Today is World Fisheries Day, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take a few moments to reflect on the meaningful contributions that all those engaged in the fishing sector make to our province.
World Fisheries Day has been celebrated annually on November 21 since 1998. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the province’s 17,000 fishery sector workers, while highlighting the importance of wild fisheries and aquaculture to 400 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 2021 fishing season was one of the most successful in this province’s history, reaching the highest landed dollar value recorded at over $1 billion. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry is meeting the growing global demand for its world-class fish and seafood products. Consumers from over 40 countries continue to choose the province’s seafood products for their taste, quality, safety and sustainability.
As part of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s World Fisheries Day youth engagement efforts, staff reached out to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students throughout the province offering the opportunity to participate in a World Fisheries Day Fisheries Sculpture Contest. Many students participated in this initiative, creating some impressive fisheries themed artwork. Contest winners are listed in the backgrounder below, and photos of sculptures can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.
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“Fisheries and aquaculture workers in this province are among the most knowledgeable and dedicated in their field. Their efforts continue to provide the world with safe, sustainably sourced seafood, and build upon Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a global fisheries leader. World Fisheries Day is the perfect occasion to extend a special thank you to all fishing sector professionals who continue to contribute to this industry’s success.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
World Fisheries Day – Fisheries Sculpture Art Contest Winners
- C. Butt
Kindergarten student from Springdale who attends homeschool - E. Clarke
Kindergarten student, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s - E. & L. Phung
Grade 3 students, St. Teresa’s Elementary, St. John’s - K. England
Grade 3 student, MSB Regional Academy, Middle Arm - E. Hornell
Grade 4 student, Holy Trinity Elementary, Torbay - F. Butt
Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte - R. Shelley
Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte - Ms. Steads Class
Grade 6 students, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte - Mr. Shoemakers Class
Kindergarten students, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s