NunatuKavut Community Council begins fisheries without federal authorization

The NunatuKavut Community Council has launched fisheries independent of Department of Fisheries and Oceans authorization. Council president Todd Russell said the organization moved in this direction after receiving signals that DFO is not committed to its fishery. The council has roughly 6,000 members, mainly in southern and central Labrador.

Harvesting plan approved On June 13 the council's governing body approved a fish harvesting plan that sets out how the NCC will establish, monitor and manage fishing on multiple species. Earlier this year the council issued its own branded tags and prepared fisheries monitors.

Russell told members that DFO enforcement actions were possible and said the council would assist members if officers seized equipment or filed charges under the Fisheries Act.

DFO statements on enforcement DFO director of resource management and Indigenous fisheries Julie Diamond said officers and guardians have authority to seize fish, gear, vessels and other items that may serve as evidence in an alleged offence. She declined to comment on any specific enforcement actions.

Russell described some seizures as heavy handed and said officers had confiscated items only to return them later. He said the council remains open to talks with DFO representatives.

Recognition and legal context NunatuKavut holds commercial fishing quotas and received Canadian licences this year for food, social and ceremonial purposes. A 2019 memorandum of understanding described the group as capable of holding rights under section 35 of the Constitution, but a 2024 Federal Court decision stated the document did not establish those rights.