by Alison Muise Communications Manager

February 7, 2024, Corner Brook—Qalipu First Nation (QFN) is disappointed and deeply concerned about the recent announcement on the reopening of the Unit 1 redfish fishery.

In a letter addressed to Fisheries Minister Diane Debouthillier, Jenny Brake, the Interim Chief of Qalipu First Nation highlighted the community’s shock upon learning the details of the allocation of the fishery.

“Qalipu has been an active participant in the Redfish Advisory Committee for nearly eight years through its commercial fishing entity, Mi’kmaw Commercial Fisheries. We have strived to provide valuable input towards the balanced and equitable reopening of this crucial fishery yet this announcement revealed that the vast majority of the allocation would be directed to interests in Nova Scotia and Quebec, primarily benefiting the offshore fleet. This decision marks a significant policy reversal, particularly considering that offshore vessels were banned from the Gulf nearly 50 years ago due to their unsustainable harvesting practices.”

Interim Chief Brake stated further that Qalipu First Nation has consistently advocated for a specific allocation based on the principles of adjacency and historical attachment. The redfish fishery has been integral to the Gulf Coast’s commercial fishing industry for over a century, with deep-rooted connections to the community spanning generations.

Despite Qalipu First Nation’s efforts to engage with the Department of ...