The $1-billion transaction, including debt, is also expected to see the Indigenous coalition hold Clearwater's Canadian fishing licences within a fully Mi'kmaq owned partnership.

In a press release issued Tuesday, RCMP said 23 people have been charged with break-ins in relation to the October 2020 incident in Middle West Pubnico.

RCMP say 15 people face a charge each of break and enter while eight others face charges of break and enter and mischief in connection with the raid at a lobster pound in October.

Chief Andrea Paul of Pictou Landing First Nation had made it clear in September they would be fishing for lobster in smaller aluminum boats.

Shen Ren Zheng and his company have been fined while Zheng is prohibited from buying, selling, trading or possessing any fish harvested off Nova Scotia for the next two months.

RCMP have not identified the men and no charges have been laid at this time. Investigators say they believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. 

RCMP is asking the public to help investigators identify suspects who engaged in criminal activity.

Chief Mike Sack of the Sipekne'katik First Nation say they may reconsider should there be a change in the department's approach.

The season in Lobster Fishing Area 34 will officially open on Tuesday at 4 a.m. AT., after an eight-day delay to the season.

Dumping Day - the first day of the lobster fishing season when traps are placed - was supposed to happen on Nov. 30, but high winds and rough seas continue to delay the opening.