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Despite ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond’s fishing industry is continuing to catch and sell fresh local offerings.
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Fishing industry determined to persevere
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 3:03 PDT, Thu April 30, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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Like other industries heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fishing industry has had to make some changes.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is collaborating with the federal government to ensure Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors receive necessary supports to continue providing food, according to department representative Lauren Girdler.
In Steveston, a historic fishing village, commercial fishers are still heading out with their boats and selling their catch to people looking for local seafood.
“We are still seeing quite a bit of activity in our repair yard,” says Steveston Harbour Authority general manager Jaime Gusto. “People are still bringing their boats and preparing them for the season.”
While the fishing season is getting underway, there are still several fisheries currently affected by COVID-19. The prawn fishery—which largely serves the commercial industry—has been delayed by about a month, says Gusto. And the halibut fishery has been affected by the shutdown of the restaurant industry.
Sales have been different this year, too. While the public fish sales float in Steveston remains open, people must remain six feet apart.
“On the weekends we’ve hired a security company to limit the number of people heading down on the float,” says Gusto.
While the experience is different for fishers and customers, these safety measures are necessary to ensure continued public access to local seafood—and to keep fishers in business.
Although times are challenging right now, the industry continues to persevere and to fish—despite obstacles and delays.
“Fishermen are such a diverse bunch of people,” says Gusto. “They really know how to adapt to change and hardship, and with COVID going on, they’re still prepping to go out.”
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