NunatuKavut calls for suspension of commercial capelin fishery

MARCH 19, 2018 – NUNATUKAVUT, LABRADOR – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today called upon the Government of Canada to suspend the commercial capelin fishery in Atlantic Canada. Recent science has shown a significant decline in the capelin stock and traditional Southern Inuit knowledge indicate the capelin are arriving later, in fewer numbers and smaller in size. Capelin has played an important role in the culture, history and economy of Southern Inuit for generations and this decline is of grave concern.

NCC believes there is need for an expanded and more sustained longer-term research program for capelin, which includes both modern science and Indigenous knowledge, so that its role in the ecosystem is more fully understood. NCC is asking for a suspension of the capelin fishery based on the following factors:

• Conservation of current stock
• Use of Indigenous knowledge
• Need for science-based decisions
• The role of capelin in the marine ecosystem

The people of NunatuKavut have had a long and important relationship with capelin and NCC wants to ensure this valuable species is protected now and for the future.

Quick Facts

• Since 2016, NCC has been a partner in the National Science and Engineering Council (NSERC) research project, “Integrating genomics, phenotypes and local knowledge towards improving capelin stock management in Canadian Atlantic and Arctic waters.” This project will fill important knowledge gaps by identifying capelin management units, biological characteristics of stocks and their distribution, and integrating Inuit science and knowledge to improve the management and conservation of this important species in Atlantic waters.
• NCC is a major partner with World Wildlife Fund Canada in a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Coastal Restoration Fund initiative that integrates Indigenous and local knowledge with western science to better understand and enhance capelin habitat in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• NCC is the representative governing body for approximately 6,000 Inuit of south and central Labrador, collectively known as the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut.
• NunatuKavut means “Our Ancient Land” in Inuttitut and is the traditional territory of the Southern Inuit.

Quotes

“The identity of Southern Inuit is shaped by the land, ice and sea. Our people have been dependent on the fish resources and the marine environment for as long as we have existed and we know that capelin is one of the most vital species in our waters. We call on the Government of Canada to suspend the commercial capelin fishery until we more fully understand its important role and far-reaching impact on our ecosystem. We have a responsibility to and a relationship with the environment around us and we have to do all we can to help protect our resources and way of life for our future generations.”

• Todd Russell, President of NCC

Associated Links

• For further information on NCC, please visit nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut and Twitter @nunatukavut.

Contact: Kelly Broomfield, Director of Communications, NCC, 709-280-5965

NT5