ALMA, NB – Hundreds gathered at the wharf in Alma on a chilly Monday morning to help ring in the fall fishing season.
The gathering and hot breakfast was organized to show support for the dozens of fishermen setting their traps.
Lobster fishing is one of the village’s biggest employers. Many of the residents find work fishing lobster or serving it to tourists in restaurants.
“Pretty since I was two, I’ve been on the boat. My whole family runs everything,” said Daniel Collins.
Today, seventeen local boats set sea for the first day of fishing. Throughout the wharf, fishermen packed up traps and dropped off supplies.
Fishermen said good weather was a good sign.
“We’ve got a nice setting day. The weather’s great so it’ll be nice and safer getting everything off. So hopefully, we’ll have a good season out of it and a good price too,” said Graham Copp.
People who showed up at the event said the village’s fishermen deserve their respect.
“I think you have to show the support for their bravery because the seas can be really rough in the fall of the year,” said Gail Walker. “I like to be out here showing my support every year – even six o’clock in the morning is still not bad to be out here.”
Others said the work is an integral part of the village’s economy.
“We are devoted to them and their industry and their safety and their well-being because these are all families right here in our village,” explained Jane Chrysostom.
Andrew Casey, a village councillor, was impressed with the turnout.
“It’s incredible to see how many people are around at 6 a.m. in the morning,” he said.
As for Copp, he said he was touched by the crowd’s support.
“Everyone’s coming down to see us all go. It’s awesome for sure,” he said.
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