For the fourth consecutive year, Wasoqopa’q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations have been authorized to fish and sell their catch in lobster fishing areas (LFAs) 33, 34 and 35 as part of the moderate livelihood fishery.
The trap limit set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has stayed in line with 2023 at 6,300 traps. 1,000 of these have been allocated to LFA 35.
The moderate livelihood fishery is part of an interim understanding between DFO and the four First Nations groups which make up the Kespukwitk Mi’kmaw communities which operates the community-developed Kespukwitk District Netukulimk
Lobster Livelihood Fisheries Plan through the Kespukwitk Collective Fisheries Committee.
In line with this announcement, DFO assured the public that fishery officers will be in the field each day to make sure designated community members fish within the conditions of their authorization. The department also noted that interfering with lawful fishing as well as damaging or destroying fishing gear is illegal. Doing so could result in a fine up to $100,000 in accordance with the Fisheries Act.
“I am pleased to announce the fourth interim moderate livelihood authorization issued to Wasoqopa’q, Bear River, Annapolis Valley and Glooscap First Nations, which sees their members exercising the treaty right to fish and sell their catch in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during the commercial season,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“It is encouraging to see the continuity in the renewal of this interim understanding by these four Mi’kmaw First Nations and the Department. May these and all harvesters in Southwest Nova Scotia enjoy a safe and prosperous season.”
The opening and closing dates of LFAs 33, 34 and 35, subject to slight modifications due to weather, are as follows:
- LFA 33: November 25, 2024 — May 31, 2025
- LFA 34: November 25, 2024 — May 31, 2025
- LFA 35: October 14, 2024 — December 31, 2024 and February 28, 2025 — July 31, 2025
