Elver prosecutions trickle into court after ‘hell’ year on N.S. and N.B. rivers

The illegal fishery for juvenile eels, also known as elvers, in the Maritimes has led to about three dozen people being charged with offences this year. This number is a fraction of the total arrests made during the chaotic spring fishery, but the Department of Fisheries and Oceans expects more charges to follow.

The enforcement of the elver fishery has been under intense scrutiny due to rampant poaching and concerns about conservation. The high demand for eels from Asian aquaculture facilities has driven prices up, leading to an increase in illegal fishing activities. In response to these challenges, the federal fisheries minister cancelled this year’s fishery, citing conservation and violence concerns.

Despite the shutdown, illegal fishing continued, with hundreds of individuals flocking to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick rivers at night to catch young eels for the black market. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans reported that 37 people have been charged with elver-related offences committed in 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by fisheries officers.

While DFO has made arrests and seized vehicles in an effort to combat illegal fishing, enforcement has been difficult due to limited staff and the rapid pace of the fishery. Trevor Lushington, an enforcement officer, acknowledged the challenges faced in deterring illegal fishing activities and expressed hope for a better outcome in the future.

Prosecutions have been slowly progressing, with charges laid against individuals caught with elvers in their possession. Despite efforts to regulate the fishery and redistribute quotas to First Nations and individual fishermen, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures without robust enforcement along the rivers.

The ongoing debate over treaty rights for Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik fishers adds another layer of complexity to the elver fishery. DFO is working with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to complete investigations and potentially bring additional charges related to unauthorized elver harvesting.

As the elver fishery continues to face challenges, stakeholders are hopeful for a more sustainable and regulated industry in the future. The integration of enforcement measures, treaty rights considerations, and conservation efforts will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the elver fishery in the Maritimes.