The NunatuKavut Community Council says they are “outraged” at recent decisions about shrimp quotas made by the DFO.

According to a statement released by President Todd Russell, the most recent decision has resulted in cuts to Shrimp Fishing Areas 5 and 6, and a “complete shut-out” in area 4, which he says is experiencing a “significant increase.”

Russell calls the situation “another crippling reduction without any response measures.” He says that is contributing to what he calls the “continued decimation” of 2J fishers, processors and communities.

Russell says the people of NunatuKavut are deeply connected to the sea and the fishery, and their proposals have always been reasonable and well-supported.

Russell states that federal minister Joyce Murray has chosen to “double-down on the unfairness in the fishery” and give resources to offshore, non-adjacent interests.

He says he is “appalled and sickened” by the recent decisions. He accuses them of infringing on Indigenous and treaty rights. As well, he calls the decisions exclusionary, discriminatory, and a “slap in the face” to the federal agenda of Indigenous reconciliation.

Russell concludes by saying they will not be starved out of their fishery in their waters, and they will pursue management of the fishery that feeds families, ensures livelihoods, and sustains communities.