A gathering of federal and provincial environment ministers at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s was disrupted this afternoon by members of the FFAW, angered over what they say is DFO’s irresponsible decision to reopen the commercial cod fishery to foreign draggers.
The fisheries union wants the decision reversed for this year in favour of a stewardship fishery—a system in place since 2006.
Protesters held up signs reading Save Our Cod, History Repeated, and Stop Offshore Draggers.
Harvester Glenn Winslow and union president Greg Pretty say they want their message heard by Ottawa.
Winslow tells VOCM News they’re seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister, and more demonstrations are possible.