Lobster Fisher and Viral Celebrity
From the quiet community of Mill River in Prince Edward Island, Vanessa Clements has built a life defined by courage, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic. Raised in a family of lobster fishers, she learned early that on PEI it is more than an industry, it is heritage, identity, and survival. Each spring, generations rise before dawn to face the cold, unpredictable Atlantic waters that fuel the province’s economy and way of life.
Historically male-dominated, entering that world requires more than physical strength. it demands persistence, resilience in the face of skepticism, and the ability to earn respect in a tradition-bound culture.
Vanessa did exactly that.
Growing up, she waited for the day her father would invite her to work on his boat, but that moment never came. He claimed she wouldn’t be able to handle it, but she knew this is where she belonged, and she was ready to prove it. Through grit and relentless hard work, she established herself in one of the Island’s toughest professions. In the fishing world, respect is earned on the water, and she earned hers trap by trap, season by season, paving the way for other women while bringing pride to her family.
Vanessa is Indigenous through her father’s side and is allowed to work on the P.E.I. Native Councils boat, fishing both the spring and fall seasons starting in late April until late June. She hopes to one day purchase her dad’s licence, which she estimates is worth $2 million for licence, boat, and gear.
Her strength carried her beyond the wharf when she became the first person from Prince Edward Island cast on Big Brother Canada (Season 8), representing her province with determination and grounded confidence. She later competed on Squid Game: The Challenge, facing 456 contestants from around the world. While producers initially listed her simply as “Canada,” she pushed to have “Prince Edward Island” added to her name tag, determined that her small but mighty Island be recognized. Because of her, the world saw PEI’s name, and she went on to become one of the final four competitors. A foot that only 0.877% of people accomplish, and one that the whole Island was proud to see her do. Collectively, we are her biggest fan.
What makes Vanessa truly inspiring is not television exposure, but the way she carries her Island identity wherever she goes. She embodies a modern evolution of PEI’s fishing tradition, rooted in history, strengthened by inclusion, and propelled by courage.
On misty spring mornings, as lobster boats cut through Atlantic waters, Vanessa stands as proof that strength is not defined by gender, barriers can be dismantled through persistence, and even from a small Island community, one can leave a powerful mark.
Get in touch with Vanessa
Instagram: @vanessaclementz
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