| |
| |
|
|
| |
When did
fishing regulations change? 1950s
Pounds of
fish caught by the average fisherman
10,000
lbs.
Fishing methods used yesterday and today
nets
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Commercial fishing is still a very labor-intensive job. Many
of the younger generations are not interested in becoming commercial
fishers, because of its danger and low wages. |
We've met many commercial fishermen in the past few
weeks. While we've learned many things about how fishing is done today,
we have also been curious to find out more about how commercial fishing
was regulated many years ago. |
| Not too long ago, commercial fishing went largely unregulated. Because
of political promises made during the late 1880s, the Canadian government
issued members of the Cree nation a fishing license at the age of
16. These fishing licenses allowed the Cree fishermen to fish without
limits. Because the population was lower and spread further apart,
fishing without limits was sustainable for a while. |
| Yet, as the population increased, the demand for fish went up. In
the 1950s, the Canadian government had to start regulating the amount
of fish caught by Cree fishermen, otherwise the rivers and lakes would
face problems of over-fishing. Fishermen are now limited to the area
they fish, how many nets they can use, and how many fish they are
able to catch each season. |
Fishermen still use nets to fish, but today the fishermen are
limited to the amount of fish they can catch. |
|
The problem that faces Cree commercial fishermen today is that
they feel that the Canadian government is going back on their word.
The original treaties made with the Cree people were done orally,
so there is no proof that the Cree people are entitled to the fishing
rights of the waterways.
Most of the Cree fishermen recognize the need to regulate the fishing
limits. Prices for fish have not increased in a number of years,
therefore, many fishermen are struggling to make enough money to
survive.
What do you think of the problems faced by commercial fishing today?
How do you think they should be solved?
|
The Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558
(630) 204-0420
info@wildernessclassroom.com
All content copyright (c) The Wilderness Classroom, 2002. All
rights reserved.
| Home
|Contact Us | Privacy
Policy | Terms of Use
|
|
|
|
