Navigational buoys are on this N.L. fisherman’s ‘Christmas wish list’
CBC
Fishermen on both coasts of Newfoundland say navigational buoys have been removed from the water by DFO without proper warning, and it's putting those still on the water at risk.
Jerry Hearn, a fisherman in Petty Harbour, said the buoys in his area were removed last week. It surprised him, as the harbour is still in use because of the ongoing commercial cod fishery.
When he asked DFO when fishermen would have been notified about their removal, he said he was told a post was made online — but he says information should have been relayed to harvesters directly.
"They should notify fishermen to say that their buoys are going to be lifted. Especially since the commercial fishery is still ongoing, and there's six to seven boats out at a time each morning," Hearn told CBC News.
The Canadian Coast Guard told CBC News Tuesday that thousands of seasonal navigational buoys are removed from the water between mid-November and early December to ensure that they can be safely recovered.
Hearn believes that decision should have been delayed due to a change in this year's fishery.
The federal government more than doubled the northern cod quota in June, raising the total allowable catch from 18,000 metric tonnes to 38,000.
Hearn said that has kept boats out longer, and anticipates fishermen will be on the water until sometime after Christmas in order to fill the quota.
"The Coast Guard says 'Safety, safety, safety,' and that's what they're preaching [to] fishermen all the time, to help keep things out of trouble," Hearn said.
"That would be our Christmas wish list, would be to put them buoys back."
Buoys have also been removed in Port au Choix, on Newfoundland's northern peninsula.
Fisherman Rod Cornick said buoys are usually in the area until January, but this year is different without an explanation.
He said the loss of the buoys can make coming into the harbour dangerous, especially for those who don't know the area.
"These buoys that have been taken out of it provide, like, a channel for safe passage," Cornick said.
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