Waycobah’s Fisheries consists of two divisions: the commercial and the “Food, Social, and Ceremonial” fisheries.

Since the Marshall Decision, Waycobah First Nation has seen a steady growth in its commercial assets.  The community now has two lobster licenses, shrimp trap and trawl licenses, three crab quotas, groundfish quotas, and an active elver fishery.  We also have inactive licenses for tuna, whelk, urchin, mackerel, and herring.  The result of this has seen significant economic benefits to the community.  As well, the long term goal is to provide the necessary training and experience to allow community members to take over the vessels as Captains and First Mates.  In the near future, Waycobah First Nation will strive to divest itself of the distant fishery access such as groundfish and use the monies received to acquire near shore enterprises such as lobster and crab.  This rearrangement will, in the long term, provide more jobs at a higher skill level for Waycobah Community members.

Waycobah First Nation now employs approximately 35 community members in the commercial fishery.  Also, three individuals work in the guardian program helping the community access its rights under the Food, Social, and Ceremonial agreements. 

In 2011, a trout fish farm was re-established in Waycobah.  Although the fish and their distribution are owned by Cold Water Fisheries, the staff is Waycobah Community members.  Our people oversee the raising of the fish and are trained to deal with on-site issues such as disease, predation, etc.  The knowledge gained will provide a major asset to the community. 

Waycobah Fisheries division has seen steady growth in the fishing industry.  Some of the community fishers have been hired by off-reserve employers in recognition of their acquired skills.

Waycobah is a valued member at the advisory table when it comes to allocation of any commercial fishery activity.
Waycobah has shown leadership among First Nations in its approach to the commercial fishery.  Refining their skill set using the existing assets while continuing to lobby government for additional access has positioned Waycobah as a leader in fisheries development.  The future holds much promise for the Waycobah Fisheries and the larger community it serves.