Tag Archives: First Nations fishing rights

Moving Forward on Lobster Fishery Means Addressing Access and Conservation

In 1999, the Supreme Court’s Marshall decision recognized that Mi’kmaq First Nations have had, and continue to have, a treaty right to catch and sell fish. As a result, First Nations have been increasing their presence in the fishery over the past 20 years. Now, more than 20 years later, this remains a stumbling block, as new “moderate livelihood” Indigenous fisheries are emerging. Further, these new fisheries have another crucial angle – First Nations are developing their own fishery management and conservation plans, making this about Indigenous self-governance as well as about catching lobsters. Indeed, what we’re seeing unfolding off the coast of Nova Scotia touches on two themes that come up worldwide: who sets the rules for conservation of resources, and who has access to harvesting that resource. >click to read< 08:33

Tsawwassen First Nation fisherman fighting U.S. over native fishing rights

South Delta Leader = A Tsawwassen First Nation fisherman caught with $4,000 worth of Dungeness crab about 700 metres south of the Point Roberts border has found himself embroiled in a court case that could have broad implications for First Nations fishing rights. Steven Stark, 34, is an elected member of the TFN legislature and sole provider for his wife and three children. He is on trial for illegal fishing in the U.S., and faces up to a $10,000 fine or one year in prison if convicted. continued