This new association is born of necessity in a time when our fisheries and our communities are under attack from government, corporate, and non-government organization interests.
Our aim is not to replace existing fishermen’s groups, but to provide an alternative voice from members who are not only fishers, but who are also involved with many other aspects of the fishing industry on the Eastern Shore – deckhands, buyers, truckers, suppliers, businesses, etc.
While we will share many of the same concerns that the fishermen’s associations have, we will address them from a community-based perspective as we draw on the resources and expertise of all related organizations and businesses. Together we will collectively fight for the long-term sustainable survival of the fishing industry and the coastal communities that depend on it.
To achieve our goal, we will operate with a set of guiding principals. We will be open, honest, transparent and engaging. Our directors will use feedback from the membership to direct the course of the association. The rules of incorporation will always govern the actions, the decisions, and the direction of the association. Members can have confidence that their directors and president will abide by their formal votes and directions on all matters relating to the objective of the association.
Our commitment is to engage and support the community who have supported this industry for many generations past and many generations to come. Our strength will grow from a community-based support structure that fosters collaboration and a unified front against any threats that come our way, including the AOI/MPA, as well as to seek and explore any opportunities that may benefit the fisheries and the local coastal communities.
Our first position is to make it clear that we are the only Fisheries Association on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia to unequivocally reject the proposed AOI/MPA. The AOI/MPA, as proposed, will not offer any significant protection to or from anything. The MPA is ideologically driven.
We are inviting everyone (fishermen, deckhands, businesses, employees etc.) with any fisheries interest on the eastern shore to join us.
Contact:
Stephen Richardson
Admin@hefa.fish