North Coast First Nations are upset with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ decision to open a commercial herring fishery.
The Lax Kw’alaams Band says a fleet of vessels are staging a demonstration in the waters off Prince Rupert after the DFO announced a herring spawn on kelp opening in the Central Coast and Prince Rupert district this (Monday) morning.
Lax Kw’alaams Mayor John Helin says both his band and the Metlakatla Nation agree that herring stocks in the region are too small to support a commercial herring or herring roe fishery.
But Helin says DFO ignored the local First Nations’ knowledge and has allowed one licensed boat, owned by a non-Indigenous person, to fish until May 1st.
He says for years their Food, Social, and Ceremonial needs have not been met for herring eggs or for the many fish species that depend on it.
The Lax Kw’alaams says a large fleet of vessels owned by community members plans to demonstrate until the DFO agrees to a plan that works for all sides.
