THE WATER

Arthur Yorston pictured with a cod caught by his father. Photo courtesy of Gertie Yorston.

The shores of the Atlantic coast had witnessed the arrival of uropeans since the late 16th century. The fishery, which had its 3ginningswith the early French settlers, has been one of the most lportant industries in our area. The water, for sustenance, pleasure, )Ort, or healing, has been at the center of most Islanders lives. As landers it is natural to have such a connection with the water:

SPecially on PEI when one does not have to drive for more than a few Linutes before hitting water.

The sea helped to sustain the Mi’Kmaq and French settlers who fst lived on the Island. The Mi’Kmaq dug and gathered clams, oysters, 1d mussels, in addition too catching salmon, trout, and eel. They dried, iltetc:i smoked, and pickled the fish to last them though the winter [on s.

_ By 1720, St. Pierre had become the Island’s chief fishing port.

Ost of the French settlers, who were deep—sea fishermen and shallop tasters, faced many difficulties in establishing the fishing industry. In 733, the fishermen in St. Pierre lost most of their catch because JPiSbourg had no salt to sell them. After this, it was arranged to have a 11p Sent annually from France with supplies for the Island. (1) In the 3“$118 of 1752, the colony at St. Pierre had in its possession four

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