Tag Archives: Cecil Banks

Lennox Island, DFO reach ‘interim understanding’ on lobster treaty fishery

The fishery hadn’t been authorized by DFO before it launched on May 7, which meant it could have been subject to enforcement including trap seizures or fines. “We have continued discussions with DFO in the hopes of reaching some kind of understanding that would see our community members able to exercise our treaty right to fish and harvest lobster, while respecting conservation and sustainability,” Chief Darlene Bernard said in a written release. >click to read< 17:18

No incidents, but tension simmering as Lennox Island launches treaty fishery

“Everything went smooth and no trouble and it was a great day,” said Kyle Sark, captain of the lobster boat Way Point. The treaty fishers were able to set about 240 traps on Saturday, but plan to set 1,000 in what they say represents the “moderate livelihood” to which they are entitled. They said they have had trouble launching boats, because local boat-moving companies say non-Indigenous fishermen have threatened to boycott them. And with no understanding with DFO in place, it is raising tensions in the fishing community. PEIFA strongly advocates for peace on the water leaving any enforcement related to this unauthorized fishery to DFO and other authorities. >click to read< 15:19