The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association says it is relaxing rules that will make it easier for less experienced fishermen to get out on the water.
Previously, the Island’s entry policy required fishers to have two consecutive years of fishing experience within the last 10 years.
Mike McGeoghegan, PEIFA’s president, said that rule prevented fishermen returning from work in western Canada from getting into the fishing business.
“It’s frustrating for these guys that come home and find out they can’t buy their father’s fleet, or their grandfather’s fleet, or the guy’s next door, or your uncle’s. I mean you’re a fisherman,” he said.
The new entry policy will allow fishermen who work just one season out of the last 10 years to get a licence.
McGeoghegan said that will make it easier to replace the 75 or so fishermen who leave the industry every year.
Provincial fisheries minister Ron MacKinley is applauding the move.
“If we didn’t have any fishers coming on, this would be a sad province to be in. Especially in our rural communities. It’s not only the lobster industry that are catching them, but it’s also all the workers, and the spinoff,” he said.
As for concerns over the safety of inexperienced fishermen, all licence holders must pass safety guidelines that have been put in place by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
CBC 2013