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Proprietors
The role of the resident fishing proprietor was integral to the successful operation of the resident fishery. These "habitants pêcheurs" owned or rented the shoreline properties and fishing establishments, and employed the fishermen. The proprietor had legal priority in buying his employees' share of the catch, and also sold them their basic daily supplies including food and alcohol. Responsible not only for fishing
supplies but also for his workers necessities, the "habitant pêcheur" needed to make a heavy initial investment to start his business. Usually the proprietor would obtain credit to enter the fishery and though a poor season could leave him heavily in debt, if he was successful he had the opportunity of becoming a merchant (marchand). Merchants often supplied the fishing properties with supplies and financial backing, arranged for the export of goods, and sometimes assumed some of the financial risks involved in the fishing industry.