It felt like the entire community of Cap-Acadie, N.B., came out to the Aboiteau Wharf on Sunday for an annual ceremony that pays respect to the lobster fishermen in the area. Wharf manager Junot LeBlanc said the blessing of the fleet has been a tradition since the wharf opened in 1933 and it’s something that most fishermen believe in. “It’s a celebration that pays respect to the fishermen,” said LeBlanc. “Usually all the people from Cap-Acadie. they come, the old, the young the new. Every member comes here and we do a little prayer and off we go.” Father Jackson Fabius delivered his blessing in French and then anointed those in attendance and the boats docked at the wharf with holy water. He said it’s an important day because it’s a sign of faith. “I think the benediction of the boats is to just remember God comes first,” said Fabius. It’s a very symbolic event to lobster fisherman Justin Haché who said he’s proud of what he does, even if it’s tough work. “You wake up at 2:45, set up our boat, and leave at 4 a.m.,” said Haché. “We come back when we’re done fishing, 250 traps. Sometimes it’s late and sometimes if it goes well, it’ll be in the afternoon. It’s a long day.” Shediac-Cap-Acadie MLA Jacques LeBlanc said the annual celebration is a significant event for everyone involved. “This is where the economy of a local area starts,” Jacques said. “This is an annual event, it’s been here for many, many years. People just bond together so that they can wish all the best to our fishers and their crews.” Jacques said the sustainability of the fishery means everything to the local economy and with exports going into new markets it’s in a solid position right now. “It’s a $1 billion industry, so it’s very significant to the local area here. It brings jobs, there’s spin-offs, direct and in-direct spin-offs.” LeBlanc said it’s also a good time to recognize that it can be a dangerous job. “There’s a lot of risk out there with Mother Nature, so it’s very significant and it brings people together to realize how this is an important day for our fishers,” he said. Junot LeBlanc said he comes from a family of fishermen and is passionate about the risky work. “My grandfather was a fisherman. My dad was head of the union for a long time. They didn’t want me to fish, they sent me to school, but here I am, with traps in the water,” Junot said. The season in Cap-Acadie starts on Aug. 11, weather permitting, and runs until Oct. 11. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
