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History of fishing in Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the maritime provinces of Canada, and also the easternmost one in its Atlantic region. Fishing is closely linked to the turbulent history of Newfoundland and Labrador. The discovery of the richness of its waters has indeed aroused the desire of many European nations.
Newfoundland and Labrador: what you need to know
Newfoundland is a large island off the coast of Labrador. This Atlantic maritime province is inseparable from fish and fishing in general. It contains a rich and diverse biodiversity, its waters are full of resources, including several species of fish.
Fishing activity is central to the development of the province of Newfoundland. It indeed had influences on colonization dynamics, on international trade and on diplomatic relations between Canada and other nations, particularly in Europe. It is not only a central cultural element for its identity, but also a very important source of income.
In the Atlantic, we find cod, halibut, haddock and captain in large numbers, as well as lobster and scallops. The land waters are also rich: there are varieties of trout, freshwater salmon and pike.
Today, the province remains a very attractive center for fishing activity and it attracts fishermen from all over the world due to the richness of its waters. Fishing is an integral part of Newfoundland culture and tradition. It was even its greatest economic force for a time when the majority of fish caught was exported to the United States.
The beginnings of European fishing in this province
The province of Newfoundland has long been inhabited by indigenous populations. They used the natural resources of this territory, thanks to fishing, hunting and also gathering. Historically, these tribes are the Beothuk, Inuit and Mikmaq.
Starting in the 15th century, early European explorers quickly noticed that the region's waters are among the best fishing grounds in the northern Atlantic. This richness of the waters is highlighted by John Cabot, a British navigator royally commissioned to find new lands for the crown at the end of that same century. A little later, the situation was the same for the Portuguese conquistadors who also came to explore the region. Portugal and Britain both claim the territory, map it and establish fishing stations there. During the 16th century, fishing boats from Europe regularly crisscrossed the waters of Newfoundland.
European conflicts :
The colonization and lasting establishment of Europeans, notably the British and French, on the territory of Newfoundland took place during the 17th and 18th centuries. Bases were set up by the French in the north and by the British in the east of the territory in order to perpetuate the fishing activity. They also ensure that the nations that had control enjoy historic fishing rights.
It should be noted that at the end of the 17th century, a commercial triangle was formed around Europe, the West Indies and Newfoundland around slavery. Cod caught and salted in Newfoundland was the main source of food for slaves of African origin working on plantations in the West Indies. The latter also produced molasses and rum which were then transported to Newfoundland. The territory therefore had great economic importance for Europe and several nations understood its importance.
The War of Conquest and after
The rivalry between France and Great Britain eventually led to a fishing war in the 18th century, also known as the War of Conquest. It should be noted that the two nations were at war from 1756 to 1763 (Seven Years' War) and this had consequences for land at sea. The province of Newfoundland was strategic from an economic point of view and none of the two parties did not want to cede it to the other. On the contrary, the French and British spent much of the war attacking the enemy nation's posts and establishments in an attempt to consolidate their position before the Peace Treaty. The latter, the Treaty of Paris, finally ceded the territory of Newfoundland to Great Britain in 1763 and thus marking the end of the Seven Years' War.
Thanks to this new acquisition, Great Britain strengthens its position in the region. This war, however, greatly disrupted the fishing industry in the territory. From the 19th century, the introduction of advanced techniques allowed a considerable growth in fishing. Fishing vessels also benefit from the latest technologies and are more modern. Newfoundland's fishing resources and facilities make it one of the largest fishing industries in the world.
In 1907, Newfoundland was transformed from a British colony into a semi-autonomous dominion. The last territory to join the Canadian Confederation in 1949, it became Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.
Fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador: modern issues
Newfoundland has had to face threats of overfishing and has done its utmost to preserve this resource which is essential to it. The Canadian government has had to impose even stricter regulations on players in the fishing industry. This effort gradually allowed fish populations to return to normal.
Canada's jurisdiction over Canada's territorial waters was extended by 200 miles in 1977, leading to conflicts with countries that used to fish there, such as Spain and Portugal. In 1990, Newfoundland faced an unprecedented environmental and ecological crisis. Cod, although at the center of the territory's economy, was threatened with extinction. The resulting decision to ban fishing for this species has had a disastrous impact on the local economy.
Nowadays, cod fishing has resumed its course, without reaching the historic levels of yesteryear. Over the years, restrictive and protective measures have been imposed to allow cod populations to recover. Research and control efforts have been put in place to avoid reproducing the same scenario.
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