Created by the Commission of Government in 1936, the Newfoundland Fisheries Board worked to resolve issues related to the production and marketing of fishery products.  The seasonal lack of bait supplies led to the creation of a series of bait depots, serviced by a refrigerated ship, for the purpose of distribution of frozen and refrigerated bait to fishermen.  The bait store in Merasheen was opened in January 1940, operated by Jim Ennis until 1959, and remained in operation until the early 1960s. It was on a narrow neck of land just out from the fish plant.