I had the pleasure of separating capelin for one entire day

It was something I got to experience I’m glad to say

It was up on Ochre Pit Cove Wharf where the fishermen came in with their loads

We spread them out on the big tables and the capelin flowed

The big bellied females were kept & the slim males to the bait bin

Or to be dried on a flake for later consumption

I think of that day every time I have Sushi topped with Roe

From where it comes from and how it’s harvested is good to know

They're now gently separated by high speed grading machines according to female, male and size

But I'll never forget how we did it by hand and seeing it through my own eyes

They'll hopefully always be a part of our heritage and always come ashore

So we can enjoy them in many ways and have them forever more~


Alicia ‘Celeste’ Loughrey

Ajax, ON (formerly of Northern Bay, CBN, NL)   Submitted By: Alicia "Celeste" Loughrey