mirrors our participation for most other stocks throughout Atlantic Canada, the eastern Arctic, and in adjacent high seas fisheries organizations, where we are often on delegations together with industry participants.

Oceans North joined the meeting prepared to listen to all participants at the table, present our views on management of the stock, and engage in respectful dialogue. In response to our presence at the table, a representative of the fishing industry yelled aggressive and profane comments towards one of our female staff. Following this outburst, FFAW and other industry members refused to continue participating and, as a result, derailed the advisory process. FFAW then issued a press release containing unwarranted and inflammatory language about Oceans North and another environmental organization present at the meeting. Oceans North reached out to FFAW to request that they retract their statement but did not receive a response.

Oceans North prides itself in considering industry, economic priorities, and the wellbeing of coastal communities in all our conservation work. Heading into this meeting, we felt we had a strong working relationship with FFAW, built on mutual trust and respect. The disruption of this meeting is unfortunate. The attack on our staff, however, is unacceptable and is a disservice to all those in Atlantic Canada who share our vision of prosperous and sustainable fishing communities.

We look forward to coming back to the table with industry stakeholders to engage in respectful dialogue as we have in the past.

For more information, please contact:

Alex Tesar
Communications Manager
[email protected]