DFO poised to shake up fishery for tiny eels in ‘devastating’ blow to licence holders
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is making significant changes to the Maritime fishery for juvenile eels, aiming to address longstanding issues and create a more sustainable industry. The proposed shakeup involves reallocating quotas, with the majority of the quota going to individual fishermen and First Nations.
The plan, outlined in a letter sent by the department, will result in six commercial licence holders losing 80 to 90 percent of their quota, while three others will see a 60 percent reduction. This move has sparked criticism from industry veterans like Stanley King, who believes that the government is dismantling a fishery that has provided jobs and support to communities for years.
The fishery for juvenile eels, also known as elvers, has seen a surge in demand and prices, leading to illegal activities such as poaching and violence. Some Indigenous groups have asserted their treaty rights to fish for elvers, further complicating the situation. While some licence holders have expressed willingness to share their quota with First Nations, they are seeking compensation from the government, which has not been offered.
The proposed changes will allocate a significant portion of the total allowable catch to First Nations and individual fishermen. This shift aims to distribute the benefits of the fishery more widely, with Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier highlighting the potential for high profits given the current market prices for elvers.
However, concerns remain among fishermen like Robert Selig, who worry about the business implications of holding individual licences and the lack of infrastructure for handling live elvers. Many fishermen are more concerned about the safety and security issues that have plagued the industry in recent years, with reports of threats and theft disrupting operations.
Legal representatives for commercial licence holders, such as Michel Samson, argue that the government’s refusal to compensate affected groups could fuel resentment and create further chaos in the industry. Companies like Wine Harbour Fisheries Ltd. are facing significant quota cuts that could have devastating financial impacts on their operations.
Overall, the proposed changes to the elver fishery signal a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable model. However, the process of implementation and the need for adequate support and resources for all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the success of these reforms.
