At least two First Nations in Nova Scotia will fish for a moderate livelihood during established seasons this fall.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announcing yesterday that they’ve reached an ‘interim understanding’ with the Annapolis Valley and Bear River First Nations, that will see band members fish for lobster in LFA’s 33, 34 and 35.
DFO says the understanding will operationalize the bands’ Livelihood Fisheries Management Plan, and permit the sale of lobster.
The Acadia and Glooscap First Nations may also join the agreement at a later date.
LFA 35’s season begins today.
DFO says they’re committed to continuing consultations with First Nations to further implement their rights to fish for a moderate livelihood, while providing sustainable fishing for all harvesters.
The Department reached a similiar agreement with Potlotek First Nation earlier this year.
The Sipekne’katik First Nation began an out of season treaty fishery over the summer in St. Mary’s Bay, and DFO have continued to make arrests and seize lobster traps.
The Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance supports the agreement.
In a release, President of the alliance Colin Sproul says it’s an important step in the right direction, and they are cautiously optimistic that this model will have broader application, but there is still work to be done.
He says the alliance has always supported Indigenous rights to fish for commercial, food, social and ceremonial purposes, but they’ll continue to defend the science based rules to ensure a sustainable fishery for all.
