Fish harvesters in Region Two, the eastern half of Cape Breton from the Inverness-Victoria County line to the Canso Causeway, have voted in favour of being represented by an accredited organization under the Fish Harvesters Organizations Support Act.
In total, 336 eligible voters participated. Of the 336, 214 voted in favour of representation by an accredited organization under the Fish Harvesters Organizations Support Act. At 54 per cent, the threshold for the vote to be considered valid under regulation was met.
Prior to the vote, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture held information sessions at three locations around Region Two. These sessions gave fishermen the opportunity to ask questions about the act.
The positive vote means organizations can apply for accreditation, then fishermen can join any of the accredited groups. Being a part of an accredited group will make it easier for their interests to move ahead and for the industry to grow.
Notice of the affirmative vote will be published in newspapers in the coming weeks. An invitation to apply for accreditation will be sent to fisheries organizations.
Source: Release