Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche

From A Brief History of Pubnico, written by Rev. Clarence Joseph d’Entremont (page 25):

The main industry in Pubnico is the fishing industry. At first, it was primarily the cod fishery. It seems that the 1860s were the most prosperous years in this respect, a direct result of the Treaty of Reciprocity of 1854 between the United States and Canada, which granted fishermen the right to liquidate their catches in the United States without having to pay any duty. Pubnico, like the rest of the province, profited greatly. The fishing industry had developed steadily, peaking at the time of the Confederation. One could be inclined to think that the lobster fishery has always been active in Pubnico, but it does not seem to be the case. There was even a time when fishermen used lobster meat as bait to fish cod. Fishing has changed a lot in Pubnico, as elsewhere, especially since the 1950s, when it became mechanized. Although lobster fishing is still very prominent, cod fishing has been superseded to a certain extent by the scallop and swordfish fishery, which are much more lucrative. Other types of fishing practised in our region include halibut, herring, mackerel, smelt, and eel.

Photo showing men cutting and packing fish on the North Quoggeniche (Abbott’s Harbour) Wharf in West Pubnico. Second from the right is Father Lloyd d’Entremont. Others are not identified.

Reference:  Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos 1998.3-P63

For more information, please contact the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos.