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MAY 1, 2000

In the first lobster fishing season after the historic Marshall decision upholding the rights of Mi'kmaq to fish year round without a license, the decision is being put to the test. The season has just started, although a war of words has been waged over new fishery licenses being extended to native fisherman.

The federal government is encouraging more First Nations participation in the fishery through a buy-back program of licenses of retiring fisherman. 19 of 34 bands in the maritimes have signed agreements or stated interest in the program.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is still hoping to reach an agreement with with the Burnt Church First Nation in New Brunswick. The band wants to implement its own rules but the DFO says all lobster traps not tagged by the DFO will be removed.

Of the new season, Stephen Marshall, the fisherman at the center of the treaty rights battle, said "I don't think it will be as bad as last year."

The lobster season ends in June.

Get the Story:
Old treaty causing new problems along lobster-rich Canadian coast (AP 5/1)
DFO still hoping to reach deal with Burnt Church (CBC 5/1)
Tension, traps drop as lobster season opens (CBC 4/29)
Lobster season opening hours away (CBC 4/28)