The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point says it has a treaty right to fish in federal waters.

The tribe is currently based in the state of Maine. But a 1794 treaty with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts refers to fishing rights.

"The only treaty we have is with Massachusetts, in 1794, which quite clearly stipulates the Passamaquoddy Tribe and their heirs shall have the right to fish unmolested forever," tribal council member Fred Moore, a former state lawmaker, told The Portland Press Herald.

Up until recently, the tribe limited its fishing to waters off the coast of Maine. But the tribe is now asserting a right to fish in waters from three miles to 200 miles offshore.

The tribe is in discussions with the National Marine Fisheries Service but the agency has not yet recognized the treaty.

Get the Story:
Maine tribe defies U.S. in offshore fishing row (The Portland Press Herald 9/2)

Related Stories:
Agency warns Passamaquoddy Tribe on fishing in federal waters (9/1)
Man cited after using fishing permit from Passamaquoddy Tribe (8/27)