Canada's fisheries may be destroyed

Coalition of fishery organizations calls on DFO to publicly haul-in thousands of lobster traps set out of season

SHEDIAC, NB, Sept. 20, 2020 /CNW/ - In the wake of inaction by the Government of Canada and escalations from Indigenous Peoples, the Coalition of Atlantic and Québec Fishing Organizations is calling for the peaceful de-escalation of tensions by putting a spotlight on illegal fishing outside of the seasonal ban.

"This isn't about the rights of Indigenous People to fish. This is about conserving the fishery for everyone – both indigenous and non-indigenous fishermen. Unless there is one set of rules driven by conservation of the fishery, Canada's fishery will be destroyed," said Bernie Berry, President of the Coldwater Lobster Association. "According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans own data, the commercial landings in St. Mary's dropped from 1720 to 650 metric tonnes since 2017. That is nearly a 65% drop in commercial landings for lobster in three years. This is directly related to the massive increase in the illegal out of season fishery during that time."

Grassroots fishermen are out on the water trying to protect the fishery and are concerned not only about the illegal out of season activity but the illegal baiting of traps with lobster mothers with eggs.

"We have been receiving some reports that on top of fishing out of season, the lobster traps used in some cases were illegally setup and illegally baited to fish.  We are hearing about traps being illegally baited with undersized lobsters and even egg bearing females. In the last few days we have seen pictures and videos that prove this. As a lobster biologist by trade, I find this absolutely appalling," say Martin Mallet, Executive Director of the Maritime Fishermen's Union.

The one action from the Government of Canada to protect lobsters in the off season would be to haul in the out of season traps. "We are calling upon DFO to haul in the thousands of traps set out of season and illegally baited for the public to see what is happening. DFO should haul in the traps in a transparent fashion with the public and the media present to see first-hand what is happening," said Joel Comeau, an MFU fisherman.

The Coalition of Atlantic and Québec Fishing Organizations is committed to peaceful action and wants the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to take the lead in investigating what is happening.  The first step to protect the fishery would be to have direct talks between the Government, Indigenous Leaders and fishing organizations to set a path forward for a healthy fisheries with one set of rules driven by conservation and respected by everyone.

COALITION OF ATLANTIC AND QUÉBEC FISHING ORGANIZATIONS

Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie

Maritime Fishermen's Union (MFU)

PEI Fishermen's Association (PEIFA)

Fundy North Fishermen's Association (FNFA)

Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association (CBFHA)

Coldwater Lobster Association (CLA)

Bay of Fundy Inshore Fishermen's Association (BoFIFA)

Scotia Fundy Inshore Fishermen's Association (SFIFA)

Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster Association

Gulf Nova Scotia Bonafide Fishermen's Association (GNSBFA)

Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association (GCIFA)

Eastern Shore Fishermen's Protective Association (ESPFA)

Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board (GNSFPB)

SOURCE Coalition of Atlantic and Quebec Fishing Organizations