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MAY 1, 2001

Lobster fisherman in New Brunswick on Monday began setting lobster traps on Miramichi Bay for the spring commercial season.

Miramichi Bay has been the source of conflicts between after the Supreme Court in September 1999 ruled that Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations have treaty-protected rights to fish. Confrontations initially broke out among non-Indians but were replaced by conflicts with the federal goverment last year.

A Mi'kmaq activist says he doesn't believe any disputes will arise during this spring season. He expects the fall season to be contentious.

The Burnt Church First Nation has refused to enter into a fisheries agreement with the federal government.

Get the Story:
Lobster season opens on calm waters but trouble brewing for tribal fishery (AP 5/30)

Relevant Links:
The Marshall Case, Department of Fisheries and Oceans - www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/COMMUNIC/Marshall/marshall_e.htm
The Burnt Church Support Site - www.tao.ca/~beinglightbeing/burntchurch
Fishing Fury, from the CBC: cbc.ca/news/indepth/fishingfury/index.html

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