Cast from the Sea: The History of Newfoundland’s Fishery
For centuries, the fishery has been the lifeblood of Newfoundland. It shaped its economy, dictated its settlement patterns, and forged the character of its people. From the earliest European voyages to the collapse of the cod stocks, the story of Newfoundland’s fishery is one of abundance, hardship, and resilience.
The Lure of Cod
It was codfish that first drew Europeans to Newfoundland’s shores. In the early 1500s, fishermen from England, France, Portugal, and Spain crossed the Atlantic to harvest the rich stocks off the Grand Banks. These waters, teeming with cod, became one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world. The fish were salted and dried onshore before being shipped back to Europe, feeding markets from Lisbon to Naples.
This migratory fishery dominated for over two centuries. Crews arrived in spring, worked through summer, and returned home in the fall. The seasonal nature of the fishery meant few permanent settlements at first, but over time, the need for local infrastructure and labor led to the rise of coastal communities.
From Migrants to Residents
By the 1800s, the fishery had shifted from a migratory model to a resident one. Newfoundland’s population grew rapidly, and families began to settle permanently along the coast. Fishing became a year-round occupation, deeply embedded in daily life. Men fished from small boats, while women and children helped process the catch—splitting, salting, and drying cod on wooden flakes.
This resident fishery was often tied to a credit system. Merchants supplied gear and provisions in exchange for fish, creating a cycle of dependency. While some families prospered, many lived on the edge, supplementing their income with gardening, woodcutting, sealing, and other seasonal work.
Labrador and the Banks
Two major branches of the fishery emerged: the Labrador fishery and the Bank fishery. In the Labrador fishery, crews traveled north for the summer, living in shore camps or fishing directly from vessels. The Bank fishery, centered on the Grand Banks, involved larger schooners and dories venturing far offshore. These operations required more capital and organization, but they also offered greater yields.
Despite the harsh conditions, these fisheries became central to Newfoundland’s economy. By the mid-19th century, the island was the world’s largest exporter of salt cod.
Boom, Bust, and War
The fishery’s fortunes rose and fell with global markets and political events. After the American Revolution, British fishers gained dominance in southern European markets, triggering a boom in shipping and production. But overproduction and poor quality led to a glut in 1788, crashing prices and bankrupting many operators.
World wars disrupted trade and labor, but also brought modernization. New technologies like motorboats, refrigeration, and trawlers changed how fish were caught and processed. Yet, even as the industry evolved, traditional methods persisted in many outports.
Collapse and Consequences
The most dramatic chapter came in the late 20th century. Decades of overfishing—exacerbated by industrial trawlers and poor regulation—led to the catastrophic collapse of cod stocks. In 1992, the Canadian government imposed a moratorium on the Northern cod fishery, putting tens of thousands out of work overnight.
The impact was profound. Entire communities lost their economic foundation. Families were forced to relocate, retrain, or rely on government support. The moratorium remains one of the largest industrial closures in Canadian history.
Adapting to Change
In the wake of the collapse, Newfoundland’s fishery diversified. Shellfish like crab and shrimp became new staples. Aquaculture gained traction, and tourism offered alternative income. While cod stocks have shown some signs of recovery, the fishery today is a shadow of its former self.
Yet, the cultural legacy endures. Fishing remains a source of pride and identity. Songs, stories, and festivals celebrate the sea’s bounty and the people who braved its waters. Museums and heritage sites preserve the tools and tales of generations past.
A Living Heritage
Newfoundland’s fishery is more than an economic activity—it’s a way of life. It shaped the rhythms of the year, the layout of towns, and the values of hard work and cooperation. Even as the industry evolves, the memory of “the voyage”—a term still used to describe a season’s fishing—echoes in the language and lore of the island.
Today, as Newfoundland navigates new challenges, the fishery remains a symbol of endurance. It reminds us that while the sea can be unforgiving, it also sustains, connects, and inspires.