The Minister of Fisheries for Nova Scotia has criticized Fisheries and Oceans Canada for not tightening regulations on illegal lobster fishing in the southwestern part of the province. According to him, this situation has led to a rise in local organized crime and is « terrorizing the community. »
Kent Smith wrote these words in a letter addressed to his Ottawa counterpart, Diane Lebouthillier, on August 22. In the letter, he states that illegal fishing has become entrenched in the Clare region and neighboring communities, with harmful consequences.
The Nova Scotia minister clarifies that his letter does not refer to fishing in Sainte-Marie Bay by the Sipekne’katik First Nation, which is currently the subject of legal proceedings.
This issue is unrelated to Indigenous harvesting, Kent Smith assures. The concern here is illegal lobster fishing that is wreaking havoc within the community and causing significant fear and anxiety in Clare and Meteghan.
Source: ici.radio
