Tristan S.

Hant's Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador

Avalon Regional Heritage Fair

Fishery: Then and Now

My project compares the NL fishery of my grandparents' days to what it is like now. I look at how technology has changed the fishery, the different species that are being harvested and changes that have occurred in how the species are processed.

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I was surprised at how skilled fishermen of the past were with regard to how they made their equipment. Also they were very skilled in how they caught and processed fish. This was a very time consuming job.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Fishermen of the past were very creative. Even though fishing continues to be very hard work new technology has made the work a little easier. Fishing is still an important job in rural NL and an important part of our culture.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Fishermen of the past left school very early and worked very hard in the fishery. Today there are fewer opportunities to make a living in the fishery. Fisher people today need to understand how to use new technology to be successful.