Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to reconciliation and the orderly management of the lobster fishery for all harvesters. As such, DFO has worked quickly to address reports of lobster gear tampering with both moderate livelihood and commercial fishing gear in Eastern Nova Scotian lobster fishing areas (LFAs), and particularly in LFAs 26A and 27.
Fishery officers are investigating reported incidents and are increasing monitoring efforts to deter further tampering. Gear tampering prevents Indigenous harvesters from exercising their treaty rights and providing for their families. Gear tampering is also a conservation concern for all harvesters, as it can result in lost gear that could damage fish and fish habitat.
We work together with Indigenous communities to negotiate collaborative approaches to fisheries access and management that support community members who want to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, as affirmed in the Supreme Court of Canada's Marshall decisions (1999). As result of this work, DFO re-issued an interim authorization for this season to Potlotek, Eskasoni, Pictou Landing and We'koqma'q L'nue'kati that sees designated community members fishing and selling lobster in pursuit of a moderate livelihood without increasing the total number of lobster traps that can be fished in a Lobster Fishing Area. For the fourth year in a row, this fishery is authorized to take place during the commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 26A, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31A.
DFO supports this moderate livelihood fishery and fishery officers are in the field each day, working with designated community members to make sure they can fish within the conditions of their authorization, and in accordance with the measures set-out in their community-developed fishing plans.
We encourage all harvesters to report gear interference to their local Conservation and Protection detachment. Fishery officers will investigate and work towards laying charges as applicable. A conviction for gear tampering may result in a fine of up to $100,000 for violations of the Fisheries Act, as well as costly prohibitions from fishing for a significant period. Gear tampering is also an offence under the Criminal Code. Anyone who sees criminal activity, including theft, intimidation, violence and acts of vandalism are asked to report it to your local police or RCMP detachment.
We urge everyone to respect the law and to respect each other, so every lobster harvester can have a safe and successful fishing season.
