HAY RIVER (November 1, 2013) – Local fishers are breathing new life back into the industry, with nearly one million pounds of fish harvested from Great Slave Lake this season - an increase of 25% over last year.
“Our commercial fishery is resilient and I commend the fishers for investing their time, effort and money into revitalizing this important sector,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “I believe the time is right to consider ways to invest in this sector that will not only support NWT fishers in their efforts but also add to the fishery’s resilience and capacity to weather future economic challenges.”
NWT fishers were significantly affected by the 2008 economic downturn with annual harvests dropping from an all-time high of 2.6 million pounds in 2001 to just over 700,000 pounds in 2009. Less than 20% of the available harvest was realized in 2012.
The recovery of the NWT fishery is a result, in part, of steps taken by the NWT Fishermen’s Federation to improve efficiencies at their ice packing plant in Hay River. Consideration is now also being given to having a winter fishery for the first time since 2007.
Indicators of a rebound in the NWT fishing industry come on the heels of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy, released October 29th. As well as improving incentives and supports for NWT fishers, it includes recommendations for new processing facilities in Hay River and the expansion of export and domestic markets for fish caught in Great Slave Lake.
In addition to increased volumes identified for export markets, domestic markets for NWT fish also offer potential for expansion and growth of the NWT fishery.
By investing in the local fishing industry, the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking steps to strengthen and diversify the economy, a key goal of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
For more information, contact:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca