a thing of the future if a deal with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries over offshore long-line fishing goes through.

Fishermen and Federal Department of Fisheries officials from Nova Scotia Canada left the Island yesterday after a four-day fact-finding visit to fathom ways of creating a joint-venture between Bermudian and Canadian fishermen.

In between meetings with Agriculture and Fisheries officials, the Minister of the Environment and local fishermen, the four Canadian representatives inspected facilities on the US Naval Base with a view to basing a small fishing fleet there.

Yesterday Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons welcomed the news. "The Canadians are suggesting what we originally supported last year,'' Sen. Simons said. "We are pleased to see this turn of events. If the fishermen are as positive as they appear to be, I don't see why we can't make a success of this venture.'' The benefits, he said, were two-fold. While the seven Canadian vessels licensed would have permission to fish Bermuda's offshore waters, local fishermen would gain expertise in up-to-date technology, fishing and international marketing techniques.

He added that by licensing a few boats, the licensees would police the area in their own interests and deter unlicensed fishermen from other countries from fishing there.

Quotas would be issued by the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tuna which sets strict limits on certain species.

"The conservation aspect is uppermost,'' Mr. Simons said.

He added that the catches could generate considerable foreign exchange for local fishermen with a catch of 9,000 pounds of tuna worth $27,000 on international markets.

Mr. Arthur Longard, a director at the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and one of the Canadian delegation, admitted that Canadian long line fishermen were suffering from a shortage of ground fish such as cod and haddock. Quotas by the ICCAT were also low for other species such as swordfish and tuna which meant Nova Scotia fishermen were now looking at alternatives such as Yellowfish, which Bermuda has in abundance.

He added they were interested in waters further offshore than those normally fished by local fishermen. In exchange, Canadian boats would take Bermudians with them, or use local vessels.

Mr. Longard said he was pleased with what he saw of facilities at the Base.