Amidst a powerful sou’easter, the waves grew choppy as we sailed on the lobster fishing boat off Aldouane, N.B. My mother, with her usual humor, quipped, “Drive ‘er like you stole ‘er!” as we navigated the turbulent waters. As we sped along to stabilize the boat, I found myself nervously laughing, grateful that we were wrapping up our fishing trip early to avoid the tumultuous waves.
Seated at the lunch table, where we often shared meals during breaks, everything seemed relatively calm until we had to make a sharp turn starboard where two currents converged. Instead of facing the waves head-on, we were suddenly hit hard on the port side.
“Hang on!” my mom’s voice commanded, and I instinctively clung to the metal pole at the center of the table as the boat violently pitched sideways, lifting my feet off the floor and my stomach into my throat. I gazed at my mom, her hands firmly gripping the wheel, steering us back on course amidst the chaos.
Thankfully, we safely steered towards the Richibucto River after encountering the rough seas, sharing relieved laughter at having survived the ordeal. Despite the harrowing experience, a sense of unease lingered as we later learned of a nearby boat sinking just south of our location.
Growing up in a maritime community in eastern New Brunswick, where the sea is a way of life, my family has always embodied resilience and courage. My brother works as a deckhand on a container ship, while my mom, Debbie Thompson, broke barriers as one of the first female lobster captains in New Brunswick with 24 seasons of experience. Following in her footsteps, I have spent the past five years as a deckhand on her fishing boat.
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field never felt strange to me, thanks to my mother’s trailblazing example. Despite facing skepticism and superstitions like “bad luck to have a woman on a boat,” my mom’s determination led her to acquire her first boat, The Toy, in 2000.
Inspired by her legacy, I discovered my own passion for the sea and fishing, finding solace and sacredness in the daily routines and challenges of life at sea. Whether witnessing breathtaking sunrises or navigating through treacherous weather, each day on the water brings a mix of tranquility and danger, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sea and life itself.
While fishing is considered one of Canada’s most hazardous professions, it also embodies beauty and harshness in equal measure. The unpredictability of the ocean does not discriminate based on gender, just as lobsters do not differentiate between traps set by men or women.
Today, my mom’s achievements have paved the way for more women to enter the industry, and I take pride in welcoming and supporting fellow female fishers on their journeys. Though the challenges and uncertainties of fishing persist, my mom and I face them together, united by our shared love for the sea and determination to make a living from its bounty.
As I continue my fishing endeavors, embracing the risks and rewards that come with the trade, I look forward to more adventures, triumphs, and, perhaps one day, earning the title of captain myself. Ultimately, whether fishermen, fisherwomen, or fish harvesters, we are all sailors navigating the unpredictable waters to bring home a fine catch of lobster and create a feast for others to enjoy.
