Wolastoqey fishers say proposed elver fishery shutdown infringes on treaty rights – CBC

Feb 21, 2024

Neqotkuk chief says more commercial access could keep fishers from turning to the black market

Some Wolastoqey fishers say closure of the fishery for baby eels, or elvers, this year will infringe on their treaty rights and impact their right to earn a moderate livelihood from fishing.

Last week, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) issued letters to commercial licence holders that it will not renew licences ahead of the elver season that typically starts in late March.

DFO shut down the elver fishery in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia last April because of conservation and safety concerns, after reports of violence and overfishing by unauthorized harvesters.

Tyler Sabattis, a lobster and scallop fisherman, said he got into elver fishing last year to earn extra income for his family and community in Bilijk (Kingsclear First Nation), near Fredericton.

Sabattis said he invested over $1,600 in fishing gear and fished for two days last year before the fishery was shut down.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/elvers-fishery-wolastoqey-1.7121261