FRRA

Fisheries Resources and Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA)

The Fisheries Resources and Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA) is an Indigenous led initiative focused on empowering Haida Nation amongst other nations through sustainable management of marine resources. The agreement is rooted in self determination, traditional knowledge, and Science based practices, FRRA allows the Haida Nation to be stewards of our waters, protect marine ecosystems, and maintain our cultural connections to the sea.

See full agreement here: The Fisheries Resources and Reconciliation Agreement

Projects

Fisheries Monitoring and Data Sovereignty

FRRA has significantly increased the level of fish stock monitoring conducting 20% sampling compared to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)’s standard 5%. This robust data collection not only strengthens conservation efforts but also helps guide sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that fish populations remain healthy for future generations. A key element of this approach is data sovereignty—the principle that communities should have control over the collection, management, and use of our own data. By conducting their own comprehensive sampling and data analysis, FRRA ensures that the Haida Nation retains ownership and authority over the information that is critical to managing their fisheries. This data sovereignty allows the community to make informed decisions based on their own research and traditional knowledge, rather than relying solely on external entities.

Dockside Monitoring and Validation

The Haida Nation is leading the way in sustainable fisheries management by collaborating with Ecotrust Canada, a third-party organization that provides crucial technical and logistical support. This partnership allows us to integrate both traditional knowledge and modern scientific practices in the management of local marine environments. Our dockside monitoring programs train Haida citizens, including youth, in fish validation practices at landing sites. These efforts ensure compliance with DFO regulations while also strengthening conservation and self governance.

Marine Training and Certification

Through courses such as Small vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Fishing Master IV, and 60 Ton certification, FRRA increases community safety, employability, and income potential. These programs equip participants with technical skills for careers in fishing, eco-tourism, and vessel operation.

Electric Monitoring (EM) Programs

We are piloting standardized EM systems in collaboration with Coastal First Nations. These systems simplify data tracking and improve compliance across multiple Aboriginal fisheries, offering cost effective, transparent, and scalable monitoring solutions.

Pilot Fisheries Programs

• Salmon pilot: This program will involve community-based fishers actively participating in the management and monitoring of salmon stocks, aligning their practices with sustainability goals and conservation efforts. These pilots allow for more direct involvement of Indigenous communities in decision-making around fishery management while also helping to maintain fish stocks and ensure their long-term sustainability.

• Prawn Pilot: This pilot will utilize the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) flexibilities to test these practices using small vessels in local waters. The goal is to evaluate how community-based prawn fishing can be managed effectively while aligning with the overarching need for sustainable practices. By applying traditional knowledge alongside contemporary fisheries management strategies, this pilot will allow Haida fishers to demonstrate the viability of local, sustainable prawn harvesting in their territories.

• Groundfish pilot: Similar to the prawn and salmon pilots, this initiative seeks to provide community-based fishers with the tools and strategies necessary to manage groundfish populations sustainably. The Groundfish Pilot will explore how small-scale, community-driven fisheries can operate within established regulations, testing innovative management practices while gathering valuable data on groundfish stocks. This program will help bridge the gap between community-based and commercial fisheries, showing that both approaches can coexist and contribute to long-term sustainability.

At sea Observation Training

Partnering with J.O Thomas, Haida students receive hands on training and certification in fisheries observation. This includes monitoring commercial fishing activity, collecting catch data, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Haida Fishermen’s Roundtable

This intergenerational forum brings together experienced fishers and Haida youth to share traditional practices, industry knowledge, and sustainable fishing values. The initiative builds pride, mentorship, and long-term capacity within the Haida fishing community.

Partnerships

Ecotrust Canada

FRRA's collaboration with Ecotrust Canada provides essential technical support and training in fisheries science, data collection, and electronic monitoring. Ecotrust’s involvement ensures that Haida citizens are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to actively manage marine resources while maintaining local data sovereignty.

Haida Wild & HaiCo

As a Haida-owned enterprise, Haida Wild works closely with FRRA to support sustainable fishing practices and value-added seafood production. This partnership creates jobs, builds economic resilience, and fosters a new generation of leaders in marine stewardship. The Haida Fishermen’s Roundtable, initiated by Haida Wild Manager Ramona Gerak, is one example of how business and cultural values align to support long-term sustainability.

J.O. Thomas & Associates

Training Haida youth in fisheries observation, J.O. Thomas provides key certification programs, mentorship, and shadowing experiences. This partnership builds career pathways and promotes environmental stewardship.

Coastal First Nations (CFN)

Our work with CFN includes the development of unified electronic monitoring systems and shared pilot programs that demonstrate Indigenous leadership in fisheries governance. Together, we’re working toward scalable, community-based solutions for Pacific coastal Nations.