         |
Activities and Industries
Whether the reason is research, conservation, management, or nature itself, there are a wide variety of stakeholders that have an interest in Gilbert Bay. In spite of this fact, there are no permanent residents living within the area. There are only seven residential-type structures in Gilbert Bay, all of which are small cabins/cottages located throughout.
The Golden Cod Festival
The Golden Cod Festival is an annual event that the community of William’s Harbour organizes and host at the end of each summer in an effort to publicize and bring attention to Gilbert Bay and the “Golden Cod” that make their home there. Part of this festival is a live display of Gilbert Bay Cod set up at the local wharf so that visitors can view, get their pictures taken with, and even pick-up and touch the cod if they wish.
This past summer on August 15th, 2009 William’s Harbour held its 8th Annual Golden Cod Festival. A booth was set up to share information on the MPA. Events at the festival included various games such as spin the wheel, lucky numbers, bingo, etc. Promotional items were given out and prize draws were made for Gilbert Bay t-shirts, caps, bags and other items. The day was filled with fun and activities for kids and adults alike. Live entertainment was performed by Dwayne Snow for the dance that was held in the night.
Port Hope Simpson and William’s Harbour are the only two communities in close proximity to Gilbert Bay. These two key communities are where the majority of stakeholders reside and have been the driving force behind the development of the Gilbert Bay MPA.
Historically, these communities in this region were isolated from one other. Today, they are serviced by telephone, a passenger and freight ferry, as well as a commercial airline. In more recent years, the newly constructed Trans-Labrador Highway connects southern Labrador to Port Hope Simpson.
Commercial Fishing Activity
The commercial fishing industry and the recreational fishing industry are the most important economic activities in Gilbert Bay. The forestry industry, tourism industry and other recreational activities also contribute to the economy of the area. Science and research is playing a more prominent role in the area, and will likely influence the development and management of existing and potential emerging activities.
There have been significant changes in the commercial fishing industry in and around Gilbert Bay within the last few decades. Before 1992, commercial landings of Gilbert Bay cod were estimated at 23 tonnes a year, involving a small number of fishers in boats less than 35 ft in length. A commercial index fishery in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions 2J3KL (including Gilbert Bay) was opened from September 24 to October 16. During this fishery, 14 boats were observed fishing for cod in the Bay. It was estimated that 12 tonnes of fish were removed.
Commercial fishers, area residents and other interested parties became concerned over cod fishing in Gilbert Bay. In response to these concerns, a notice to fishers was issued, closing commercial and recreational cod fishing. A moratorium for northern cod was established in April of 2003. Since that time, there has been no commercial fishery in the area. Gilbert Bay has two areas that have been designated as Inland Waters, where all commercial fishing and recreational fishing using gill nets is prohibited. Outside of these two designated areas, fishing for other commercial species is allowed (i.e., scallops).
The Labrador Métis Nation has a communal fishery for trout, char, salmon, Atlantic cod, herring, scallop, whelk, smelt and seal to be used for food, social, and/or ceremonial purposes.
Recreational Fishing Activity
Fishing for Atlantic salmon, Arctic char and sea trout is a popular past time with local residents and visitors. Residents of both Williams Harbour and Port Hope Simpson partake in a recreational gillnet fishery for trout in certain areas of Gilbert Bay, as well as a scallop fishery.
Research and Education Activities
There has been considerable scientific interest and research on Gilbert Bay cod, since the moratorium in 1992. Numerous published documents have been compiled as a result of ongoing collaborative efforts. Further research is being conducted, as a result of the Gilbert Bay MPA designation process. This work being undertaken will be vital to the success in increasing education and awareness, as well as playing an essential part in the development of the Gilbert Bay MPA.
Community led initiatives such as the Golden Cod Festival held in Williams Harbour during August, public meetings about the MPA process, as well as classroom sessions on why Gilbert Bay is unique, have all contributed immensely to improved understanding and awareness among various stakeholders.
Please click here for a list of web related educational and scientific publications pertaining to Gilbert Bay.
Other Recreational Activities
There are a number of cabins constructed along the bay for leisure and recreational use. During the winter months, Gilbert Bay is an important transportation link for snowmobile trails connecting communities along Labrador’s southeast coast.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
|||||
