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A  PEOPLE       WHO  LOVE  THE WATER

                                                                                                        (Photo by Daphne With)

There is an abiding need here for people to be involved with the water, whether working on the open ocean or simply relaxing as the sun sets across a placid inland pond. As fishers and ships' crews Newfoundlanders for generations have been counted among the finest seafarers, both in peacetime and at war. One of Britain's highest ranking admirals once called Newfoundlanders the best small boat seamen in the world.

Going back further, aboriginal people depended on the inland waterways of Newfoundland and Labrador as travel routes. They also moved along the coasts to harvest the sea's resources and presumably to migrate north and south to new hunting and fishing grounds.

Fish, particularly the northern cod, were the lure for most Europeans who originally came to settle. Today in offshore trawlers, inshore fishing boats, coastal ferries, cargo ships, Coast Guard and Naval vessels, research craft, ocean oil rigs, small kayaks, canoes and pleasure boats, the people of this province continue their love affair with the water. They also are deeply involved in high technology marine occupations such as marine education, naval architecture, ship and oil rig construction, fisheries and ocean science, electronics and Arctic navigation.

There is plenty of water to love in the two regions of the province, as a glance at the map will prove. Almost every maritime activity imaginable can be found in Newfoundland and Labrador, and many are still essential to the province's way of life. All of which makes it a fascinating place for marine enthusiasts of all types.

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