URGENT NOTICE TO ALL FISHERS
Effective immediately, the DFO Minister has shutdown all elver commercial fisheries for at least 45 days. This includes the communal commercial access for Wolastoqey members.
DFO has stated that there is an overwhelming amount of illegal activity across the entire Maritime region, including unauthorized fishing and violence on the water this past week; this unauthorized fishery creates significant conservation concerns.
Despite all our efforts and preparation to fish within the rules and regulations of the communal commercial license, the Minister is penalizing our fishers for problems that have occurred in other areas.
All fishers operating under our communal commercial licence should stop fishing for elvers immediately.
Continuing to fish for Elvers after the closure of the season may result in serious penalties including being arrested and charged by DFO officers. Penalties may include seizure of gear, fines, and/or jail.
We have requested a meeting with the Minister to address the concerns and impacts to our community. We will be advocating for the fishery to re-open in New Brunswick so we can catch our quota.
Woliwon for your cooperation,
Sitansisk Fisheries and Chief and Council