Although it is often described in different terms, the expedition that led to the discovery of Newfoundland was primarily an economic enterprise.

European fishers had been working off Newfoundland and Labrador's coasts for about 100 years by the turn of the 17th century.

It became advantageous for Great Britain to have a fishery based in Newfoundland as conditions of market and competition changed.

An introduction to the use of marine resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

From the very beginning of colonization, France was an important participant in the exploration and exploitation of Newfoundland.