Bridge Over Knowledged Waters - Linking Science and Traditional Knowledge of Arctic Char

This project studying community-based monitoring (CBM) and the potential for bringing together traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and scientific knowledge of chars intends to identify key indicators of change in char using both quantitative (char growth, environment conditions) and qualitative (TEK) data. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a staple subsistence resource for Inuit on Banks and Victoria Islands in the Northwest Territories. In recent years, significant climate variability has been observed in the area and there are concerns about how this variability will affect subsistence resources. Communities are the first point of contact, observing these changes and the effects on their land, water and animals. Centuries of knowledge and observations about the environment and natural resources exist among Inuit hunters and fishers. TEK can expand our understanding of environmental variability and its effects on Arctic species. Further, CBM provides an opportunity to better understand the current status of species and can form the basis for understanding and preparing for future changes in Arctic species in light of a changing environment.

A summary of the preliminary investigation into the growth of Arctic Char in relation to climatic conditions in lakes on Banks and Victoria Islands is presented. New insights provided from TEK interviews about char and the environment, are explored. Ultimately this novel multidisciplinary research provides new insights into potential environmental indicators which could be used in CBM plans and further, is an example of how science and TEK can complement one another to provide a better understanding of northern fish species in a changing environment. The preliminary results demonstrate that the Arctic Char in the lakes in the Sachs Harbour area: a) fit expected patterns of fish growth; b) have different maximum sizes; and c) reach their maximum size at different ages in different lakes. In two study lakes on Banks Island, fish across a variety of age classes experienced a growth spurt approximately one decade ago. The preliminary results from my research show concordance with the local traditional knowledge and recent community observations.