The elver fishery, a significant source of revenue and employment for Nova Scotia, has been plagued by rampant poaching, while the government of Houston turned a blind eye, according to recent revelations. Opposition Leader Zach Churchill has criticized Fisheries Minister Craig for his lack of action and failure to address the critical issue during his European trip.
The illegal poaching of elvers has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by the ongoing federal public service strike, which has weakened enforcement and protection measures. The absence of a provincial fisheries enforcement unit during the strike further aggravated the situation. These circumstances not only led to the closure of the fishery but also caused the shutdown of one of Nova Scotia Power’s hydro dam facilities due to elver poaching near the dam site.
Opposition Leader Zach Churchill expressed his disappointment, saying, “While one of our most profitable fishing sectors faced severe distress, our fisheries minister opted to prioritize his European trip rather than reaching out to the federal minister of fisheries to find a solution for this critical Nova Scotia industry. The Houston government’s persistent unwillingness to collaborate with other levels of government is leaving Nova Scotians to bear the consequences, as we have witnessed with the carbon tax issue. It is imperative that the Houston government takes immediate and meaningful action to safeguard our elver fishery and enable authorized fishers to resume their operations.”
The elver fishery has long been a lucrative sector in Nova Scotia, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing employment opportunities for numerous individuals. However, the unabated poaching activities, combined with the absence of proactive measures during the strike, have severely compromised its sustainability.
Elvers, or young eels, are highly sought after in international markets and can fetch substantial prices. Their illegal harvest not only undermines the livelihoods of authorized fishers but also poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem and biodiversity of the region. The current state of the fishery demands immediate attention and effective collaboration between government bodies to protect this vital industry.
While the politician’s bias is evident in the statement, it is important to note that this news story is based on the provided information and reflects the concerns raised by the Opposition Leader regarding the neglect of the elver fishery and the absence of ministerial action during a critical time.
While Churchill’s calls for action are understandable it remains to be seen if the provincial government has any meaningful tools or resources to halt poaching as the matter is primarily under the jurisdiction of the federal government and enforcement is in the hands of DFO officers.
