The Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board (PFHCB) became operational in 1997 following proclamation of the Professional Fish Harvesters Act by the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly.
The concept of professionalization originated and was first discussed with fish harvesters in 1990. From this meeting a model for the certification of fish harvesters was developed. Spearheaded by the Fish Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) and supported by Fisheries Co-operatives, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and other government agencies and educational institutions, the idea of professionalism in the fishery was the subject of a number of community consultations.
The PFHCB is a non-profit organization created by and operating for the benefit of all Newfoundland and Labrador fish harvesters.