The Lax Kw’alaams band and the Metlakatla First Nation are asserting that the Herring Integrated Fisheries Management plan was seriously flawed and ignored the fundamental obligations of the DFO.
The Coast Tsimshian position is that the herring plan and the proposed opening violate the principles of conservation and s.35.1 fisheries as the priority. The communities are not consenting to the commercial opening within their territories and are challenging Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) justification.
In a statement the Coast Tsimshian say that the herring population does not support commercial removals as current stocks cannot support their food requirements. They also say that low stocks are impacting many other species that depend on the herring.
The DFO Herring Management Strategy Evaluation is in the process of developing trustworthy and acceptable science. The communities are committed to open and transparent communication with the DFO.
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