Who We Are

The Aboriginal Seafood Network Inc (ASN) is an Aboriginal Communal Commercial Fisheries Enterprise which has one shareholder which is the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.  The ASN has a clear mandate and vision to focus on economic growth through resource access and aims towards viability and stability. 

ASN will continue on a path of sustainable growth for the expressed economic and social benefits of the traditional ancestral homeland Mi’kmaq/Maliseet/Passamaquoddy Aboriginal peoples of New Brunswick, building positive predictable relationship with the Federal Government and the fishing industry remains important to continue and foster.

Our Purpose 

• To provide employment opportunities for members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.
• To oversee the operation of an Aboriginal Fisheries program for the benefit of the members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.
• To promote the social economic development of the members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council through the participation in a managed and regulated fisheries program.
• To establish, receive and maintain a fund or funds and apply from time to time all or part thereof and the income therefrom for the benefit of the members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.
• To promote a sustainable fishery.
• To work cooperatively with government departments and agencies in the development and maintenance of an Aboriginal, fishery program for the members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.
• To foster opportunities for economic self-sufficiency within the members of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council.

As per the Canadian Shipping Act and Transport Canada, it is imperative that ASN have captains and crew members have adequate courses and training.  We welcome all members interested in a career within the Communal Commercial Fishery to submit, in writing, your interests in the fishery, along with your skills and courses that you have previously taken.  If you do not have the skills or experience needed, please indicate in writing what courses or trade within the fishery that you are interested in.

ASN is currently in partnership with the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS).  If you require financial aid for these courses, there are opportunities to apply for funding with the ASETS department.

If you require training, there are various institutions that offer courses. Below are examples of courses that may be available:

Navigation
This course will teach the basic skills of tying knots, preparation of fishing gear and learning how to make adjustments to their gear to maintain the gear’s efficiency. Training includes net mending, how to make splices, net and trap arrangement and the various net shapings for making seines and trawl nets.

Responsible Fishing

The main objectives of this course are to provide information on challenges currently facing the industry, educate in best practices and responsible fishing.

Fishing and Navigation Simulator

The navigation simulator, in my opinion, would be an excellent course for our deckhands and Members that are interested in pursuing a career in the fishing industry. This simulator recreates conditions out at sea that could be encountered while fishing.

The simulator is set-up with all the electronic equipment that would be utilized on a fishing vessel and acts as though they are in a real situation at sea. The students are monitored by several cameras that the instructor has set up making sure that all tasks are performed correctly.

The Engine Room Simulator

Training is provided on handling and repairing engines, marine hydraulic systems, refrigeration systems and auxiliary equipment.

Survival Techniques

The school has a semi-Olympic pool that is used for cold-water survival techniques, utilizing equipment for situations arising for a person overboard, personal floatation device usage and life raft handling.

 Marine Emergency Duties Centre

This course is to train students on how to cope with emergencies such as falling overboard or on-board fires. The students are taught how to control their emotions when a fire must be extinguished in a dark, smoke filled area. Firefighting techniques as well as fire prevention and maintenance of firefighting equipment are also taught.