The MP for West Nova is concerned tensions could rise in St. Mary’s Bay this summer.
Chris d’Entremont recently sent a letter to Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan, calling for DFO to increase consultations with commercial and Indigenous fishers.
This after last fall’s violence over an out of season ‘moderate livelihood fishery,’ run by the Sipekne’katik First Nation.
The band is planning to launch a self-regulated fishery on June 1st.
d’Entremont says the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have been too quiet on the issue.
“We have a number of groups that are apparently not being consulted. There are a number of concerns, and we don’t want a repeat of last year. So we’re reaching out to the Minister to find out, what’s the plan?” Said d’Entremont.
In March, DFO stated that all fisheries need to be held in season, and there will be a crackdown on illegal fishing.
d’Entremont says a clear plan is needed.
“There’s still very little discussion, especially with the community of Saulnierville and the Clare area. There’s also little discussion being held with commercial and Indigenous fishers.”
He says the plan should address potential tensions and fish stocks, and for DFO to enforce the Fisheries Act while ensuring the safety of all fishers.
We’ve reached out to Minister Jordan’s office for comment.
