Canada Proposes Major Quota Redistribution in Baby Eel Fishery
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans plans to allocate most of the lucrative Maritime elver fishery to First Nations and individual fishermen, sparking concerns from commercial operators.
- The federal government has proposed reallocating 50% of the total allowable catch of baby eels (elvers) to First Nations as part of reconciliation efforts.
- An additional 28% of the quota will go to a pilot program providing small licenses to individual fishermen, including employees of commercial operations.
- Existing commercial license holders, who previously controlled the majority of the fishery, will see their share cut to just 22%, with some facing reductions of up to 90%.
- Commercial operators argue the changes will devastate their businesses, citing a lack of compensation and concerns over the infrastructure needed to sustain the fishery.
- The fishery, valued at up to $5,000 per kilogram, has been plagued by poaching and violence, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of regulations.
CBC 
Global News 