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Sheshatshiu, Labrador - The Innu Nation has designated several areas in Upper Lake Melville as salmon conservation areas in response to DFO's decision to open the salmon fishery to non-aboriginal resident fishers.

Effective today, Innu Nation will be removing nets from the Kenamu River, Kenamish-Carter Basin area, the North West River estuary and the Rapids between Little Lake and Grand Lake that are not identified as belonging to LIA or Innu Nation members, or set in accordance with Innu and Inuit communal salmon fishing regulations.

"The recent decision by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to allow a salmon food fishery for non-aboriginal residents is a serious issue for our members. We are demanding that the Minister rescind this decision, which we believe was made in the face of serious conservation concerns and in the absence of consultation with the Innu Nation", stated Peter Penashue, President of the Innu Nation. "We believe that this action is necessary to ensure that there is not additional pressure placed on this vital resource as a result of DFO's decision to open up the salmon fishery."

Over the past 3 years, Innu Nation members have voluntarily accepted restrictions on their own salmon fishing activities for conservation purposes. Innu Nation has also been in discussions with DFO to pilot alternative harvesting techniques, including salmon traps in the place of gill nets.

"We recognize the need for conservation. Because of this, we have no choice but to take steps to minimize potential impact of the recently announced salmon resident food fishery on salmon stocks in the Lake Melville Area and the priority rights of Aboriginal people.", continued Penashue. "In the areas we have identified, there is a high risk of salmon by-catch. To ensure that there are no increases in the level of fishing effort in these areas as a consequence of DFO's decisions, only subsistence fishing by Innu Nation and LIA members will be permitted in these areas. Outside of these areas, we are prepared to allow licensed trout and char fishing to continue."

Innu Nation continues to call on the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean to reverse the decision to increase the harvesting pressure on salmon stocks, and to work with the Innu Nation and the LIA to ensure that the subsistence salmon fishery is managed in accordance with the principle of conservation.