Prince Edward Island’s Lennox Island First Nation said it has reached an interim agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to continue the lobster fishery under a treaty that was launched earlier this this month.

The fishery had not been authorized by DFO before its launch on May 7, which meant it could have been subject to law enforcement, including trap seizures or fines.

“We continued discussions with DFO in hopes of reaching some sort of agreement that would allow members of our community to exercise their treaty right to fish and harvest lobster, while respecting the conservation and sustainability,” Chef Darlene Bernard said in a written statement.

“I have always remained convinced that we could reach an agreement and I am pleased to receive the support of DFO for our management plan which will ensure the safety and security of our members on the water and their equipment and equipment, this which is very important to us.”

None of the traps set over the weekend were seized or disturbed by fishery officers, but some treaty fishers told CBC News they had trouble launching boats because companies Local boat companies said non-indigenous fishermen had threatened to boycott them.

“Good news for our community”

CBC News spoke to a handful of non-Indigenous fishers, none of whom would accept a taped interview, earlier this week.

Crews from three boats said fishing without a license could damage lobster stocks and suggested some commercial fishers might choose to take action if DFO does not, which happened last year in New Scotland.

According to the release, there is no signed agreement in place, but the agreement between Lennox Island First Nation and DFO will allow the treaty-protected fishery to continue unimpeded in accordance with the management plans of the bandaged.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said Thursday that Lennox Island First Nation will fish up to 300 traps in LFA 24 during the remainder of the spring 2022 lobster commercial season, and will fish up to 700 traps in LFA 24. 25 during the fall 2022 season.

“Management measures will be similar to those of the commercial lobster fishery, including trap standards and minimum carapace size, Species at Risk Act requirements, and marine mammal protection measures such as gear marking,” the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said.

“Fishery officers continue to patrol to verify compliance and promote peaceful and orderly fishing.”

“This is good news for our community. I am very proud of the efforts and work of so many people on Lennox Island who have contributed to the development and implementation of our Treaty Protected Fisheries Management Plan and of all those who helped get there. historical point,” Bernard said in the statement.

“It is important that Mi’kmaq fishers can exercise their rights without fear that their gear or equipment will be seized or vandalized. That’s why we’ve been transparent, sharing our plan with DFO early on, and continuing to be open to discussions. . Our discussions will also continue with DFO to expand our communal commercial access.