Leona Aglukkaq announces $7M in funding for Nunavut fisheries

Federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq has announced funding of more than $7 million for research on newand developing fisheries in Nunavut.

Just over half the money is to come from Ottawa. The Nunavut government,Inuit groups and universities are to provide the rest. Much of the money is to be spent over the next two years onNunavut's turbot fishery, which is worth about $65 million a year.

Scientists are to consider how existing turbot harvests can beexpanded and whether new locations can be added. They will also dosurveys to help with managing the stock.Surveys and sustainability research are also to be done onnorthern shrimp, Nunavut's second-richest catch.

Researchers will also consider whether to allow a commercial clamindustry near Qikiqtarjuaq, along the east coast of Baffin Island,where Inuit have long harvested the shellfish along the sea bottom under the ice. Scientists will also look at whether Nunavut's smallArctic char fishery can be expanded.

Canada has been accused in the past of expanding its Arcticfishery without understanding very much about it.Researchers at Newfoundland's Memorial University concluded in2013 that some vessels are already harvesting too many small fish inviolation of federal guidelines.

Fishing has become one of Nunavut's success stories. An industryworth about $35 million in 2006 brought in about $79million worthof fish in 2013.

The total allowable catch has also been increasing.

In 2013, the turbot quota for the northeast coast of BaffinIsland was increased to 8,000 tonnes from 6,500 tonnes. In 2010, thelimit in the southern Davis Strait was raised 27 per cent to 7,000tonnes.New vessels have entered the industry and there are now fourInuit-owned companies involved in the turbot fishery offBaffinIsland.

There is no commercial fishery in central Arctic waters as yet,although some believe climate change will create opportunities. LastFebruary, Canada and four other Arctic nations agreed to work towarda deal to block commercial fishing there until more is known aboutthe potential of the resource.