A Vancouver Island First Nation is threatening to blockade a
large section of the Strait of Georgia because of a major
dispute with Fisheries and Oceans over the lucrative geoduck
harvest.  The geoduck is a species of very large, edible,
saltwater clam - one of the largest in the world. Its name is
derived from a Coast Salish word meaning "dig deep".  The
sought-after clams have a very high value on the international
market. Stz'uminus Chief John Elliott says his First Nation has
been seeking a larger share of the geoduck fishery for years.
Elliott says the band applied to Fisheries and Oceans Canada to
harvest the clams in a 100-hectare area in the waters near its
reserve, but were only granted rights to harvest just five
hectares of sea floor.  He says the Stz'uminus rely on the
resources "fronting its doorstep."  Stz'uminus First Natio  The
Stz'uminus First Nation's proposed blockade zone (Stz'uminus
First Nation)  Stz'uminus boats already blocked
commercial geoduck harvesters in 2010, leading to tense mo