Ethan Blake, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Gander Bay, started his fishing business after working at an urchin fish plant in his youth. His love for the water drives him to continue his passion for fishing in central Newfoundland. However, his future in the industry is uncertain due to the decline in urchin stocks in certain bays, affecting the quality of the roe he harvests.
The sea urchin industry, valued at around $6 million in Canada, relies on commercial divers and license holders to collect and sell the prized roe, popular in Japan. Unlike other fisheries with set weight limits, the urchin fishery is regulated by seasons, license numbers, and fishing area restrictions.
Urchin-fishing areas are limited to specific regions, similar to lobster fishing zones. In Newfoundland, only 52 commercial licenses are issued for urchin fishing, with a small percentage actively harvesting this season. This restriction hampers divers like Blake, who are eager to explore untapped urchin grounds for better-quality roe.
Hodder’s Shellfish, the plant where Blake worked, advocates for temporary licenses to allow harvesters to access new areas with untouched urchin populations. This move aims to ensure a higher-quality product and proper resource management. Despite the industry’s challenges, governmental support for changes in fishing access remains limited.
Hodder’s Shellfish, supported by local officials and industry stakeholders, emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices to maintain employment and economic stability in rural areas like Stoneville. The decline in urchin yields this season has already impacted job opportunities at the plant, highlighting the urgency for regulatory adjustments to safeguard the future of the urchin fishery.
For Blake and others in the industry, the availability of high-quality urchins is vital for their livelihoods. Without access to abundant and quality stocks, the sustainability of their businesses is at risk. Stakeholders like Hodder’s Shellfish continue to push for regulatory changes to ensure a prosperous future for Newfoundland’s sea urchin industry.