by Marc Laframboise MMNN Contributor

The thriving Mi’kmaq community of Natoaganeg First Nation is located on the picturesque banks of the Miramichi River in northern New Brunswick. With a population of over 900 residents, the community has built a strong Band-owned commercial fishery enterprise (CFE) that continues to grow and prosper. After purchasing a license, the community purchased a vessel and snow crab quota and in 2021 began their adventure into the snow crab fishery.

With snow crab prices relatively high in 2021, the first year resulted in strong revenues for the community. The price for snow crab was down in 2022 and is expected to be the same in 2023. Tim Simon, Natoaganeg First Nation’s Fisheries Coordinator says the community made an important investment in snow crab for the long term economic and social benefit of their community members: “Snow crab prices go up and down but in the long run, we expect our new snow crab fishery to generate good, reliable revenue and permanent employment for community members. That’s the reason we made the investment and we plan to work hard to make it work.”

Patience and perseverance were required as community leaders tried for several years to enter the snow crab fishery. Finally, an opportunity arose and the Band purchased the vessel and quota and retained the captain and two of the crew members. Three community members are now part of the six-person crew. Other community members are currently in training. Within the next 3 to 4 years, t ...

To view the full story, you must be a subscriber. Click here for information on how to subscribe.

 

Tags: , , , ,