FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025
The American eel is a vital part of Mi’kmaw heritage and culture. While many community members are excited for a 2025 Elver Fishery, in order to protect the eel, we all recognize that any harvesting must be carefully managed. This approach can help to ensure that communities benefit from an elver fishery, yet safeguards are in place for the future of this important species.
“We understand the mixed feelings on harvesting elvers. We are hearing both sides of the conversation and with community input have developed sustainable harvesting practices which are critical for preserving our connection to the eel for generations to come,” said Chief Wilbert Marshall, Co-Lead of Fisheries for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.
Interested harvesters from the eight participating communities have been actively participating in building the harvesting process. With their ongoing support, we can ensure that what is harvested will not jeopardize the eel population. There are collective concerns that an unregulated and unmonitored fishery could be even more detrimental to the American eel population, which is why our careful approach through the Treaty Rights Protected (TRP) plan is vital for the sustainable future of this important resource.
This spring, participating Mi’kmaw communities are taking significant measures to demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and limits of just five kilograms for individual elver harvests demonstrates commitment to responsible resource management. This responsible approach respects both cultural practices and embodies sound management, rooted in Mi’kmaw knowledge.
Additionally, harvesters will only gather from designated river systems selected in collaboration with the TRP group based upon Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing).
“Our harvesters are going through mandatory training for reporting catching and are committed to our collective sustainable goals. Their ongoing cooperation will help us all to manage and utilize our rivers effectively while we work towards a conservation-based elver fishery,” continued Chief Marshall.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that while our people want to harvest, the elver fishing is not just an economic activity; it brings our people together as a community. We have families out on the water who are passing on traditions and working together to earn a living. By working together and managing the elver industry sustainably, we are not only enhancing our economic stability but also taking crucial steps to protect the American eel from potential risks,” said Chief Gerald Toney, Co-Lead of Fisheries for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.
The Mi’kmaq hope that together, we can cultivate an elver harvesting model that champions ethical practices and embodies collaborative stewardship. Through these initiatives, we hope to also inspire others to prioritize conservation while ensuring local economies continue to thrive.
“As we prepare for the upcoming elver fishing season, we reaffirm our determination to safeguard the American eel and create a legacy that honours our Mi’kmaw traditions, knowledge and understandings,” said Chief Toney.
-30-