Safeguarding fisheries, habitat, and harvesting rights for NBAPC members through collaborative management, conservation partnerships, and culturally grounded stewardship.
NBAPC’s Natural Resources Program grew in response to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) following the landmark Sparrow Decision, which affirmed the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. We continue to build strong relationships that protect New Brunswick’s natural environment while supporting community access.
NBAPC negotiates time-limited fishery arrangements with DFO, obtains licenses on behalf of members, and monitors harvesting activities to ensure accurate reporting. These efforts keep community access secure while maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
We advise NBAPC leadership to secure arrangements that enable members to meet their Food, Social, and Ceremonial needs free from harassment or intimidation. This work continues until superseded by a land claims agreement that fully recognizes our harvesting rights.
Harvesting activity is closely monitored, with all data compiled and shared with DFO as outlined in negotiated arrangements. This transparency strengthens our role in co-management and keeps members on the water.
NBAPC works with conservation leaders, watershed managers, and scientific teams to ensure the long-term health of species and habitats critical to our communities.
Continued participation in the AFS provides members with the opportunity to harvest a variety of aquatic species for food, social, and ceremonial needs.
We work with the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon Conservation and Recovery Team to re-establish wild, self-sustaining populations and share scientific knowledge that advances recovery projects.
In partnership with the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, NBAPC helps shape policies that support water quality, sustainability, and the long-term health of the Saint John River watershed.
We study ecosystem changes caused by seasonal flooding and riverbank erosion within the Nashwaak Watershed, from Stanley to Penniac Bridge, interpreting how sedimentation affects Atlantic Salmon and American Eel habitat.
Access the complete Maritimes Mussels Guide in multiple languages to support education, monitoring, and stewardship across the region.
Download the English version of the guide for an in-depth overview of freshwater mussel species and conservation considerations.
La version française du guide présente un aperçu détaillé des espèces de moules et des pratiques de conservation dans les Maritimes.
A Mi'kmaq language edition that supports language revitalization while sharing essential knowledge on mussel habitats.
A Wolastoqey translation that celebrates language and shares conservation insights for freshwater mussels.