Ottawa delays meetings for unpopular plan to redistribute baby eel quotas

The federal Fisheries Department has faced backlash over its plan to redistribute baby eel quotas away from longtime licence holders. The controversial pilot project, which aims to transfer 27% of the total Maritime catch of baby eels from nine commercial licence holders to 120 individuals operating independently, has sparked uncertainty and anxiety within the industry.

In December, Ottawa announced its intention to reallocate the catch of about 10,000 kilograms of baby eels, also known as elvers, in the Maritime region. Under the plan, each of the 120 recipients, who were previously employees of the commercial licence holders, would be granted the right to harvest 22 kilograms of elvers from rivers this spring. Additionally, 1.5% of the catch would go to 30 harvesters of adult eels, and half of the original licence holders’ quota would be allocated to First Nations fishers.

However, many fishers have expressed concerns about the proposed changes. They prefer to remain employees of the longtime licence holders rather than operate independently, citing issues related to storing and selling their catch. Furthermore, they feel less secure working alone compared to being part of small teams. The lack of information on designated fishing rivers has added to their apprehension.

In response to the criticism, the federal Fisheries Department has postponed the information sessions on the pilot project indefinitely. Fishers were informed of the delay via email, with the department stating that it will contact them once a decision is made regarding the future of the fishery. This move has only increased the uncertainty among industry members, who are anxious about their livelihoods with the elver season fast approaching.

Fisherman Gerry Johnson, who previously worked for licence holder Neptune Canada Ltd., expressed hope that Ottawa would reconsider its redistribution plan. He emphasized the need for clarity and planning ahead of the upcoming season. Similarly, Alan MacHardy, a fisher for Atlantic Elver Fishery, criticized the department for its lack of answers and uncertain direction.

The postponement of the information sessions has left fishers like MacHardy feeling even more uncertain about their future in the industry. With the season looming, the lack of clarity from the Fisheries Department has only added to their anxiety. The proposed changes have caused tension within the Nova Scotia fishing community, with concerns about safety and stability in the face of potential disruptions.

Overall, the delay in the information sessions and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pilot project have created a sense of unease among fishers in the industry. As they await further updates from the federal government, they are left grappling with the unknowns of the upcoming elver season.