Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Aug 27/01) - If a test fishery progresses as planned in Kugluktuk, it could make for a drop in business at the local grocery stores.

Baba Pedersen, a renewable resources officer for the Department of Sustainable Development, said this month a committee of local people is exploring species available in the Coronation Gulf. He said the immediate intent is not to develop a commercial enterprise, but to examine ways to make better use of the potential food supply.

"The intention is to try and teach local people how to utilize the species to supplement their diet," said Pedersen.

"It means they won't have to go to the store to buy meals to supplement their diet," he said.

Pedersen said local hunters have begun to harvest more crabs in recent years. That growing interest led him to pursue government funding to hire a fish consultant.

Enter Newfoundland's John Melindy. Well-respected around Nunavut and Labrador for his expertise in developing fisheries, Melindy spent part of August in Kugluktuk with community members.

Reached at his home on the east coast last Wednesday, Melindy said their original plans of getting out to actually harvest species were scaled back because the intended fishing vessel was damaged by ice.

Traditional input

He said they still managed to hit the ocean using the boats of local hunters, but spent a good part of the time involved in community consultations.

"We did a little bit of traditional ecology knowledge searching," said Melindy.

"People came and told of their experiences about where they've seen things," he said.

Crab traps were also set during his time in Nunavut and a few other species -- including sea urchins -- were harvested.

Pedersen said next year's goal, assuming he gets funding and community support, will be to pursue the availability of mussels and clams and to bring in an underwater photographer.

"We want to get an underwater photo survey done," said Pedersen.

"The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has an underwater photographer. We want that so we can see with our own eyes what's down there," he said.

It is hoped enough funding will be secured to bring Melindy back next summer.

The committee also hopes to hold a public taste test to give residents a chance to sample what could well become standard fare in the hamlet.

"Our aim is to try and get local people to try it and consume it," said Pedersen.