From rivers to sea and well-being: Iqaluppik community-based research to support sustainable fisheries in the changing Ungava Bay

Sea-run Arctic Char plays a key role in Inuit food systems and is highly impacted by human-caused pressures in both its freshwater and marine habitats. There is an urgent need for Arctic Char research and monitoring addressing Inuit concerns. The local Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Associations (HFTAs) of Kangirsuk, Aupaluk, and Kangiqsualujjuaq seek more information on their Arctic Char populations to plan sustainable management in a changing environment. Co-led with the Kangirsuk HFTA and involving the Aupaluk and Kangiqsualujjuaq HFTAs, this project tackles concerns and priorities of Nunavimmiut (Inuit of Nunavik) in regards to sea-run Arctic Char. As a first goal, we study key aspects of Arctic Char ecology under multiple, interacting pressures through community-based monitoring and research. This goal involves three objectives answering specific community concerns on Arctic Char migratory patterns, habitat use, marine diet, quality, and resilience that are important to address for local management. We bring together Inuit Knowledge, social sciences, and cutting-edge biological methods including telemetry, otolith microchemistry, nutritional biomarkers (carotenoids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and climatic data to answer these concerns. We further establish a community-based monitoring system across the three communities. As a second goal, we envision the future of Inuit-led monitoring, management, and fishery development of Nunavik Arctic Char. We formulate, based on interviews with Inuit knowledge holders and literature review, recommendations for indicators interweaving Inuit Knowledge and Western Science in community-based monitoring. Finally, we cocreate scenarios that define ways to achieve and operate Inuit-led fishery governance in Nunavik into the future.