The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs are denying claims from local fishing associations.

On Thursday, the associations withdrew their support of an understanding between DFO and 4 First Nations in Southwest Nova Scotia.

The ‘interim authorization’ allows the First Nations to fish lobster for a moderate livelihood in LFA 33 and 34.

The associations say DFO changed the rules from underneath them, and are allowing non-Indigenous people to access the fishery.

In a statement on social media, the Assembly says the fishing associations continue to perpetuate misinformation, increasing violence and tensions for their harvesters on the water.

The Assembly notes they reached out to DFO on November 7th about individuals on vessels who didn’t have proper authorization to Treaty fish.

They say they asked DFO to investigate and take appropriate action.

The Department still has not returned a request for comment.