Inuit knowledge and observations of changes in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and implications for subsistence livelihoods in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

• Other Authors: Smart, Jessica (Author), Pearce, Tristan (Thesis advisor), Wilson, Gary (Chair), Fondahl, Gail (Committee member), Gallagher, Colin (Committee member), Furgal, Christopher (Committee member), University of Northern British Columbia Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (Degree granting institution)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Northern British Columbia 2021
• Subjects: Arctic char fishing; Arctic char fishing. > Ulukhaktok (Inuit community); Natural resources > Management; Climatic changes; Climatic changes. > Ulukhaktok (Inuit community); Aquatic resources conservation; Aquatic resources conservation. > Ulukhaktok (Inuit community); Arctic; Northwest Territories; Canada; Ulukhaktok; inuit; Salvelinus alpinus
• Online Access: https://arcabc.ca/islandora/object/unbc%3A59209; https://doi.org/10.24124/2021/59209

This thesis documents and examines recent changes observed in anadromous Arctic char (Iqalukpik) (Salvelinus alpinus) in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada, including how these changes are being experienced and responded to by community members. Ulukhaktomiut identified a need to document their knowledge and observations of Arctic char to help inform comanagement. The analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews with Ulukhaktomiut revealed six main concerns about Arctic char linked to changes arising in the local environment: (1) presence of salmon, (2) increasing temperature, (3) inconsistent sea and lake ice conditions, (4) changing weather patterns, (5) fluctuating water levels, and (6) the recent presence of tunicates in the ocean. Ulukhaktomiut respond to these changes at the individual and community levels, including altering fishing practices and temporarily halting commercial fishing. The results show that Ulukhaktomiut are astute observers of their local environment and are able to share highly detailed knowledge and observations of Arctic char. Environmental changes are emerging quickly, and there is a great deal of uncertainty among Ulukhaktomiut about why these changes are occurring and what impact they may have on Arctic char. Fisheries management structures will need to be flexible and responsive to ongoing local observations and the best available science to sustain a viable Arctic char fishery now and into the future.