With the approval of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pictou Landing First Nation began its moderate livelihood lobster season on Tuesday. This fishery continues to create controversy in the region among non -native commercial fishermen.
According to Chief Andrea Paul, about 25 community members have signed up to fish and sell their catch under the plan. They received traps and tags from the First Nation overseeing the operations.
It gives them a chance to make money. They certainly would not earn the income of a commercial fishermansaid Ms. Paul.
” For someone who is currently on welfare or dependent on some type of support, it provides a little extra income. “
The Pictou Landing community, located on the province’s northern coast, first launched its subsistence lobster fishery in November 2020, causing controversy.
In a news release, the Assembly of Mi’kmaw Chiefs of Nova Scotia said the Pictou Landing First Nation had conducted formal consultations with the department and reached a compromise without having to sign an agreement or change its position on contractual rights.
very good relationship with the ministry
I think we have a very good relationship here at Fisheries and Oceans Canadasaid Chef Paul.
” We had a consistent conversation, and while nothing was perfect, we were open to discussion and resolving issues. “
The assembly of leaders continues to call for major changes to the Fisheries Act to allow Mi’kmaq to manage their own fisheries outside the department’s control, according to the release.
Pictou Landing is now the fifth First Country in Nova Scotia to receive departmental approval to conduct livelihood fishing, involving the communities of Acadia, Bear River, Annapolis Valley and Potlotek.
The department said in a statement Friday that Ottawa is committed to advancing reconciliation and is working with First Nations in the Maritimes and the Gaspé region of Quebec to enforce treaty rights, while maintaining sustainable levels of fishing.
Pictou Landing First Nation will assign community members to harvest and sell si jakej (lobster) caught in water known as Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 26A, within their traditional fishing territorysaid the statement.
Moderate subsistence fishing is permitted to begin and end in conjunction with the commercial fishing season in LFA 26A.
Limit of 900 lockers
According to the release, Pictou Landing First Nation will operate a maximum of 900 lobster traps, which will be marked with a tag provided by First Nation.
Area regulations, such as trap standards and minimum carapace sizes, will be similar to those applicable to the commercial lobster fishery.
Many community members who set out to set traps have experienced it, although some are trying it for the first time.
Chef Paul was also pleased to see the growing interest from the women.
We have quite a few female captains and deckhands, so we’re a bit different in the industry here.said Ms. Paul.
I’m so proud of it.
Based on text by Vernon Ramesar, CBC
Source: Radio-Canada
