Question Period Note: Arctic Surf Clam

• We are aware that Clearwater Seafoods has entered into an agreement with First Nations communities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to harvest Arctic surf clam.
• DFO is committed to pursuing a path that meaningfully advances reconciliation. In this respect, we will take the time needed to make the right decision in regards to a possible new entrant in this fishery.

• Three offshore artic surf Clam licence are currently held directly or indirectly by one company, Clearwater Seafoods Incorporated. The fishery is conducted on a year round basis from January 1 to December 31.
• On February 21, 2018, Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced that a new license for arctic surf clam would be issued to the Five Nations Clam Company, representing 25% of the total allowable catch (TAC), and will be issued within the current TAC. In July 2018, the process was cancelled and no license was issued.
• In March 2019, Clearwater Seafoods announced that it had entered into an agreement with Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaq communities (as represented by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs) and Miawpukek First nation in Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The agreement provides for revenue sharing, employment and training and development for the Indigenous participants. The fourth licence would be issued to a corporation, the shareholders of which would be the 14 Indigenous communities. The agreement provides that the Indigenous communities would retain control of the rights and privileges conferred under the licence, and contemplates the use of Clearwater’s sale and distribution system for the fish caught under the fourth licence.

Supplementary:
• The entire 2020 total allowable catch (TAC) for Arctic Surf Clam has been made available to Clearwater Seafoods, the current licence holder in this fishery.
• This allows for the economic benefits to remain in coastal communities while Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to
consider broadening access to this fishery.