Fisheries Mentoring - The Path to Success
Video
Video Script
Harvesting the bounty of the sea has been an intrinsic
part of life for Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations peoples in the Maritimes and
the Gaspé region of Québec since ancient times.
But Aboriginal participation in the commercial fishery has
been limited. As a result, there are gaps in knowledge and a lack of experience
when it comes to the complex and diverse business of fishing.
In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada's
Marshall decision led the First Nations affected by
the decision to take on a greater role in the commercial fishery. As a result of
the court's decision, governments and non-aboriginal fishers redefined their
relationship with First Nation fishers.
In response to Marshall,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada made a commitment to increase access to the
commercial fishery for the 34 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations affected by the
decision.
Since 2001, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reached
multi-year fisheries agreements with many of these First Nations. The impact
on communities is evident, with a marked increase in access to commercial
fishing for Aboriginal fishers. There has also been an increase in collaboration
between many members of the Aboriginal and non-aboriginal fishing communities.
Many First Nations have embraced the opportunity to fish
and are now the owners and operators of a significant number of fishing
enterprises.
There is a sense of accomplishment and pride in these
communities as they become successful in a realm that had been inaccessible for
generations. Now, there are more jobs in the fishery or in related fields. This
has fostered hope and meant real improvements in the quality of life.
At the same time, increased access has created challenges.
There is a need for new fishers to be able to operate safely and effectively.
It became evident that training was needed for those entering the fishery so
that they had basic skills, ones that they could build on and improve.
The conventional wisdom is that it takes eight to ten
years to learn how to fish effectively for species like snow crab and shrimp in
the mid-shore fisheries and lobster in the inshore fishery. This can be compared
to the time it takes to become a professional in fields such as law, medicine or
engineering.
At first glance, fishing seems simple enough; lower a net
into the sea, haul it through the water and scoop up the catch. But commercial
fishing is complex and requires knowledge in several key areas:
Fish Habitat and Conservation
The sea is bountiful but not endlessly so. It is vital
that modern fishers have a sound understanding of fish biology so that they can
respect reproductive cycles and population trends.
In addition, an understanding of aquatic habitat is
essential to being an efficient harvester of the sea.
Fishing Operations
Navigation, effective harvesting procedures and on-board
safety are the core operational skills required to succeed in the commercial
fishery.
Operating a modern fishing vessel is challenging and the
sea is unforgiving. Captains and crew need to have a solid understanding of both
old and new navigation techniques to fish efficiently and avoid hazardous
situations.
The equipment and methods used to harvest the sea have
become more complex. Fishing for crab and shrimp in the mid-shore fishery
requires a different set of technical skills than fishing for lobster in the
inshore fishery.
Modern fishing vessels are expensive and increasingly
complex. Proper maintenance and repair are essential to a successful operation.
Navigation and communications equipment, the main engine, machine motors,
dockside equipment, all require routine maintenance and prompt attention when
problems arise.
Fishing vessels may cost up to a million dollars to
purchase and outfit. To avoid costly mistakes and safety problems, vessels
should be readied for the winter. Not preparing vessels for winter conditions
when they are stored on land can mean substantial financial losses.
Management and Administration
Commercial fishing is a business and, like other
businesses, it requires good management of finances, sales and marketing, human
resources, and ongoing training, to be successful.
Construction and Maintenance of Installations
Bringing in the catch is only the beginning. Commercial
fishing also involves storage, processing and transportation to market. It is
often necessary to build on-shore installations to accommodate these activities.
Since 1999, DFO has provided funding to train fishers and
train other members of their communities in fisheries-related activities. This
has been through traditional classroom instruction with some on-the-job
training. Results have been very positive. More than 2,000 Aboriginal people
have received training. Proper training is the basis for fishing enterprises
that are financially sustainable over the long term.
"Mentoring has an ancient history and is a
system by which skills and knowledge have passed from our elders to our
children, youth and others for centuries."*
It has proven to be a successful way of passing on
knowledge and skills.
First Nations Fisheries Mentor Training and Certification
Program
From 2001 to 2003, DFO sponsored a First Nations Fisheries
Mentor Training and Certification Program to develop a group of mentors who
could pass on skills to new Aboriginal entrants to the fishery. More than 90
mentors were certified. Under the program, 300 new entrants from 22 First
Nations communities were trained and certified as deckhands.
In 2003, this program was followed by a pilot project to
use mentors and provide hands-on experience to Aboriginal fishers during the
commercial fishing season. In this way, 375 inshore and mid-shore fishers from
22 First Nations communities have been trained during 3260 "mentoring days".
The pilot program was generally successful. In the First
Nations communities that participated, there was a noticeable enhancement of
fishing skills. However, it has become evident that developing commercial
fishing in Aboriginal communities will take more time than first anticipated.
A 2003 survey by the Université de Moncton's Professor
Donald Savoie indicated that the catches of nine First Nation communities have
been lower than their full potential and that they were not getting the full
economic benefit of their access to the fishery. We have also found that more
attention needs to be paid to diversifying the catch and ensuring that sound
business practices are in place.
*Quote from Elsipogtog
First Nation report on fisheries training, 2000.
At-Sea Mentoring Initiative
With the lessons learned from our experience to date and
from the pilot program, the stage was set for DFO's four-year At-Sea Mentoring
Initiative. Its goal is to build the capacity within First Nations communities
so that they will be able to meet their training requirements independently.
Under the initiative, First Nations will establish long-term training plans
geared to their specific needs.
The At-Sea Mentoring Initiative will provide skills
required for inshore fishers to fish all of their licences and to diversify
their catch. It will also help captains and deckhands become qualified for the
mid-shore fishery.
Most of the training will be practical, taking place at
sea, during the fishing season. Mentors will show trainees how and then observe
trainees at work. Training will include navigation, fishing techniques, vessel
maintenance including winterizing, equipment repair, conservation, and safety.
Learning to fish is not enough. The owner/operators of
fishing enterprises need to know how to successfully manage their enterprises.
Fisheries Operations Management Initiative
DFO is responding through its Fisheries Operations
Management Initiative. The initiative will help First Nations to manage fishery
operations and establish rules so that benefits from the fishery are shared by
the community.
Since the Marshall decision,
affected First Nations have taken major steps to improve the sustainability and
wellbeing of their communities. However, it is important to understand that it
will take time for First Nations to fully develop their commercial fisheries
Training and mentoring are among the ways that will help
them reach their goals and achieve a better future.
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