Magdalen Islands Mayor Testimonial

Transcript

The fishery, being the chief economic activity in the Magdalen Islands, has to be supplemented by additional income from tourism and also from the seal hunt in March. It follows the rhythm of the seasons, and represents a secondary income for fishers. The hunters wait for this time as a sign that spring is coming, and that fishing-related activities are starting up again. And of course, with an industry that is gearing up for operation again, all possible financial contributions are needed in order to build an island economy like ours. So of course we take advantage of this bounty that surrounds us. It's income for the fishers and it's also income for plant workers, because seal processing is now being done on the Islands, and it is only in its beginnings. It's the start of an industry that is going to remain a secondary one, but the revenues are substantial, a few hundred millions dollars We have probably passed the million mark by now. And it counts; given the size of the Magdalen Islands, it's a very, very large amount. Not to mention, of course, that it's a renewable resource. Not to take advantage of the seal herd passing through to gain some additional income would be something of a waste for a community like ours that lives off the sea.

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