Tribal Council Reminds Non-Members of Fishing Regulations

Mar 24, 2016

Akwesasne, NY — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is reminding non-members that fishing in Akwesasne’s territorial waters is an inherent and protected right of members. Non-members seeking to fish in the territory must obtain a fishing permit pursuant to the Non-Member Fishing Permit Regulations and Law (TCR 2011-52).

“Fish have a historical, cultural and economic significance to the community of Akwesasne,” stated Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. He added, “It is our responsibility to safeguard this irreplaceable resource, particularly during their spawning seasons.”

On November 22, 2011 the Tribal Council adopted the Non-Member Fishing Regulations to specifically apply to all non-tribal members who fish in Akwesasne. It was amended in collaboration with tribal fishermen in 2014 to further protect fishing resources by specifying the tributary waterways of the St. Lawrence River, known as the St. Regis River and Raquette River, upstream through the Tribe's jurisdiction. It specified that non-member members may not fish during a closed season for any species in these waters.

According to Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance, "For years, community members have expressed concerns about non-members over-fishing at a time when the fish are set to spawn. The Non-Membership Fishing Regulation is intended to curtail that action by requiring non-members to obtain a fishing permit to fish in our territory."

A non-member fishing permit application is available for an annual fee of $40 from the Tribe’s Compliance Department; located on the third floor of the Community Building, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655. Copies of the amended SRMT Non-Member Fishing Regulations and additional information are also available upon request.

“We are asking non-members to support our efforts to preserve and protect our community’s fish resources for future generations,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. She noted, “In addition to complying with our fishing regulations, we ask everyone to please respect the spawning beds and to practice catch and release for fish that are still carrying eggs.”

If you have any questions or would like to request any of these documents, please contact the Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272.

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