Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - Building on last year's successful moderate livelihood fishery, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has reached a second interim understanding with Potlotek First Nation that will see their members fishing jakej (lobster) in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and selling their catch under Potlotek's Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and a DFO-issued authorization. The plan was developed by the community with support from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs and Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO).
Harvesters designated under Potlotek's Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan will fish a total of 1,200 traps during the established 2022 commercial seasons distributed across Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31A - all of which are within the Unama'ki District where Potlotek is located.
To enable fishing in pursuit of a moderate livelihood without increasing overall effort in these LFAs, the Department remains committed to continuing to work with the commercial industry to ensure that effort is aligned with available access. The preferred approach to obtaining access is through the willing buyer - willing seller voluntary licence relinquishment process.
