A Nova Scotia First Nation chief was arrested Monday after opening a treaty lobster fishery.
Chief Mike Sack of Sipekne’katik was detained by officers with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) after his community’s boats left the wharf.
He was held at the DFO office in Meteghan in the southwestern part of the province.
“It’s almost a side show, they did that,” Sack said after being released.
“At the same time they are pulling traps from our people. It’s a disgrace.”
Day 1: Treaty Fishery, Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Mike Sack arrested for launching Treaty Fishery @APTNNews pic.twitter.com/s9qlzZM9av
— angel moore (@angelharksen) August 16, 2021
DFO officials then hauled the lobster traps out of the water in St. Mary’s Bay.
They have said a treaty fishery is an illegal fishery, and they would move to stop it.
Lobster harvester Jordan Alexander vowed to keep fishing.
“We’re exercising our rights, like we are allowed,” he said of what the courts have decided.
“To do this, it’s an inherent right and they can’t take that from us.”
DFO did confirm to APTN News an individual had been arrested for allegedly violating the Fisheries Act.
