How young fish harvesters are helping save a rapidly aging industry

In Newfoundland and Labrador, younger entrants are being recruited to help offset an aging workforce in the province’s fishing industry. Lillian Saul, a 30-year-old captain in Twillingate, says she invested her adult life into fishing after studying fisheries regulation at Memorial University while pursuing permanent residency. Her push reflects broader concerns: the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union estimates more than 33% of certified fish harvesters are 54 or older, and thousands are expected to leave over the next decade. To attract new workers, the FFAW-led Fishing Industry New Entrants Initiative received more than $1 million from the provincial government, aiming to expand recruiting at career fairs, immigration offices and schools. Statistics Canada figures show harvesting jobs fell from about 4,300 in 2011 to 3,100 in 2025.