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Which European groups fished near Newfoundland during the 16th century?
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During the 16th century, an international fishery developed in the waters near Newfoundland following reports from John Cabot, who reached the island in 1497.1
The European groups that fished in these waters during the 16th century included:
- French1
- Basque1
- Portuguese1
- English1
In addition to the general fishery, Basque whalers established a profitable industry in southern Labrador during this period. Throughout the 16th century, the European presence in the region remained strictly seasonal and migratory, rather than permanent.123