Lobster battle boiling over

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Native fisherman Joe LaBobe believes non-Native commercial fishermen in P.E.I. are beginning to forget a simple fact of Canadian life. That being non-Native have the privilege of fishing Canadian waters, and Native fishermen have that right.

LaBobe has watched the tensions rise over the years between the two opposing groups. He was not surprised when the atmosphere on the island turned ugly Sept. 6.

Native reports to RCMP that men in nine boats, with identification numbers on their hulls hidden, smashed and destroyed 275 legal traps in Malpeque Bay. This was done, police believe, in response to Native fishermen publicly selling lobster the day

before at prices well below market value.

"They're doing that to gain public support," said LaBobe of the Native who commercial fisherman accuse of depleting the stock. Native fishermen food fish most of the year, except during the months of May and June at the opening of the commercial season, said LaBobe.

He doesn't understand how they can say that a few hundred traps licensed to Natives would cause such a problem. Not when the commercial fishermen are licensed for 250 to 300 traps per boat and have a flotilla of about 500 boats working in and around the area.

"They are worried all of a sudden about conservation and they are the worst offenders," said LaBobe.

He suggests a five-year moratorium on fishing the stock would solve all problems. He said he'd be willing to take $1,500 a week in compensation for his household for not fishing for commercial reasons. He'd be happy then just to fish for food, as is his right.