Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (May 20/02) - The possibility of a new fish plant in Hay River was one outcome of the recent Great Slave Lake Fishery Conference.

NWT Fishermen's Federation president Bert Buckley and Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew examine one of the displays at the recent Great Slave Lake Fishery Conference in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

However, Antoine said it is very early in the process. "It's just an idea right now."

The idea is for a smaller and more efficient plant to be located on the waterfront, which would mean better access and less handling of fish.

"Nothing is firm at the moment," Bert Buckley, president of the NWT Fisherman's Federation, said, "It's something we've got to look at ourselves."

Overall, Buckley said the first-ever conference, held May 10 and 11 in Hay River, was a success.

It attracted about 100 people.

Buckley said he was encouraged the federal and territorial governments expressed support for the Great Slave Lake fishery and outlined available assistance programs.

The support was expressed by Antoine and Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

Buckley was also encouraged by a scientific report from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

"As far as we know, the stocks are really healthy on Great Slave Lake."

The fishery on the lake is mainly for whitefish, but there are also catches of lake trout, northern pike, burbot, inconnu, pickerel and mullet.

Buckley noted over 50 people fish full- or part-time on the lake, mainly out of Hay River.

In his address to the conference, Antoine explained competition has increased substantially over the years from within Canada, specifically the Great Lakes, and internationally.

"In many cases our competition enjoys certain advantages such as lower costs of operation, including wages, and highly efficient means of production," he said.

Antoine said NWT fishermen must reduce costs, increase production and generate higher returns, while ensuring the stock is not depleted.

Blondin-Andrew told conference participants it is important to attract young people to the industry.

"Any organization that doesn't engender a role for young people is a dying organization," she said.

Hay River fisherman Don Sinclair was encouraged by the conference, especially the possibility of a new fish plant.

"That's the biggest thing," Sinclair said. "At least it's a step in the right direction."