Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - Building on the renewed understanding with Potlotek First Nation reached last month, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has reached an understanding with We'koqma'q First Nation that will see their members fishing jakej (lobster) in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and selling their catch in accordance with an amendment to We'koqma'q's and Potlotek's amended Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and supported by a DFO-issued authorization. The plan was developed by the community with collaboration from Potlotek First Nation, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs and Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO).
We'koqma'q harvesters designated under Potlotek and We'koqma'q's amended Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and supported by the DFO authorization will fish during the established 2022 commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 27 and 31A with a trap limit of 210 in each. These LFAs are within the Unama'ki District where We'koqma'q and Potlotek are located.
To provide access for We'koqma'q's participation in the commercial lobster fishery without increasing overall effort, fishing access was offset by using existing banked licences and unfished traps across the entire Unama'ki District. The department remains committed to negotiating these understandings through the willing seller-willing buyer model.
