The provincial government is spending $1.2 million to try to get young people into the fishery.

The project, spearheaded by the FFAW, Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board, and the NL Fish Harvesting Safety Association, aims to create what it calls the NL New Harvesters Network.

The FFAW suggests a third of those in the fishery are nearing retirement age.

FFAW President Dwan Street says she’s hoping to add more to the school curriculum and attend career fairs in the months to come.

“We really want to get out into schools and talk to younger folks because, again, the fishing industry, it’s an amazing career. We want to promote the fact that it allows you to have freedom as an enterprise owner or a crew member,” she told VOCM News.

“You can live in your community, you can raise your family there, you’re out in nature, and it’s a really good income. So, we want to talk to younger people and we’re getting more calls at the office from folks saying, you know, how do I get on the deck of a boat?”