Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - The Government of Canada continues to engage with Indigenous communities to further implement the Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decisions, which affirmed the Treaty right of First Nations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. Increasing First Nations participation in commercial fisheries is key to advancing the implementation of the Treaty right.
To progress this work, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has a renewed interim understanding with Acadia, Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations that will see their members fishing jakej (lobster) in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and selling their catch under their community-developed Kespukwitk Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and a DFO-issued Harvest Document. Harvesters designated by their communities will exercise their Treaty rights by fishing a total of 3,500 traps in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33, 34, and 35 during the established commercial season in the most lucrative LFAs in Canada.
This renewed interim understanding shows progress in the collaboration between DFO and First Nations to implement their moderate livelihood fishing plans within the established season and under a DFO-issued Harvest Document. The moderate livelihood fishing plans include implementing fishing rights while also ensuring conservation, safety, and orderly fishing.
DFO looks forward to this continued work in partnership with First Nations to increase Indigenous participation in commercial fisheries and support economic opportunities for members of their communities while ensuring conservation and sustainability of stocks under transparent and predictable management.
