A new poll commissioned by a coalition of fishermen’s organizations makes it clear : Canadians want stronger regulation of current fishing rules.
The Nanos Research poll shows that more than 8 in 10 (87%) say it’s important to enforce the rules set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The same figure believes it is important to have all stakeholders – Government, Indigenous Leaders and fishing organizations – negotiate directly together to manage fisheries.
Executive Director of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union Martin Mallet says they represent about 10,000 inshore fishermen within Atlantic Canada, and it’s important that they have a voice in the discussions.
“This industry on the East Coast, it has a huge impact on our communities,” he explained. “So, who is the Government of Canada? It’s us. Basically, at the end of the day, it’s us. It’s our small communities, it’s our people on the ground that are living from these resources and we need to be part of the discussion. That’s it.”
Mallet says they aren’t looking for a voice within treaty negotiations – but do believe they have a valid insight into stock management and access, and have been shut out of discussions thus far.
“We want to be part of discussion when it comes down to any discussion about fisheries access,” he explained. “Either if there’s any new fisheries access being granted to First Nations groups, or just being part of the discussion at some point to be able to share some ideas also, in terms of how to better work together and better manage this common resource.”
One of the most common calls for action from fishery associations is for the government to immediately crack down on all fishing outside of government established-fishing seasons.
