Using the Sustainable Livelihood Approach to inform the development of a multispecies fishery management plan

Abstract

The Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation would like to develop a livelihood fishery to sustain a moderate livelihood. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework guided the identification of challenges and opportunities that the Paqtnkek community may incur in the livelihood fishery development. The barriers and opportunities identified in the framework were mitigated and enhanced in the proposed fishery management plan for the livelihood fishery. The general decline in fish population and the financial investment required to develop the fishery were the most important challenges identified. However, the livelihood fishery can develop a sense of self reliance for the Paqtnkek community and provide the community knowledge and skills which can be transferred to other industries. As a result, the opportunities created as a result of the fishery outweigh the challenges that the Paqtnkek community may incur. Therefore, the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation should proceed and begin the process to develop their livelihood fishery.