Marine Services Centres

In 1973, the then Department of Fisheries began construction of 25 Marine Services Centres (MSCs) throughout the province to service fishermen and their boats.
Most of these MSCs provided haul-out/launching services and on-land vessel storage. MSCs also provided rental tools and electricity for a small fee. As well, many centres stocked parts and supplies for sale to users of the MSC.
In 1992, Government decided to lease the operation of MSCs to private companies and community groups. Private operators provided expanded services to users of the Centres and were generally more in tune with the needs of the fishermen in the area. Government was quick to recognize the benefits of private operation and, in 1997, moved to fully privatize the MSCs. Lessees were given the first opportunity to purchase their Centre.
To date, twenty-two (22) Centres have been sold outright to private companies, a further one (1) is in the process of being sold via Lease/Purchase Agreements and the remainder continue to be leased and operated by private companies.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture