Clearwater to maintain control of Arctic surf clam fishery for now

Halifax-based Clearwater will continue to hold its monopoly of the Arctic surf clam fishery for now, but Fisheries and Oceans Canadasaid it will look to find an Indigenous entity to hold a fourth licence for the2020 fishery.

"This will allow for the economic benefits to remain in coastal communities while Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to work to broaden," DFOsaid Tuesday in a news release.

Arctic surf clam is abright-red,tongue-shaped seafood that's exported to Asia for sushi. The new quota, which amounts to about 9,600 tonnes a year, is worth tens of millions of dollars.

Repairing relationships

"The decision to introduce Indigenous participation in the Arctic surf clam fishery is consistent with the Government of Canada's commitment to developing a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples," the releasesaid.

"Enhancing access to the Arctic Surf Clam fishery broadens the distribution of benefits from this public resource, and is a powerful step toward reconciliation."

DFO tried to give 25 per cent of the current quota to a First Nations entity this year, but ended up cancelling the licence in Julywithout an explanation.

Five First Nations Clam Company wasled by Elsipogtog First Nation of New Brunswick and Arichat, N.S.-based Premium Seafoods.It was awarded the fourth licence but the decision was criticized by other First Nations and Clearwater.It was later challenged in Federal Court.

This time around, DFOsaid it will be launching a new expression of interest process to find an Indigenousentity to hold the fourth licence next spring so the participant can begin fishing a new licence in 2020.

An independent third party will evaluate submissions received, the news releasesaid, adding more details of the process would be made available in "due course."