Finding Solutions

n addition to creating a fishing crisis, the depletion of fish stocks has demanded that all stakeholders become involved in managing and protecting remaining resources. Many reserve and off-reserve Native communities have participated with various levels of government in developing programmes for the conservation and management of fish stocks.

The Supreme Court's November 1999 Marshall decision implied that management and conservation of the fishery are a responsibility shared by the Mi'kmaq, non-natives, and federal and provincial authorities. A progressive example of this partnership is the Mi'kmaq, Miawpukek First Nation at Conne River in southern Newfoundland. Since the early 1990s, the Conne River Mi'kmaq have implemented a fisheries management plan which brings together various initiatives, including conservation enhancement, a fish harvesting plan, protection and enforcement.

Today, at Conne River, the Miawpukek First Nation continues its tradition of harvesting food from the sea, thanks to these initiatives. The implementation of conservation programmes such as these will hopefully ensure that aboriginal participation in East Coast fishery continues for generations to come.