Broughton Island (Feb 14/05) - The fishery is all but a memory in Newfoundland, but it's just beginning in Nunavut for the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Association of Qikiqtarjuaq.

The association, which created an independent fishing company called the Masiliit Corporation after breaking away from the Baffin Fisheries Coalition, has a boat and a licence.

Koalie Kooneeliusie and Samuel Nuqingaq went to St. John's, Nfld., to pick up the fishing boat on Feb. 1 for the organization.

The fishermen have also finalized their ground fish licence with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.

They now expect to begin fishing their 330-tonne turbot quota in division OB in 80 days.

"The purpose of doing all this is to create employment opportunities for our community which has a very high unemployment level," Kooneeliusie said.

"We want other Inuit to know they can take this action, too, and accomplish their plans just as we are doing," said Nuqingaq.