A Nova Scotia First Nations must pay thousands in legal costs to a commercial fishing group.

In a news release, the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA) says Justice John Keith of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court awarded them $15,000 in court costs from Sipetne’katik First Nation.

UFCA was looking for $334,000.

It stems from a suit the band launched in 2021 against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Attorney General after its traps were seized in St. Mary’s Bay.

Sipetne’katik argued that the Fisheries Act did not apply to moderate livelihood fishing and has been operating a self-regulated Treaty lobster fishery in St. Mary’s Bay for years.

However, they dropped the case earlier this year.

UFCA, as an intervenor, made an application to the court over legal costs endured.

President of UFCA, Colin Sproul called the ruling Thursday a major victory.

“Justice Keith recognized our organization as an active and known entity representing the commercial lobster industry,” said Sproul. “He also affirmed that UFCA has a direct and meaningful interest in questions around First Nation rights and equitable sharing of the fishery resource.”

He added, considering they were an intervenor, being awarded court costs is “exceptional circumstances” and directly related to the “poor conduct” by Sipetne’katik cancelling the night before two separate discoveries.

Sproul thanked their membership for their support.

-with files from Kevin Northup