Northern Native Fishing Corporation harvesters have been unable to fish due to late licence issuance by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The N.A.G. licences required by NNFC fishers have been “On Hold” since July 13, 2022. As of July 21, 2022, NNFC fish harvesters have missed out on four days of valuable fishing time. “A […]
Monitoring Plan 2022 In 2022, for the Skeena and Nass fisheries, the “Minister” is requiring short sets, short nets, revival boxes and an At-Sea Observer program in order for gillnets to go fishing. As in the past, fishermen have to pay for this. Area C Harvest Committee is responsible for setting up and overseeing the […]
Dock+ Is Making Processing Facilities Accessible Located in Port Alberni, Dock+ is breaking down the barriers to entry of large-scale food production. The space, which is owned by the Port Alberni Port Authority at Fishermen’s Harbour, offers harvesters the ability to process their catch in a convenient location at an affordable rate. The Dock+ kitchen […]
UFAWU-Unifor is putting out a call for photos! We want to see photos of our members at work— prepping, fishing, or on the dock. Photo submissions will be featured in our monthly newsletter, on social media, or on our website. Please give your submission a title, as well as a short description including any relevant […]
UFAWU-Unifor members, We have received a number of inquiries regarding upcoming fishery openings. Unfortunately, our knowledge of upcoming fishery openings is often limited to DFO fishery notices. When we become aware of information relevant to our members, we share it on our website and social media. To stay up to date on important fishery opening […]
Over the month of May, UFAWU-Unifor held Part One of the 2022 All Fishermen’s Meeting Tour. The tour saw Union staff connect with harvesters across many areas of coastal B.C. including the Sunshine Coast, North Vancouver Island, Alert Bay, Sointula, and Bella Bella. While UFAWU-Unifor has held several All Fishermen’s Meetings over the recent past, […]
UFAWU-Unifor is pleased to announce it has connected with fellow non-profit organization PROWLS to help facilitate the use of fishery waste products to feed orphaned and injured wildlife. What is PROWLS? The Powell River Orphaned and Injured Wildlife Society (PROWLS) is a non-profit organization of volunteers committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild […]
On Monday, June 13, UFAWU Business Agent Emily Orr addressed the Legislative Assembly of BC Finance Committee with priorities for the 2023 Budget. Presenting a theme of asks that speak to Transition and Rebuilding of Commercial Fisheries, Emily asked for the Committee’s urgent consideration of: 1. Support of Commercial Fish Harvesters: labour force adjustment programs […]
In February 2022, UFAWU-Unifor became aware of a marine safety crisis unfolding in British Columbia. The Union learned that the Royal Canadian Air Force had recently retired its Buffalo search-and-rescue plane from service. Alarmingly, a botched plan to replace the aircraft meant B.C. would soon be without any fixed-wing SAR aircraft. The replacement planes were […]
UFAWU-Unifor is excited to announce an upcoming meeting and dock tour which will cover many areas in and around Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and Bella Bella. This tour will allow UFAWU-Unifor staff to connect with commercial harvesters in a series of All Fishermen’s Meetings and dock walks. Face-to-face meetings with harvesters give Union staff […]
UFAWU-Unifor is very happy to welcome the Area A Crab Association as its first Member Association. The Dungeness crab fishery is one of the most valuable fisheries in the Pacific Region, and Area A (Hecate Strait) makes up the largest percentage of the total crab fleet — both in number of active harvesters and […]
Yesterday, UFAWU-Unifor held an All Fishermen's Meeting in Pender Harbour, Madeira Park, BC. The meeting was open to both members and non-members of UFAWU-Unifor. The meeting focused on recent Federal fisheries management decisions and the future of the commercial fishery. Union staff also covered the recent work and areas of UFAWU-Unifor focus. The discussion also […]