Inshore Fisheries Development/ Research

Project Description

Responding to the community priorities heard during QC’s community tours, the QC Fisheries Division developed a strategic plan to support communities to develop their inshore fisheries.

QC has allocated significant investments in infrastructure, research and community support to develop the inshore fishery across the Qikiqtani Region.

A critical aspect of the inshore fishery development is collaboration with the Qikiqtani communities to conduct research on their inshore resources. In 2018 QC secured federal and territorial funding, leveraged with funding from QC, to design and construct a $2.5 million multi-purpose research vessel to conduct baseline research and surveys. Construction of the RV Ludy Pudluk was completed in 2020.

QC worked with the Marine Institute of Memorial University in St. John’s Newfoundland to establish a Nunavut inshore fishery research program. Coastal and inshore fisheries surveys occur annually, each 8-10 weeks in length and cover two communities per season.

QC is working with the Qikiqtani communities to prioritize the inshore community projects as part of this research program. During the surveys, local Inuit are hired to assist on the RV Ludy Pudluk and are trained in research techniques to develop local capacity.

With the help of various partners, QC Fisheries has created a Job Shadowing at Sea Experience. High school students, from communities where research is being conducted, join the crew on the RV Ludy Pudluk. Students are given opportunities to work on the vessel, job shadow, and participate in onboard research, and sample and data collection.

For more information on inshore fishery development contact fisheries@qcorp.ca