Chief Mike Sack with Donald Marshall III. Image: submitted.
The start of a first nations lobster fishery in St. Mary’s Bay has been delayed.
The Sipekne’katik First Nation planned to launch a food, social and ceremonial fishery tomorrow, but that will now begin June 3rd.
The band says public health guidelines will see greater flexibility for community members to prepare, and ensure a safe and secure start to the season.
The decision is a step back from a planned self-regulated moderate livelihood fishery.
Chief Mike Sack says the safety and welfare of their fishers is most important, and although it’s a slower start than anticipated, they will see people take to the water this week.
“It’s an avenue for our people to take, a safer one. We’re hoping there’s no resistance with local fishers and DFO as well,” said Sack.
He says there’s apprehension in the community around violence and threats they’ve received, but they hope to move back to the planned moderate livelihood fishery later in the year.
The food, social and ceremonial fishery licenses do not have commercial season restrictions, and have lower trap limits.
A request for comment from DFO has not been returned.
