The FFAW and the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board and Fish Harvesting Safety Association have launched a new three-year initiative to address the “significant demographic challenge” facing the inshore fishery.

The union says approximately one-third of certified harvesters are over the age of 54, with many expected to retire within the next decade.

The FFAW says without new harvesters entering the industry, many fishing enterprises may face succession challenges, potentially affecting the province’s seafood production, employment opportunities and the sustainability of communities that depend on the industry.

The project is being funded by the provincial government’s Labour Market Partnerships Program, and signals its commitment to protecting the fishery of the future says union President Dwan Street.

Prospects will be able to attend summits, and be educated on ocean safety, training opportunities, equipment and programming.