Social Innovation. Blue Growth through Cooperation and Solidarity

In 2002, the Lower North Shore of Quebec, Canada was struck with a fishery crisis resulting from the closure of the local crab and cod fishery. For the affected small isolated communities along the Gulf of St Lawrence, this was complete devastation. The communities were founded and completely dependant on the fishery and were forced to look for new ways to earn a living. More than two hundred fishermen and plant workers lost their livelihood. From this group of unemployed workers, a small group of women decided to look at what kind of sustainable industry could be developed within the region. This group of resilient women, along with support from the local regional development group, the Coasters Association created the Lower North Shore Solidarity Bio Products Cooperative.