The President of the FFAW says there’s little doubt, 2019 was a tough year in the provincial fishery.

Keith Sullivan was referencing FISH-NL, a group that was competing with the FFAW for representation of inshore fish harvesters.

Things got heated at times, but in the end, FISH-NL President Ryan Cleary announced that they were giving up on their hopes to certify.

Sullivan says he wasn’t surprised. He acknowledges there are challenges in the fishery, but “people didn’t see how Ryan Cleary could help” in those challenges.

Sullivan indicates it’s time to mend the divisions created and work together to improve the fishery.

He says there are great opportunities in the fishery and this past year recorded the highest value the inshore has every seen. There’s always room for improvement and they’re looking forward to further growth in 2020.