Consultations on the 2024 elver fishery.

Federal fisheries minister Diane Lebouthillier announced they will consult with license holders, First Nations and Indigenous organizations.

Poaching has plagued the lucrative baby eel fishery for a number of years, leading to a shutdown last April.

DFO says they’re committed to a sustainable, orderly and safe fishery that respects harvesters and Indigenous rights.

The department says they’ve been working on regulations to create separate licenses for the possession and export of elvers.

A letter from Minister Lebouthillier was sent to license holders Tuesday, citing her intent not to renew any elver licenses for 2024.

In the letter, the minister says the new regulations would not be in place for this year.

She says a final decision will be made on February 23rd on whether or not this year’s fishery will open.