Moderate livelihood fishery launched by First Nation in Cape Breton
A Nova Scotia First Nation has launched a moderate livelihood lobster fishery in Cape Breton with approval from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The department issued a statement Friday saying it came to an understanding with the We'koqma'q First Nation that authorizes fishers in the community to harvest and sell their catch in accordance with the Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan.
The understanding is linked to the 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision that affirmed the treaty right of Indigenous harvesters to fish for a moderate livelihood, but the court later clarified that Ottawa could regulate the treaty right for conservation and other limited purposes.
A statement from We'koqma'q Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley says the time for such an agreement has come, adding Mi'kmaw harvesters should be able to exercise their rights "without fear of their gear and equipment being seized."
A number of Mi'kmaw fishing traps have previously been seized by DFO officers or targeted in acts of alleged vandalism.
We'koqma'q is now the sixth First Nation to come to an agreement with Ottawa for moderate livelihood fishing in Nova Scotia, along with Potlotek, Pictou Landing, Acadia, Bear River and Annapolis Valley.
The understanding between the DFO and We'koqma'q limits fishers to 210 traps in each of two designated fishing zones where lobster stock is considered to be in the "Healthy Zone," said the department of fisheries' release.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.