More Europeans at the end of the 15th century were engaged in fishing than in any other occupation except farming.

Fishermen from Portugal, the Basque provinces of France and Spain, Northern France (perhaps Normandy) and West Country England are known to have frequented eastern Newfoundland during the first half of the 1600s, some as early as the first decade of the 16th century.

Information about the islands St. Pierre and Miquelon from their initial discovery by Joas Alvarez Fagundes, to the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.

Newfoundland with its adjacent waters was originally viewed as a cod fishery, an important supplement to fisheries carried on in European waters.

A brief history of Labrador, including the importance of the fishery, permanent settlement, and relations with Quebec and with Newfoundland.

A brief overview of the history of the migratory fishery on the east coast of Newfoundland. Ferryland is highlighted as a port.

Information about the migratory fishery and the patterns permanent settlement around Newfoundland and Labrador.

Establishment of the colony of St. John's in the 16th century.