In an effort to control non-Indian fishing on the reservation, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York has implemented fishing regulations for the first time.

The tribe's regulations are the same as the ones from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. They require non-Indians to adhere to seasonal and species restrictions on portion of the St. Lawrence River that runs through the reservation.

"Tribal members have a right, a tribal right, to fish on the reservation for subsistence," tribal public information office David T. Staddon told The Watertown Daily Times. "The basic difference is Indian people have an inherent right to fish on their lands. For people who reside in the state, it's a privilege granted to them by the state."

At this point, the regulations do not apply to tribal members but Anthony M. David, the water resources program manager for the tribal environment division, said there have been some concerns.

Get the Story:
St. Regis Mohawks adopt state fishing regulations (The Watertown Daily Times 4/1)