Science Response 2020/049

Assessment of a proposed quota increase for the commercial Arctic Char fishery in the Lauchlan River (Cambridge Bay, Nunavut)

Context

During the 1990s, the Arctic Fisheries Scientific Advisory Committee (AFSAC) reviewed annual harvests and quotas for the Lauchlan River Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus alpinus) fishery (Cosens et al. 1998). AFSAC recommended a quota reduction from 9,100 kg to 2,400 kg in 1995, which was equal to an estimated exploitation rate of 7 % based on the 1983 weir counts (32,000 kg, McGowan 1990). AFSAC recommended that the lower quota remain in effect for a four or five-year period so that the effect of this level of harvest on the fishery could be determined. In 2004, Kitikmeot Foods applied for an exploratory license to fish anadromous Arctic Char in Lauchlan River/Byron Bay during August; they requested a quota of 5,000 kg. In 2004, DFO Science evaluated the request and recommended that the quota level of 2,400 kg for Lauchlan River be maintained, and that sampling be done on the harvest from this location so that the status of the stock could be assessed. In 2009, Kitikmeot Foods Ltd, with support from the Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization, requested an increase in quota from 2,400 kg to 9,100 kg. DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management sought advice from DFO Science on the sustainability of such an increase in harvest at the Lauchlan River.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of May 10, 2011, on the Assessment of a proposed quota increase for the Commercial Arctic Char Fishery in the Lauchlan River (Cambridge Bay, Nunavut).

Science Response 2020/049 (PDF, 975 KB)

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