Several First Nations of British Columbia have signed a joint declaration to protect herring in their territories. The statement of solidarity is based upon their common interest in protecting, restoring and the long-term sustainability of ocean resources and ecosystems in their territories.
Additionally, costly legal battles and confrontations with Canada (represented by DFO) and some First Nations such as Nuu-chah-nulth, Haida and Heiltsuk First Nations have made the need for a united front on this issue a top priority.
“The current DFO assessment and management approach for the commercial roe herring fisheries does not adhere to the precautionary principle. It says if an action has a suspected risk to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking the action,” said Debra Foxcroft, OBC, President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. “DFO is authorizing commercial herring fisheries in the absence of scientific consensus and contrary to the local knowledge of First Nations and local communities. First Nations say that DFO’s continued mismanagement of herring is unacceptable.”
Nations supporting the Herring Declaration state that the existing DFO approach to commercial roe herring fisheries does not support long-term recovery and sustainability of the resource.
“Despite Nuu-chah-nulth Nations warning the commercial fishing industry away from our areas in 2015 due to low stocks, many fishing companies and licence holders initially chose Vancouver Island’s west coast for this year’s fishery,” said Foxcroft referring to how the issue is playing out on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Five Nuu-chah-nulth Nation members went to federal court to stop DFO from opening commercial roe herring fisheries in 2015 but were unsuccessful. “Seine fishers came into our territories to look for herring for their roe fishery, yet left empty handed. The gillnet fleet didn’t even bother to try.”
Some of the principles and objectives of the Declaration include recognition and implementation of the precautionary principle, stock recovery and habitat restoration of recovering stock areas, integrating modern science that combines Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, implementing area-based management at a scale appropriate to First Nations and herring, and information sharing between First Nations and Canada.
“Herring is vitally important to our coastal communities and has been for thousands of years,” said Foxcroft. “This Declaration sends a clear message to Canada that herring health and recovery is of the highest importance to B.C. First Nations.”
