The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) was originally formed in the early 1950’s to enable Island fishers to discuss the effects of a proposed trap limit. While holding community meetings across the Island to discuss the issue, fishers soon realized the need for a representative group to express their concerns to government on a host of industry issues.They also recognized the benefit of an organization through which they could communicate between themselves, their communities and with fisher organizations in other provinces. The primary objective was to approach the federal government with one, united voice.
Today the PEI Fishermen's Association is the only organization to meet the criteria of the Act and, as such, is now recognized as the representative organization for all core fishers in the Province of Prince Edward Island.
There are six member Locals of the Association. Each organization represents fishers in specific geographical areas of the Province on behalf of the PEIFA. The six Locals are:
Central Northumberland Strait Fishermen's Association (CNSFA)
Eastern Kings Fishermen's Association (EKFA)
North Shore Fishermen's Association (NSFA)
Prince County Fishermen's Association (PCFA)
Southern Kings and Queens Fishermen's Association (SKQFA)
Western Gulf Fishermen's Association (WGFA)