University of Waterloo

Purpose

Arctic Char from the Coppermine River are a critical food source for the community of Kugluktuk, NU. The proposed project builds on existing relationships and aims to answer questions from Inuit regarding movements of fish in the Coppermine River and Coronation Gulf. In a collaboration led by Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) and involving researchers from University of Waterloo, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and NRC, we will capitalize on existing acoustic telemetry infrastructure to answer questions about fish migrations and habitat use. Results will be used by Inuit fishers and managers to advance communitybased fishery management (timing of harvest, harvest locations) and our understanding of how climate may affect the fishery. Equipment moorings will be assessed and improved through NRC collaboration, to facilitate year-round research in Arctic fluvial systems.