(Halifax) First Nations people have the right to fish for certain limited purposes outside of federally regulated fishing seasons, recalls Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Ministry officials held a technical briefing Monday with reporters on the Indigenous-led fisheries that have been launched in the Maritimes region for food, social and ceremonial purposes.
Indigenous-managed fisheries have caused stress on water bodies over the past two years as non-Indigenous commercial fishers have complained that the fisheries are operating without the proper licenses.
Federal officials seized lobster traps belonging to Indigenous fishermen, and a lobster pond was ransacked amid a dispute over Indigenous fishing rights.
Department of Fisheries Conservation and Protection Director Tim Kerr told reporters that officers are proactive in inspecting vessels and equipment to ensure indigenous fishers are following regulations and stocks are safe. preserved.
Mr. Kerr warns that any destruction of gear or interference with legal food, social and ceremonial fishing could result in fines of up to $100,000.
The Aboriginal-managed lobster fishery in the St. Mary’s Bay region of southwestern Nova Scotia is expected to begin later this month.
