STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Issued by Millbrook Fisheries

Lack of transparency by DFO leaving commercial lobster fisheries with questions and Mi’kmaw fisheries in the lurch

[Millbrook, NS] December 13, 2023. Recent speculations in the media surrounding diminished lobster catch rates in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33 and 34 must be debunked by fisheries organizations and researchers. The narrative, clouded by misconceptions and fuelled by lack of transparency by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), fails to grasp the intricate dynamics at play in the region's commercial fishing sector.

The delay in the start of the commercial season in LFA 34 was initially due to robust winds, a significant drop in ocean temperatures from the previous season, and powerful full-course tides. These factors have all contributed to the reported decline. However, the perceived fault unfairly falls on Mi’kmaw livelihood fishers, conveniently overlooking critical environmental factors.

The DFO has been cognizant since 1999 of the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed Treaty Right allowing Mi’kmaw people to fish for a livelihood. Over the past 24 years, the DFO has authorized the transfer and reissuance of numerous privilege-based licenses among non-Indigenous commercial fleets. Despite a legal obligation to curtail fishing in the "limited entry" sector to accommodate Mi’kmaw access, the lack of transparency has led to misguided conclusions within the commercial lobster industry.

Chief Robert Gloade of Millbrook First Nation voiced concerns, stating, "The industry continues to make million-dollar investments, over two decades, on a false premise, while Mi’kmaw livelihood fishers are further excluded and marginalized from exercising their affirmed Treaty Rights."

Contrary to misconceptions, lower lobster landings in Southwestern Nova Scotia are not the result of Mi’kmaw overfishing. A staggering 94% of Nova Scotia lobsters are still harvested by the non-Indigenous commercial industry. The marginal amount of interim communal-commercial access (4.7%) has been afforded through the Marshall Response Initiative, as a stopgap measure. 

DFO has the opportunity to address this imbalance through a proactive reduction in fishing effort via a directed volunteer license buy-back program. However, the department has chosen not to pursue this course of action, exacerbating conflict on the waters and jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the lobster resource. Moreover, independent studies reveal declining lobster populations across their natural range, impacted by climate change altering thermal habitats.

Addressing sustainability and fair access, Chief Gloade urged, "DFO needs to immediately reduce the number of licenses in the commercial fishing sector through fair compensatory processes and stop obstructing equitable rights-based participation by Mi’kmaq."

As the eighth anniversary of the National Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action approaches on December 15th, Chief Gloade emphasized the urgency of implementing Calls to Action 85 and 86, Media and Reconciliation. He added, "We would like to see the media represent all perspectives, not only non-Indigenous interests, especially when it comes to the fishing industry."

This call for balanced representation underscores the need for comprehensive, unbiased coverage in the pursuit of truth and reconciliation.

About Millbrook Fisheries

Millbrook First Nation is a Mi'kmaw community of approximately 2200 members, centrally located in Truro, NS. Millbrook prides itself on the positive economic growth and development it has fostered for the community, including participation in the Communal Commercial Fisheries and a strong presence by the community in Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries. Millbrook Fisheries is committed to providing permanent, meaningful employment to its community, as well as dollars for socioeconomic programs to support the community, while still following the Mi'kmawey principles of Netuklimk - the use of natural bounty provided for the self-support and wellbeing of the individual and the community at large.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Nzingha Millar, Media Contact for Millbrook First Nation

902-789-9464

nmillar@millbrookfn.ca

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