In the small, scattered fishing
communities of coastal Newfoundland and Labrador, families had to learn
many skills in order to provide themselves with the goods they needed.
Fishing generally provided only a limited cash income. As a result,
fishing families typically built their own houses, stores, fishing
stages, boats and furniture, and made quilts, mats and clothing -
often from recycled materials.
he large quantity of
fish - especially cod - found in the waters off Newfoundland
and Labrador provided income and established a way of life that lasted
for centuries.
Fishermen Pulling Up Nets (ca. 1960)
(Courtesy: Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador)
ith the advent of trawlers
and draggers, catches increased dramatically. Overfishing resulted in
a drastic decline in fish stocks and the virtual end of the inshore
fishery. Today, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians look to divesify the
fishery or to develop new industries in order to keep their communities
alive. Many young people - who once would have become
fishermen - are re-training and leaving their home to find work.
Fishing Boat for Sale (2000)
Photo: Allan Clarke
(Courtesy: Newfoundland Museum)
Date Created: May 18, 2001 | Last Updated: April 30, 2010