The Communities Economic Development Fund will be hosting their first Northern Manitoba Fish Tables next week.

 

Saraj Thethy  with CEDF explains that the fish tables are a pilot project for the organization, and is one of their strategies to boost the commercial fishing sector in the north.

 

He adds that for the pilot, CEDF will be working with commercial fishers from Wabowden, and their catch will be processed in The Pas before making its way to the fish tables in Thompson.

 

Thethy mentioned that there would be a variety of species of catch available at the fish tables, including white fish, jack, mullets, and the fan-favourite pickerel.

 

He adds that the fish will be available a multiple forms, including fillets, patties, ground fish, and whole fish.

 

Chris Thevenot, the organization’s CFO, says this event is a way for commercial fishing to be recognized as a prominent industry in the north.

 

"The commerical fishing industry does not get the profile or respect it deserves. Growing up here, it is not as aware [sic] as it should be."

 

Thevenot explains there are over 300 fishers in the north, along with one to two helpers per fisher, which is a sizable amount of jobs.

 

He says the fishers also buy their equipment in the north as well, which adds to the economic impact commerical fishing has in the region.

 

Learn more about the Northern Manitoba Fish Tables, which is being held at the old Pita Pit at UCN next Monday, by tuning in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.