The commercial fishery is vital to Atlantic Canada.

For thousands of Atlantic Canadians who work on boats, wharves, processing plants, and throughout the supply chain, the commercial fishery is their livelihood. For rural communities and governments, the fisheries represent jobs, a tax base, and economic impact that helps to provide vital services for all residents.

Unfortunately, regulatory uncertainty is causing anxiety and concern among fishers and other stakeholders over the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the industry. Clear rules, regulations, compliance, and enforcement are needed. To achieve this, we need to work together and speak with one voice - the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA) is working hard to be that voice.

We want to work with the Government of Canada and First Nations to inform and understand viewpoints and ultimately establish regulatory certainty. Our members reject all forms of racism, intolerance, and violence, and believe there is a path to move beyond the controversies and heated rhetoric, to a positive outcome for all.

The UFCA believes that Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishermen can work side by side like they do today in the commercial fishery.

We recognize and acknowledge the importance of cooperation with Indigenous communities, and that Indigenous fishermen have a right to fish for commercial, food, social, and ceremonial purposes.

Just as commercial fisheries operate today, there is room for diversity. There can be differences within allocation structures, administration, and process. However, rules must ultimately and clearly form part of an integrated set of regulations that conserve fishery resources for generations to come and ensure a fair and respectful fishery for all.

The UFCA continues to advocate on behalf of commercial fishermen and those that rely on a sustainable fishery and intend to bring our concerns forward to representatives of Government in 2023.