Main fundraiser photo

Friends of FISH-NL

Donation protected
Newfoundland and Labrador's Endangered Species

There’s an electricity today in Newfoundland and Labrador, a stirring on the wharves and stages, in the coves and harbours that hasn’t been felt in decades. Fish harvesters are rising in frustration, mounting a last stand for a fishing industry that has been brutalized by failed management and poor leadership. FISH-NL, or Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a new group dedicated to representing the best interests of the province’s inshore fish harvesters. The current union has lost its way, and if harvesters don’t take a stand now (when the average age is near 60) they never will, because there’s no generation coming behind them. The “salt and pepper” revolution is a fight for NL’s most endangered species — fishermen and fisherwomen. 

Please join FISH-NL’s effort to make the fishery work for fish harvesters. As the fishery goes, so goes Newfoundland and Labrador. 


PROCESS

FISH-NL’s membership drive began on Nov. 1st, and will wrap up before Christmas. A majority of Newfoundland and Labrador fish harvesters (50 per cent plus one) must sign membership cards (verified by investigators with the Labour Relations Board) to force a vote by the Board.

That vote will ultimately decide which union will represent fish harvesters. 
 

PRINCIPLES 

FISH-NL is founded on five basic principles grounded into the Constitution: transparency, consultation, fish harvesters first, holding the Government of Canada to account for fisheries management as outlined in the Terms of Union, and the fundamental concepts of adjacency and historical attachment.
 
FUNDING 

The FISH-NL movement is funded entirely by donations, the sale of merchandise, and membership fees (the $5 minimum outlined by the Labour Relations Board). As of Dec. 8th, roughly $25,000 has been raised — funding spent on a founding convention, travel expenses for the provincial tour with 48 official meetings held in November/December, and a website and data base. FISH-NL has one contractual employee and around 250 volunteers scattered in most every nook and cranny of Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you want to see a prosperous fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, we invite you to support the cause. This battle has been compared to David vs. Goliath, but while the FFAW has unlimited funds at its disposal — as well as a definitive list of all fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador — FISH-NL has overwhelming momentum fueled by passionate volunteers working for change. Harvesters do not trust their current union to work in their best interests, and the will for change is unstoppable.


WHAT WILL FUNDING BE USED FOR?

The $16,000 will be used to hire staff to complete the membership drive, for travel expenses, office supplies and postal costs, and to purchase media advertising.

PLEASE NOTE: FISH-NL operates based on fairness for all harvesters — donations do not translate to influence within FISH-NL.
To fish processing companies and the offshore sector — keep your money, FISH-NL is for inshore harvesters only.

If you would like to donate by cheque or cash, please call or email our office. [phone redacted] info@fish-nl.ca

Donations 

  • Winston Pitcher Sr
    • $100
    • 8 yrs
  • Wayne and Janice Meade
    • $500 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
  • Ron Woodman
    • $10 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
  • Dean Penton
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

FISH NL
Organizer
St. John's, NL

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee