WEYMOUTH, N.S. – Hundreds of commercial lobster fishermen conducted a protest Tuesday at two wharves in southwestern Nova Scotia over what they say is an illegal fishery in St. Marys Bay.
The fisherman say a communal First Nations lobster fishery in the area is also being used for commercial purposes, which they say is prohibited.
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The Mi’kmaq First Nations have denied the allegation, stating their right to fish for a moderate livelihood has been confirmed by a 1999 Supreme Court of Canada ruling.
Bernie Berry of Coldwater Lobster Association says the protests in Saulnierville and Weymouth were mostly peaceful.
But he says there was a heated exchange between a group of people on the Weymouth wharf.
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He says the fishermen want the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to enforce its regulations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2020.