New Nova Scotia seafood compliance unit will target processors buying illegal fish

Nova Scotia has created a new enforcement unit to monitor coastal waters. Photo by FILEArticle contentThe Nova Scotia government is creating a new compliance unit to target the illegal purchase and sale of seafood.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe unit will be composed of four officers tasked with monitoring, inspecting and investigating regulatory compliance among buyers and processors.Article contentArticle content“Our new compliance unit will target illegal seafood-related activities that are negatively impacting the sustainability of our resources and the safety of our communities,” said Kent Smith, minister of fisheries and aquaculture, in a written statement.Article contentArticle content“As the regulator of the shore-based fish-buying and processing sector, these inspectors will focus their activities on the wharves and in seafood facilities where illegal activities occur.”Article contentOut-of-season trappingArticle contentThere have been sizeable lobster fisheries pursued on St. Mary’s Bay in southwest Nova Scotia and St. Peter’s Bay in Cape Breton outside the local commercial season over recent years. Many of the participants are First Nations members claiming a treaty right to make a moderate livelihood off traditionally harvested resources.Article contentThe Millbrook and Sipekne’katik First Nations sent letters to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) last spring stating that the federal government has no authority over their self-regulated fisheries, including their fisheries for juvenile American eels known as elvers.Article contentCommercial fishermen, meanwhile, have been critical of the federal government for under-enforcing laws requiring a valid DFO-issued licence on the water and of the province for not enforcing its own buying and processing regulations forbidding the dealing in illegal catches.Article contentArticle contentOver recent months, federal fisheries officers have stepped up their enforcement of buyers, conducting raids and seizing tens of thousands of pounds of lobster caught without a commercial licence.Article contentArticle contentImplementationArticle contentSmith committed that the new provincial unit will work with Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and DFO. Fines will range as high as $1 million for a first offence and $2 million for a second. Processors and buyers could also have their licences revoked.Article contentA new audit program is also being set up to monitor the movement of fish.Article content“We think this is a positive direction and something we specifically asked for, the creation of investigative positions filled by people knowledgeable of the fishery,” said Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance.Article content“Though we are disappointed the province will not move forward with hiring of conservation officers specifically directed at the fishery.”