BR NS Lobster Protests – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Sep 15, 2017

HALIFAX – An Indigenous leader in Nova Scotia says he isn’t aware of any band members harvesting and selling lobster out of season.

But, Michael Sack of the 25-hundred-member Sipekne’katik First Nation says even if they were, Mi’kmaq fishermen are only exercising their right to earn a moderate living from the fishery.

Some lobster harvesters in southwestern Nova Scotia have accused Indigenous fishermen of poaching and fishing outside of the regular commercial season, which ended May 31st.

The president of the Coldwater Lobster Association says Indigenous fishermen are using the food and ceremonial fishery to land and sell large numbers of lobster.

Bernie Berry insists non-Indigenous fisherman support the food, social and ceremonial fisheries.

But, he says federal Fisheries officers must put a stop to what he describes as a rapidly growing black market.

In 1990, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark ruling that found Indigenous Peoples have the right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes.

However, federal regulations clearly state that commercial sales from these fisheries are prohibited.

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(The Canadian Press)

INDEX: FISHERIES NATIONAL JUSTICE ATLANTIC POLITICS