P.E.I.’s Lennox Island First Nation moves ahead with lobster fishery without federal authorization
LENNOX ISLAND, P.E.I. — Lennox Island First Nation will launch its reasonable livelihood lobster fishery on Might 7.
The season will proceed till the top of the industrial fishing season.
The launch will probably be modest, stated Chief Darlene Bernard, with not more than 1,000 traps put within the water.
Neighborhood officers stated they tried to work with the federal Division of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), however they haven’t heard again and they’re executed ready.
Lennox Island and different Mi’kmaq First Nations have a treaty proper to a reasonable livelihood lobster fishery no matter assist from DFO, following a 1999 Supreme Courtroom ruling.
“The group spoke loud and clear that they need us to train our proper,” stated Bernard. “However in addition they need to have it executed in an orderly method and executed inside the season.”
Beginning a modest livelihood fishery in Lennox Island is one thing that has been the First Nation’s precedence for the reason that 1999 R. v Marshall ruling affirming the proper of Indigenous individuals to hunt and fish.
This previous winter particularly, the group council had been in talks with DFO to make sure the reasonable livelihood can be enjoying by the identical industrial fishing guidelines. In the course of the discussions, Bernard was hopeful the division would approve the fishery.
“To us, it’s an affordable plan,” she stated. “It’s based mostly on eager to be secure on the water. It’s based mostly on us eager to fish in peace and friendship with our neighbours. We do not really feel we’re doing something loopy right here.”
As of Thursday, April 28, Lennox Island had not acquired assist from the DFO to launch its fishery. Bernard is shocked and he or she can’t assist however really feel the division “dropped the ball.”
“We’re disenchanted that the division didn’t settle for our plan and assist it, though they haven’t any purpose to not,” stated Bernard. “They haven’t any conservation issues, we’re within the season, (there are) very restricted traps, however they might not make the area, I suppose.”
Earlier than the group determined to launch the reasonable livelihood fishery, it appeared to broaden its industrial entry as an alternative.
“Through the years, if DFO was doing their half to make sure that the First Nations acquired the mandatory entry, area within the fishery, then we might most likely not be having this dialogue,” stated Bernard.
Neighborhood affect
The chief stated having the fishery is a “good thing” for group members.
“We’re simply eager to have a possibility to deliver extra of our younger individuals into the fishery,” she stated. “I believe it’s good, it’s nice. It’s us asserting our rights, and I believe that First Nations have to do this.”
With out assist from DFO, Bernard stated there’s a threat of getting the division impede the fishery or seize traps. If something occurs to any First Nations traps, she stated the group council will think about DFO accountable.
“It’s a threat proper now as a result of DFO will come and possibly pull traps out of the water,” stated Bernard. “Once they’re doing all of that … different industrial fishermen might imagine they’ll do this, too.”
Bernard hoped, although, that may not be the case.
In an April 28 launch, the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Affiliation stated that it advocates for one license in, one license out to make sure the sustainability of economic species. The discharge additionally stated the affiliation expects DFO to uphold present fishing laws.
“The affiliation strongly opposes battle of any kind and is annoyed this case has advanced when workable options for all stakeholders may have been achieved.”
SaltWire Community had reached out to DFO for remark and has not but acquired a response.
Kristin Gardiner is a rural reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island.
