Aboriginal fisheries officers help monitor the
unloading and transportation of fish, and record the
number of fish caught by each band. They also play a
large role in the management of fish habitat, and report
directly to the DFO if any fishing activity is harmful to
fish habitat.

Certified aboriginal fisheries officers (or guardians)
regularly patrol (on land and water) their band or tribal
council territory to monitor fishing activity. If required,
they:

™~ issue warnings

~ gather evidence

~ lay charges

~ take statements

~ seize fish and equipment

~ testify in court

Do I have to obey AFS regulations?

In most areas of the province, individual bands and the
DEO have agreed on a number of enforcement issues.
Nets, fish, and boats can be seized when these regulations
are not respected. The enforcement of these regulations is
carried out by both guardians and the DFO’s fisheries
officers.

Note: Even if your band has not signed an AFS agreement,
the right to fish includes the duty to be responsible. Anyone

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