WHO WE ARE
Rebuilding Our Community & Commercial Fisheries
Coastal Nations Fisheries (CNF) is a transformative fishing company on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii, collaboratively owned by eight First Nations—Gitga’at, Gitxaała, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv.
After years of negotiations between coastal First Nations and the federal government aimed at revitalizing fisheries on the North Pacific Coast, the creation of Coastal Nations Fisheries is a critical step in ensuring marine resources sustain coastal communities into the future, just as they have for thousands of years.
OUR SHAREHOLDERS
Nations Coming Together
Our shareholders work together to provide opportunities for members—at both the commercial and community level.
Each of the eight shareholder First Nations listed below is a Coastal Nations Fisheries Limited Partnership partner.
Each of the Nations also operates its community-based fishery (CBF), with CNF supporting the CBFs in acquiring vessels and equipment, accessing licences, and quota and training.
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
Fisheries for the Future
The traditional territories of CNF shareholder Nations encompass one of the largest temperate coastal rainforests on Earth, more than 6.4 million hectares of coastal forests, nutrient-rich intertidal habitat and salmon-bearing streams and rivers.
Known globally today as the Great Bear Rainforest, this ecological and cultural treasure merges seamlessly with rich and abundant marine ecosystems—home for a wide array of culturally and ecologically important species, including herring, salmon, shellfish and more.
These traditional waters have sustained our communities for millennia; they provide sustenance and a way of life, and the foundation of our culture, language, and livelihoods.
“WE WOULD LOOK TO ACQUIRE EXISTING LICENSES ON THE MARKET AND BRING THOSE BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERY INTO OUR COMMERCIAL FISHING COMPANY. [NOT] TO ADD TO THE PRESSURE..WITH THE STOCKS IN DECLINING POPULATIONS.”
GAAGWIIS JASON ALSOP, PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE HAIDA NATION
SUSTAINABLE BY TRADITION
Respect for Marine Life
CNF shareholder Nations are strongly rooted in fishing history and traditions. At the heart of these traditional practices is a commitment to stewardship and respect for all life. As stewards of these territories, Coastal Nations Fisheries shareholders are committed to sustaining a healthy environment for all future generations.
Sustainable management and responsible fishing practices are essential for maintaining healthy, thriving marine populations of important species—from salmon and halibut to seaweed and shellfish. Our approach is based on the latest in science and research and local, traditional knowledge that has been passed along for millennia. Together, these provide an accurate picture of the current state of marine ecosystems and populations.
COASTAL NATIONS FISHERIES
Brochure
In the CNF brochure, we highlight our mission to support shareholder Nations in revitalizing community-based fisheries and developing a thriving, sustainably operated commercial fishing company.
Whether it's providing support for coastal fishers to acquire or refit fishing vessels and gear, or empowering new fishers through training, certification and business planning, our priorities are based in the long-term goals of shareholder Nations to improve economic, social and community wellbeing in coastal communities.