Canada supports moderate lobster fishing for members of the Wasocopaq (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River, and Glosscap First Nations, with temporary license renewal
Dartmouth, N.S, November 20, 2023 /CNW/ – Fishing has long been an important source of food and economic opportunity for First Nations and the United States government Canada Continues to work collaboratively with local communities to implement the Right to Fish Treaty in pursuit of moderate livelihoods. Negotiating temporary licenses that allow community members to catch fish to sell during commercial fishing seasons helps create jobs and economic growth in First Nations communities.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, announced that for the third year in a row, a temporary permit has been issued for the Wasocopaq (Acadia) Area, Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations. These temporary licenses will see community members fish and sell their catch in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33, 34 and 35, the most profitable lobster fishing areas in the country.
Renewing this mandate for the third year in a row demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening the implementation of Treaty rights while providing safe, sustainable, regulated and thriving lobster fisheries.
quotes
“Reconciliation is the main priority of the government CanadaAn important part of this commitment is supporting First Nations’ treaty right to fish. For the past three years, this mandate has allowed First Nations members in the Annapolis Valley, Bear RiverThe Glooscap and Wasoqopaq fish for a moderate livelihood during the commercial season. I wish all fishermen a harmonious, safe and prosperous fishing season.”
The Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
quick Facts
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Kespukwitk is one of the seven Mi’kmaw territories Atlantic Canada And Quebecand corresponds to Southwest Nova Scotia.
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DFO works with Indigenous communities to advance their right to fish in pursuit of moderate livelihoods by reaching understandings that allow community members to fish within moderate community fishing plans. Under the Moderate Livelihood Understandings, communities identify community members who wish to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood under a plan developed by the community and are designated as certified fishermen under a license issued by DFO.
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Hunting can take place under the OCHA Kespukwitk Moderate Livelihood Permit during the commercial season in each LFA, as follows:
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LFA 33 dates: November 27, 2023 – May 31, 2024
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LFA 34 dates: November 27, 2023 – May 31, 2024
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LFA 35 dates: October 12, 2023 – December 31, 2023 And February 29, 2024 – July 31, 2024
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These start dates may be subject to minor adjustments by DFO, due to inclement weather.
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In line with last year, the total number of authorized traps now stands at 5,250, which will be hunted in a distributed manner across LFA Areas 33, 34 and 35, with a maximum of 1,000 traps in LFA 35. Access to hunting reflected through the list corresponds to banking and trapping licenses in these areas which Not caught.
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Interfering with legal fishing and damaging or destroying fishing gear is illegal, creates debris that harms fish and their habitat, and may result in a fine of up to $100,000 for violations Fisheries Law. Any harvesters whose equipment has been destroyed or tampered with should immediately report this incident to their local DFO Conservation Office.
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DFO’s Kespuktitk Moderate Livelihood License will not increase fishing efforts in these LFAs, as lobster stocks are in the health zone.
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Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Region
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2023/20/c7187.html
