Generations at Sea: The Enduring Legacy of Newfoundland’s Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing has long been the foundation of life for countless Newfoundland families. For generations, learning to fish alongside fathers, grandfathers, and uncles wasn’t just a family tradition, it was a rite of passage, a way to pass the torch and continue the family business. The sea has shaped Newfoundland’s history, economy, and culture by binding coastal communities together through shared hard work, resilience, and pride. 

From lobster and cod to crab and other live species, the ocean continues to keep the island’s economy afloat. Many families still hand down their boats, knowledge, and traditions to younger generations, teaching them the value of an honest day’s work and a deep respect for the ocean.

The North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show, Newfoundland’s top commercial fishing industry event, is proud to continue honoring individuals who are making progress in advancing the industry as a whole. In conjunction with the Navigator Magazine, every two years the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame honors individuals at the show who have made notable contributions to the marine sector in Atlantic Canada. The categories include Mariners, Processors, and Builders. These awards highlight the people whose dedication and innovation continue to shape and strengthen the industry.

Many of the honorees share similar stories of childhoods spent on the water, learning the ropes from parents and grandparents who devoted their lives to the sea. Their passion, determination, and drive ensure that Newfoundland’s fishing legacy remains vibrant for future generations.

It’s a true privilege to know that the same waters that fed families hundreds of years ago are still fished today by their descendants. And though the industry has evolved—with modernized boats, advanced technologies, and ever-changing fish stocks—the heart of it remains unchanged.

In every harbor, every wharf, and every story told by the sea, the legacy of commercial fishing endures. It stands as a reminder that Newfoundland’s greatest strength has always come from its people—and their unwavering bond with the ocean. After all, as many Maritimers will tell you, you’ll never meet anyone quite as kind and welcoming as the by’s on the Atlantic.

Thank you to all commercial fishermen on the island, from the North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show!