Members of Potlotek First Nation have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
In a release Monday, officials say DFO officers have been harassing fishermen, and seizing traps, involved in the community’s moderate livelihood fishery.
Wilbert Marshall, Chief of Potlotek First Nation, says DFO has no right to limit, restrict, or regulate the fishery.
“Our harvesters have a right to be out on the water and that right was affirmed by the highest court in the country,” he says, “DFO continues to put limitations on our livelihood fishery, when they have no justification or position to.”
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs has thrown their support behind Potlotek.
In a letter of support, officials say they have worked with communities to develop their own conservation and regulatory standards, which DFO has no right to infringe upon.
