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Fisheries Liaison Officers

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Fisheries Liaison Officers

Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) ensure fishing-industry led monitoring and observer coverage of offshore industrial programs. They provide operational planning and information exchange to help prevent at-sea conflicts with fishing activities during seismic programs and report on nearby fishing activity for avoidance.

FLOs must also have familiarity with the area’s fisheries and industry, a working
knowledge and understanding of navigational charts and may require a valid passport.

FLOs are employees of FFAW and paid a daily rate with per diems covered. The required training may vary but typically includes BST or equivalent marine survival course and a valid seafarer’s medical. Costs may be covered for training depending on availability of work.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an FLO for upcoming seismic seasons, please contact Katie Power at kpower@ffaw.ca

Industry Relations

Dr. Erin Carruthers

Dr. Erin Carruthers is the Science Director and Senior Fisheries Scientist with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), which is the labour union that represents the owner-operator fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW is committed to research and management that supports healthy oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Dr. Carruthers received her Ph. D. in Biology from Memorial University in 2011 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research. Before coming to Newfoundland, Erin worked as a Research Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Her current research program is co-constructed with fish harvesters and includes research on coastal fishing communities, collaborative longline and trap surveys, and best practices for the avoidance, handling and release of unwanted catch.