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Concerns Grow Over Safety of Fishery Officers in Nova Scotia Amid Rising Violence
Recent documents reveal alarming tensions between fishery officers in Nova Scotia and their federal employer, warning that a failure to address increasing lawlessness in the fishing sector could lead to tragedy.
In July 2022, 35 out of 125 fishery officers in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) Maritimes Region refused to work, demanding adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to heightened risks associated with their roles. Communication obtained through the Freedom of Information Act highlighted the perilous environment, where officers have reportedly faced gunfire, domestic violence, and threats to their lives from individuals armed with rifles, all while being asked if they were “willing to die for their jobs.”
Organized crime linked to unregulated lobster fishing has intensified in Acadian communities in southwest Nova Scotia, leading to violence including shootings, arson, and online harassment connected to the province’s lucrative seafood industry, as indicated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The tumultuous environment extends to the baby eel fishery, which has suffered from rampant poaching and violence. This prompted the DFO to shut down the fishery in 2022 and to curtail its operations in 2023. The eels, or elvers, caught in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine are particularly valuable, having the potential to sell for up to $5,000 per kilogram once matured in Asia.
The standoff between officers and the DFO has primarily unfolded behind closed doors, prompting accusations from the officers that their concerns have been neglected. In a notable exchange, DFO officials were told that “people have almost died” due to a lack of action addressing the threats faced by fishery officers.
Escalating Threats
Industry representatives assert that the situation on the waters surrounding Nova Scotia has deteriorated further. Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, remarked on the alarming trend of escalating violence, stating, “I’m just shocked that our fishery has become so overcome with violence, but this is so much bigger than this one issue with the fishery officers.”
After the involvement of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which urged the DFO to take immediate measures to safeguard its staff, officers returned to work in October. However, the DFO has remained vague about the specific protections that have been implemented.
The issues had been persistent for an extended period, with fishery officers expressing that their warnings went unheard for far too long.
Documented Risks for Front-Line Officers
The DFO’s Maritimes Region, which includes eastern and southwestern Nova Scotia and southwestern New Brunswick, is responsible for 40 percent of Canada’s commercial fisheries, collectively valued at over $1.64 billion. As such, the region has become a focal point for violent crime, complicating enforcement and leading to confrontations with Indigenous fishers.
In a recent tranche of documents released to the media, it was highlighted that the officers’ work refusals were driven by severe safety concerns. Communication from the DFO underscored the need for enhanced protocols and protective measures for their teams, identifying that previous risk assessments had not been reviewed in years.
In discussions, DFO officials maintained that officers had the necessary training to ensure safety in the field. However, officers contested this assertion, claiming that internal investigations were superficial and dismissed substantial evidence of threats against them. They further noted requests for improved protective gear, such as hard body armor and appropriate training, which appeared to be inadequately addressed.
A Call for Decisive Action
Despite some acknowledgment from the DFO regarding the challenging enforcement environment, industry stakeholders have indicated that the measures proposed are insufficient. Suggestions included the implementation of reality-based training and pilot programs for body-worn cameras, as well as increased protective measures for the officers on patrol.
As discussions continue regarding the safety and operational integrity of fishery officers, Sproul emphasized that the ongoing violence reflects a chaotic situation with an unclear regulatory framework. “There’s fishers posting photos on social media in flak jackets and carrying guns,” he noted, underscoring concerns about the lack of clarity around what constitutes acceptable conduct in an increasingly volatile environment.
Recent attempts by the government to stabilize the elver fishery through new licensing regulations and quota reallocations have met with resistance from several First Nations. Observers suggest that without firm enforcement of existing laws, effective oversight may suffer, fostering a climate of uncertainty and discord within the fishing community.
As the situation develops, calls for comprehensive reforms and firm enforcement measures remain critical to ensure the safety of those tasked with monitoring and protecting Canada’s invaluable fishery resources.
Source
globalnews.ca