Research Document - 2010/063

Information to support the assessment of Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), from the Isuituq River system, Nunavut

By L.N. Harris and R.F. Tallman

Abstract

Arctic Char, Salvelinus alpinus, is widely distributed throughout Northern Canada and is an important subsistence and commercial resource throughout much of its range. In the Cumberland Sound region of Nunavut (NU), this species is abundant in numerous waterbodies, several of which likely have commercial potential. Sustainability of harvest levels, however, must first be demonstrated prior to the transition to commercial status. This is typically done through an assessment of data collected as part of an exploratory fishery (STAGE II), which precedes the commercial stage (STAGE III) of a fishery. Data collected as part of the exploratory fishery may be complimented with several years of data collected through fishery independent research surveys conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Here, we present harvest data collected from subsistence and exploratory fisheries and population parameter data collected from DFO research initiatives in the Isuituq River system, NU specifically at Clearwater Fiord (waterbody code PG080; 66°37’ N, 67°52’ W). This fishery at Clearwater Fiord is currently fished under an exploratory licence, and in this assessment, the commercial potential of this fishery is evaluated. Since the inception of the exploratory fishery, harvest has varied between 2298.45 kg to 3378.91 kg per year with total landings for this exploratory period equal to 32151.37 kg round weight per year. Subsistence harvest, in this system is likely low, but variable (157-1255 fish per year). Subsistence harvest information, however, encompasses only a short time series and has likely been overestimated in some years. Population parameter data (weight, length, condition and age) for Isuituq Arctic Char show a high degree of temporal variation. A lack of negative biological trends in the majority of the parameters examined suggests the Isuituq stock is healthy and is withstanding current harvest levels. That is, the Isuituq fishery appears to be stable and is likely fished at or below the sustainable rate of harvest which suggests that this fishery could transition to commercial status at the current harvest levels. Small increases in quota could be implemented followed by careful monitoring of the fishery. To allow better assessment of the Isuituq Arctic Char stock and the sustainability of the fishery, population abundance should be determined for this system and information to address whether harvest represents a mixed-stock fishery should be collected.

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