Stock Status Report 1999/D5-68
Hornaday River Arctic Charr
Summary
- In the early 1980's, fishers noticed a change in their catch of Arctic charr at the Hornaday River, and this was supported by the available biological data. There was indication of a reduction in the average age and length of the charr caught and a reduction in the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of the fishery.
- Commercial fishing ceased in 1986
- Removals through sport fishing have been, and continue to be, negligible.
- The present day fishery is exclusively a food fishery, and has been monitored by the community since 1990. Biological data from the 1990's indicate the stock is still subject to a high level of exploitation, with the food fishery averaging 2400 charr per year over the last decade.
- With the support of the Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee (PHTC) prepared and implemented their Paulatuk Charr Management Plan 1998-2002 (PHTC 1999). The Plan calls for a reduction of the overall catch to 1700 charr per year for a period of not less than five years, and the closure to all fishing of certain spawning and overwintering habitats. These measures were put in place to conserve the stock and ensure its long-term well being.
- The community fishers have been in full compliance with the Plan since its implementation and biological monitoring data collected to date have been encouraging.
- The integrity of the Hornaday River watershed must be preserved, to ensure that the charr stock remains viable. Water quality and quantity are presently being monitored at the Hornaday River. The upper Hornaday River lies within Tuktut Nogait National Park.
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