Volunteer profile – Keith Piercey

Meet Keith Piercey, a member of the Newfoundland & Labrador Advisory Committee.

Born in St. John’s, Piercey moved to Corner Brook at the age of 18. He loved the place – and the fishing – so much he stayed for the next 54 years.

Piercey has a background in electronics and broadcasting. He spent a short stint at Memorial University and was offered a job with CBC where he worked for 21 years. From there he went to DFO Communications – Gulf Region for a couple of years and finally to what at the time was Employment and Immigration as an information officer.

Piercey served as president of SCNL for four years, and as past president for four years. He has been a member of SPAWN for 36 years and currently serves as projects manager and “go-fer”.

“I was involved with the Fish Friends program for many years and of all the things I have ever been associated with I think that playing a part in the rejuvenation of salmon returns on Corner Brook Stream and introducing school kids to Fish Friends had to be the most rewarding,” said Piercey.

For the last seven years Piercey has supervised the trap operation on the stream. He is the recipient of a National Recreational Fisheries Award, SPAWN Hall of Fame Award, and ASF Roll of Honour. Piercey is currently the editor of SPAWNER magazine.

Piercey first became involved in the ASCF after meeting Stephen Chase and others at the ASF regional council meetings; this is his second term.

“It was a no-brainer to become involved in a program that would see investment returns from the Endowment Fund directed to improving salmon habitat and promoting salmon conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“It really is a feeling of accomplishment to participate in the review of applications from all over the province and be one of the people who helps decide where the money can be best spent. ASCF is very open-minded and as we move through the years the program criteria is reviewed and adjusted to ensure the federal funding is going to worthwhile projects. It amazes me just how much spawning habitat has been expanded and made accessible over the years.”

Piercey encourages others to get involved with the ASCF.

“What can I say, be believers in the fact that a wide cross section of people make up the provincial committees – people who are familiar with the territory, so to speak, and are well able to evaluate applications for project funding. The group has people with salmon science background, community background, angling experience, research experience, communications knowledge, etc. right from Northern Labrador to Eastern Newfoundland.”

“The Endowment Fund was the result of very hard work by many people. From what I have seen ASCF has demonstrated its accountability to government and a desire to ensure as much funding as possible is equally shared via the interest earned on the fund investments. Even in the tough times of the last few years, wise investment by the finance committee meant the people of every Atlantic province got the best bang for the buck. I feel the main committee has demonstrated strong leadership and in doing so has given everybody involved confidence that things will get even better.”