No incidents, but tension simmering as Lennox Island launches treaty fishery
The primary lobsters caught beneath the treaty fishery on P.E.I. got here ashore on Lennox Island Monday morning with out incident — however with some simmering rigidity.
The fishery is just not approved by the Division of Fisheries and Oceans after negotiations to attain an settlement had been unsuccessful. With out an settlement, DFO calls this an “unauthorized” fishery, which implies it could possibly be topic to enforcement, together with entice seizures or fines.
The band says not one of the traps set on Saturday have been seized or disturbed by fisheries officers.
“All the things went easy and no hassle and it was a terrific day,” stated Kyle Sark, captain of the lobster boat Approach Level.
The treaty fishers had been capable of set about 240 traps on Saturday, however plan to set 1,000 in what they are saying represents the “reasonable livelihood” to which they’re entitled.
They stated they’ve had hassle launching boats, as a result of native boat-moving firms say non-Indigenous fishermen have threatened to boycott them.
And with no understanding with DFO in place, it’s elevating tensions within the fishing group.
“Good for them however not everybody’s going to love it or recognize it,” stated Janet Banks, one in every of about 30 Lennox Island fishers with a business licence.
Good for them however not everybody’s going to love it or recognize it.— Lennox Island business fisher Janet Banks
“Normally the licenses value, are $1.2 million to buy … Different persons are going to have a tough time with it as a result of they are not paying nothing for them.”
Cecil Banks, who fishes with Janet Banks, stated DFO should purchase out non-Indigenous licences and permit the band to develop its present business fleet.
At a wharf a number of kilometres away, not one of the non-Indigenous fishermen CBC Information spoke with would comply with a taped interview.
However the crews on three boats stated fishing with out a licence has the potential to wreck lobster shares, and if DFO doesn’t take motion, some business fishermen may select to take action, which is what occurred final 12 months in Nova Scotia.
Chief Darlene Bernard speaks to CBC Information: Compass host Louise Martin about getting extra lobster traps within the water, avoiding battle and resuming talks with DFO. 6:00
DFO patrolling space
In an interview Monday with CBC Information: Compass host Louise Martin, Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard stated she hopes business fishers converse together with her first earlier than taking any motion.
She stated it was good to see DFO patrolling the world on Saturday.
‘We wish them on the market doing their patrols.”
However she additionally needs DFO to simply accept the band’s proposal for the treaty fishery.
“Change, good or dangerous, is at all times laborious. I believe it is a good change. I believe it is progress, it is transferring ahead.”
Fishermen’s affiliation urges peace
In an e mail assertion to CBC Information, the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Affiliation stated whereas the security of all lobster harvesters on the water and wharf is a major aim, it additionally expects “any enforcement points associated to the fishery are administered in an applicable, truthful and constant method” by DFO.
“There stays many differing opinions and unresolved points across the Lennox Island Treaty Based mostly fishery, as in accordance with DFO that is an unauthorized fishery,” the assertion reads.
“The PEIFA strongly advocates for peace on the water leaving any enforcement associated to this unauthorized fishery to DFO and different authorities. The PEIFA stays dedicated to working with our First Nations and governments in in search of viable long run options which can be equitable to all harvesters and defend our beneficial ocean sources.”
