Fish & Fish Habitat
Fish & Fish Habitat Workshops
APC’s Fish & Fish Habitat (FFH) workshops have and continue to be a space for Atlantic First Nations communities and organizations to meet and discuss issues, gaps, and recommendations in DFO policies and frameworks with respect to the Fisheries Act, share stories about the fish and fish habitat work happening in the region, and to learn from one another and build meaningful relationships in the process.
Some of the policies and/or draft frameworks that have been discussed at Fish & Fish Habitat (FFH) workshops include but are not limited to:
- Codes of Practice
- Cumulative Effects on Fish & Fish Habitat
- Engagement Framework
- Fisheries Act Registry
- Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation
- Framework to Identify Fish Habitat Restoration Priorities
- Offsetting and Banking Policies
- Prescribed Works and Waters Regulations
- Death of Fish Position Statement
- Existing Facilities and Structures Position Statement
- Ecologically Significant Areas Framework
General resources on the above-mentioned topics are available on the Let’s Talk Fish Habitat website. Please find the reports for APC’s workshops to date below:
Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM)
From a Western perspective, “ecosystem-based management” (EBM) is a holistic approach that considers ecological, social, economic, and governance principles to achieve sustainable resource use and management. The purpose of an EBM Framework is to guide and support decision-making regarding holistic aquatic resource use and management within Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) Maritimes Region; however, it will also be easily accessible and usable by any interested aquatic resource users and managers. The EBM Framework serves as both a guide and an accountability mechanism that the DFO Maritimes Region will use to ensure more than just ecological values are considered when it comes to sustainable aquatic resource use and management for current and future generations.
It was identified early on that DFO Maritimes’ draft EBM Framework did not adequately address, reflect, or amplify First Nations concepts, values, objectives, perspectives, and knowledge (“First Nations considerations”), concerns, and priorities with respect to the use, protection, and care of aquatic resources and habitats. Furthermore, much of the language that Western Knowledge Systems use to describe an “ecosystem-based management” approach (including the term itself) does not exist in First Nations language.
To address this, APC and DFO Maritimes Region EBM staff have been working together to strengthen and expand DFO Maritimes’ EBM Framework to adequately address, reflect, and amplify First Nations considerations, concerns, and priorities. In support of this effort, APC, in partnership with DFO Maritimes Region, hosted two workshops in 2023 and 2024 and hired Indigenous Minds Consulting to create several reports to support the continued development of DFO’s EBM Framework.
See the latest reports below, regarding APC’s ongoing efforts with DFO Maritimes Region in the development of an EBM Framework:
American Eel Gathering
The 2026 American Eel Gathering brought together Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkati, and Anishinaabeg knowledge holders, youth, Elders, scientists, community staff, and leadership to share teachings, research, and priorities related to the American Eel. Over two days, participants explored the cultural, ecological, and historic significance of eel, the impacts of colonial disruption on species and communities, and the urgent need to restore both eel abundance and the knowledge systems that guide stewardship. Presenters highlighted the dramatic decline of eel across its range due to dams, habitat fragmentation, turbine mortality, pollution, and climate pressures, alongside the erosion of cultural knowledge caused by residential schools, policy restrictions, and loss of access to traditional harvesting. Despite this loss, communities demonstrated strong commitment to renewing relationships with eel through Indigenous-led science, habitat restoration, land-based learning, and intergenerational knowledge sharing.