A man who was at the forefront in the dark days following the commercial cod moratorium has passed away.

Tom Best was the head of the Petty Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op and was an outspoken advocate for an industry that was reeling after 1992.

A crab fisherman himself, Best was a regular on VOCM Open Line, and worked hard to maintain the province’s fishery. He was also a tireless advocate for rural areas of the province.

Best also helped to convert the old fish plant into the popular Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, an initiative that promotes stewardship and education about the local marine environment.

Funeral arrangements to be announced.