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Cenovus Compensation Claim

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Cenovus Compensation Claim

Work is ongoing to establish a compensation program for all harvesters impacted by the Cenovus ‘West White Rose’ Project currently underway in Placentia Bay.

FFAW staff and harvesters in 3Ps met with Cenovus for a general information session in February 2024. The overall scope of the Project was discussed, including the 2024 dredging campaign and the 2025 tow out. At this meeting, as voted by harvesters present, additional members were added to the Fisheries Liaison Committee tasked with participating in fisheries engagements, and by way of this, drafting the compensation framework. The members added include harvesters representative of the area that serves to be most affected by the short term dredging work in Fox Harbour and Ship Harbour. This committee includes FFAW staff and inshore council members, 3Ps fish harvesters, and representatives from Cenovus.

Since then, there have been productive Fisheries Liaison Committee meetings discussing placement of the dredging channels in consultation with fish harvesters to minimize impacts. The summer, discussions on compensation for lost income due to dredging began. This closure is not permanent and habitat restoration plans are in place; however there are expected impacts related to increased steaming times, encroachment, temporary loss of fishing area, and damage to fish habitat. Cenovus and FFAW are currently working through details of the compensation plan and are hopeful productive negotiations will ensue. FFAW has engaged legal representatives to ensure a fair deal is made.

Cenovus has committed to meet with harvester groups in 3Ps and 3L this fall and winter to provide necessary updates on the dredging and tow out scope.

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.