Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to reflect on the contribution and value of the province’s fishing sector this weekend to mark World Fisheries Day.
Since 1998 World Fisheries Day has been celebrated each year on November 21 and presents an opportunity to highlight the role of the province’s 16,000 fishery sector workers and the importance of wild fisheries and aquaculture to 400 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2020, the value of the province’s fish and seafood production was $1.1 billion, marking the sixth consecutive year of exceeding a value of one billion dollars.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry is meeting 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’s World Fisheries Day outreach education efforts, staff engaged students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to participate in a ‘World Fisheries Day – Piece of the Puzzle Art Contest’ that resulted in 180 submissions from students throughout the province. Winning entries are listed in the backgrounder below and photos can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.
Quote
“The fishing sector continues to provide a significant contribution to our province’s economic, social and cultural well-being. Despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic our fishing sector workers have stepped up to ensure that the fishery has not just survived but in fact thrived during this period of uncertainty. World Fisheries Day provides a great opportunity to extend our thanks and acknowledge their dedicated efforts.”
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 – Piece of the Puzzle Art Contest Winners
Z. Antwi
Kindergarten student from Lark Harbour who attends St. James All Grade
J. Drake
Grade 1 student from Lawn who attends Holy Name of Mary Academy
L. Moro-Selby
Grade 2 student from St. John’s who attends École des Grands-Vents
W. Penney
Grade 3 student from Conception Bay South who attends St. Edwards Elementary
N. Smallwood
Grade 4 student from Corner Brook who attends Immaculate Heart of Mary School
R. Snook
Grade 5 student from Clarenville who attends Riverside Academy
J. Hart
Grade 6 student from Wing’s Point who attends Riverwood Academy
Ms. McNeill’s Class
Grade 5 and 6 students from Corner Brook who attend Immaculate Heart of Mary School