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Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick say they remain “deeply concerned” about the effect the proposed Energy East pipeline will have on their aboriginal and treaty rights.

Chief George Ginnish, of the Eel Ground First Nation, made the comment on behalf of nine Mi’kmaq communities at the National Energy Board hearings in Saint John, N.B., today.

READ MORE: Bay of Fundy oil spill could threaten east coast bird populations: naturalist

Ginnish says the communities are concerned about the impacts on watersheds and water crossings as well as on traditional fisheries and on species such as Atlantic salmon.

He says there are also concerns about increased tanker traffic in the Bay of Fundy.

Ginnish says unless those concerns are “meaningfully addressed,” the Mi’kmaq will not consent to the pipeline crossing its territory.

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Officials with Energy East say they are committed to ongoing consultations with First Nations groups in order to address their concerns.

READ MORE: Energy East pipeline is safe, good for country, TransCanada tells NEB hearings