by Marc Laframboise MMNN Contributor

Nestled at the mouth of the Conne River on the scenic south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is the vibrant remote coastal community of Miawpukek First Nation. This diverse community (Mi’kmaq, Innu, Abenaki and European decent) of 3060 members and 822 residents is one of the most dynamic and economically successful First Nations in the province. Their growing aquaculture net cleaning services business is one of the community’s most recent flourishing ventures.

Back in 2018, community leaders were looking at the feasibility of diversifying their commercial fisheries enterprise (CFE), Netukulimk Fisheries Ltd. (NFL). They were looking at opportunities in the net cleaning business but found that initial capital costs were high. They would have to invest in sophisticated mini-submarines called ROVs, AKVA FNC8 net-cleaning equipment, lift-cranes and vessels. These high initial capital costs were challenging but there was an opportunity for long-term revenue and growth. With the assistance of the Business Development Team (BDT) at Ulnooweg Development Corp., community leaders worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive business plan.

Over the next two years, funding was obtained, employees were trained, a vessel and required equipment were purchased and in 2020 NFL, in conjunction with Newfoundland Aqua Services, entered into a contract to provide net cleaning services to Mowi, a Norwegian company and one of largest seafood companies in the world and ...

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