Pre-Symposium Workshops
September 30, 2012 - Norris Point, NL
"Mapping Governance Solutions for Rebuilding: An Interactive Dialogue"
Organized by Ratana Chuenpagdee.
9:00am - 1:00pm, Bonne Bay Marine Station.

This half-day (3-hours) workshop was organized to enable interactive discussion between three groups of fisheries stakeholders representing: (1) fish harvesters and fish plant workers who are directly affected by fisheries decisions; (2) managers, policy makers and scientists responsible for sustainably managing fisheries resources; and (3) members of the general public who have interest in the wellbeing of fishing communities. The aim of the workshop was to discuss ideas about practical and innovative governance solutions for rebuilding fisheries and fishing communities, and to come up with a set of recommendations on how to move these solutions forward. A 'road map,' accompanied by a draft policy brief, was produced at the end of the dialogue, which was presented at the symposium and further polished for wide dissemination.

Broadly speaking, governance refers to mechanisms, processes and institutions through which public and private sectors articulate their interests, exercise their rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences in order to make decisions affecting society. In the context of this workshop, providing space and opportunities for states, markets and citizens to interact and discuss what needs to be done to rebuild fisheries is an important step towards effective governance.

Participants were limited to about 15-20 people. They were joined in the dialogue by the CURRA governance sub-component team members. We encouraged participation by key agencies and groups engaged in fisheries governance and community wellbeing such as DFO, DFA, Tourism Culture and Recreation, Rural Secretariat, INTRD, Red Ochre Board and MMZC. Prior to the workshop and to help guide the discussion, registered participants received background document summarizing key issues and solutions proposed during the community consultations, as well as a draft 'road map' produced by the CURRA governance sub-component team based on the inputs from these consultations. Specifically, we gathered inputs from participants at these consultations about factors that inhibit fisheries from rebuilding, as well as those that may foster rebuilding, and solicited their ideas about possible solutions to address the problems. The consultations were opened to general public and took place in three locations on the west coast in Summer 2012.

(No report available.)


"Is there a place for youth in fisheries communities?
A multiple perspectives discussion"
Organized by Nicole Power.
10:00am - 12:00pm, Bonne Bay Marine Station.

Youth outmigration and an aging labour force in the fishing industry have been identified as challenges facing fisheries communities. This workshop session brought together stakeholder organisations, researchers and youth to discuss the place of young people in fisheries communities and to consider multi-and inter- generational strategies for rebuilding fisheries communities. The session combined short presentations and a roundtable discussion with the goal of producing a short list of recommendations. Stakeholder organisations included representatives of the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, Community Youth Network, FFAW, Professional Fish Harvester Certification Board, Food Security Network, Western School District, and municipalities.

Click here to download report.


"An Intangible Cultural Heritage Session"
Organized by Anita Best.
1:00pm - 4:00 pm, The Julia Ann Walsh Centre.
A presentation was held on the Heritage Cluster, a Fisheries Heritage demonstration, and a discussion of Oral History Project Planning with Dale Jarvis, Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Officer.

(No report available.)