Baffin Fisheries rejigs board, changes name

The MV Sivulliq, a 64-metre factory-freezer trawler that Baffin Fisheries acquired in September 2015. The vessel is capable of holding up to 700 tonnes of product. (BAFFIN FISHERIES)

The Baffin Fisheries Coalition has revamped itself, starting with its name, according to a Feb. 2 news release from the Nunavut fishing outfit.

A new executive team at what is now called Baffin Fisheries secured 100 per cent ownership of all vessels and assets in late 2015, the release said.

“This marks the beginning of a new era for Baffin Fisheries. We are now able to fully manage our fleet and create new jobs and career opportunities in Nunavut,” the organization’s newly-appointed president Jacopie Maniapik said in the release.

Maniapik formerly held the chairperson position with the organization.

The board of directors appointed Maniapik president in December 2015, the release said, appointing Methusalah Kunuk as vice-president and Leo Mucktar as treasurer.

According to the release, the company’s board of directors will expand and so will its workforce.

“The first priority is to recruit more Nunavummiut to the fishing industry. We need to educate our youth about the benefits of a career in this growing industry,” Maniapik said Feb. 2.

The organization began operations in 2001 following a meeting of working group formed by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the Government of Nunavut.

That came after the Department of Fisheries and Oceans gave Nunavut interests 100 per cent control of the turbot stock in a region of Davis Strait called “0A.”

Now, the Feb. 2 release said the organization is owned by the hunters and trappers organizations of five Baffin communities: Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Kimmirut, Pond Inlet and Clyde River.

Besides fishing for turbot, the company also fishes for two species of shrimp.

According to its website, in September 2015 Baffin Fisheries acquired a 64-metre trawler, the MV Sivulliq.

Later that same year, in December, the company acquired all outstanding shares from its Icelandic partner in Inuksuk Fisheries Ltd., the Feb. 2 release said.

“Baffin Fisheries is 100 per cent owner of two factory freezer fixed-gear vessels and two large factory-freezer multi-species trawlers,” the statement said.

The organization’s 15-year history has not been without controversy, as it’s faced allegations of overfishing young turbot and catering to foreign interests.

But Maniapik said in the statement that the organization’s goal now is to become a leading supplier of sustainable, premium cold-water seafood products to markets around the world.

“Inuit fishers and hunters have responsibly managed our adjacent fisheries for thousands of years, and we look forward to continuing this practice for the benefit of our people,” Maniapik said.