SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Fishermen's Federation received a new president in May.

Hay River's Alex Richardson, 49, was acclaimed leader of the group, which represents commercial fishermen mainly on Great Slave Lake.

Alex Richardson is new president of the NWT Fishermen's Federation.

As president, one of Richardson's tasks will be to help revive the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake after many years of decline, mainly due to the shortage of workers for the industry.

The new leader will also be facing other challenging issues, such as the role in the NWT of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, a federal co-operative that has often been criticized by some fishermen in Hay River.

On July 16, News/North talked with Richardson on his 25-foot open boat Devon-J, docked at Fisherman's Wharf in Hay River.

News/North: What would you like to accomplish in your time as president of the Northwest Territories Fishermen's Federation?

Alex Richardson: I would like to see some more of the younger generation get involved, but it's so difficult with everything like the cost of getting started and all the politics. Years ago, being a fisherman was just getting your ice and going fishing. Now, you've got to get all your certificates and stuff like that. It makes it a lot harder.

N/N: What's the overall state of the fishery on Great Slave Lake right now?

A.R.: This year, it's a lot better than it was last year. This year, there are more guys out than there were last year. The prices are a little better. The gas price is higher, but the price of fish is a little higher.

N/N: It has been said that the fishery on Great Slave Lake is in decline. Do you agree with that?

A.R.: Well, it has been, but like I said this year it's looking up. I was talking to a few people that are interested in getting involved in the fishing business here.

Like I said, it's going to be a little harder for them to get going. It's going to cost a lot of money.

N/N: Are you hopeful for the future of the fishery?

A.R.: Oh, you bet I am. I'm not ready to quit yet. I'm hoping that a few more people get involved. I'd like to see the younger generation getting going. My son is interested.

N/N: What would it take to get the younger generation and some new people involved? Would it be better prices, less expensive equipment, more government help?

A.R.: Any help will do. Prices are better. That will make a difference. It's just the cost of getting an outfit going right now. It's quite high.

N/N: How much does it cost to get a fishing outfit going?

A.R.: Just a guesstimation is it would be close to $100,00. That's just an estimate. This boat alone without all the gear was close to $50,000.

N/N: How many fishermen are working out of Hay River?

A.R.: There's a handful, probably 20.

N/N: Can people make a good living at the fishery?

A.R.: You can make a living at it. You've just got to work hard at it. It's not an easy job. There's no job that's easy. This is not an easy job. It's a hard man's work. There's no easy way out of this. Either you work or you don't.

N/N: We were talking about how hard fishing is, but what do you enjoy about it?

A.R.: It's a good life. I love it. It's like a farmer. He loves farming, even though he doesn't make a lot, but he makes a living.... It's a hard question to answer. Being out on the water on the lake, you can't beat it.

N/N: Why did you take on the role as president?

A.R.: Well, why not? Somebody has got to do it.

N/N: Is it a big challenge?

A.R.: I don't really know yet. I'm just starting out. I'm just going to learn as I go,

N/N: After your three-year term is over, what changes would you like to see in the fishery?

A.R.: I'd like to see more fishermen on the lake. I'd like to see the prices better. Hopefully, we can get a new fish plant here, something smaller and more economical. That's not really my decision, but at least I can work with that.

N/N: Are you working on goals with other members of the federation's board of directors?

A.R.: We're just started fishing. Fishing comes first. I'm a fisherman. Work comes first.

N/N: When are you and the new board going to be developing your strategy?

A.R.: None of us want to take a day off fishing. The fishing will be done before we do that. So it will probably be this fall.

N/N: Will the board have to look at the future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation in the NWT?

A.R.: You hear rumours. We'll have to go to meetings this fall in Winnipeg and sit down with them and their board.

N/N: How important is the fishing industry to Hay River?

A.R.: I think it's quite important. This town is built on the fishing industry from what I've heard.

N/N: Do you think the fishery can ever return to its glory days?

A.R.: Well, I'm hoping so. Maybe not like it used to be, but I hope to see little improvements every year.