Linking Inuit and Scientific Knowledge and Observations to Better Understand Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) Community Monitoring

Description

Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) have been, and remain, an important
subsistence resource for the Inuvialuit, the Inuit of the western Canadian Arctic. The effects
of climate variability and change (CVC) in this region have been noticeably increasing over
the past three decades. There are concerns as to how CVC will affect Arctic Char and the
Inuvialuit who rely on this resource as they will have to adapt to changes in the fishery.
Community-based monitoring, is an important tool for managing Arctic Char. Therefore,
my dissertation focused on the central question of: Which community-based monitoring
factors and parameters would provide the information needed by local resources
users and decision-makers to make informed choices for managing Arctic Char
populations in light of CVC?
This question is investigated through an exploratory research approach and a mixed
method research design, using both scientific and social science methods, and quantitative
(scientific ecological knowledge and observation) and qualitative (Inuvialuit knowledge
and observation) information. It is formatted as three journal manuscripts, an introduction,
and an integrative discussion. The first manuscript examines potential habitat parameters
for monitoring landlocked Arctic Char condition in three lakes on Banks Island in the
Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The second manuscript examines potential local
environmental parameters for monitoring landlocked Arctic Char growth in the same three
lakes. The third manuscript investigates aspects of Arctic Char community-based
monitoring programs (CBMP) in the Canadian North that have led to the sustained
collection of useful data for management of the resource.
This dissertation makes contributions to the field of research by demonstrating the
utility of a mixed methods approach. The results demonstrate similarities and differences
in char growth and condition within and among Capron, Kuptan and Middle lakes on Banks
Island. This supports both lake-specific and regional climate-driven changes, meaning both
lake habitat and local environmental monitoring parameters should be used in char CBMP.
The investigation of char CBMP across northern Canada demonstrates that an adaptive
monitoring approach is important for subsistence fisheries, as changing lifestyles and
environmental changes impacting a fishery can have direct effects on the successful
operation of char CBMP.
Author Keywords: Arctic Char, community-based monitoring, environment, Inuit Knowledge, mixed methods, Traditional Knowledge