Panniqtuuq (May 31/04) - It was a tough year for commercial ice fishing in Panniqtuuq.

The chairman of the Pangnirtung Fisheries Board, Jacopee Maniapik, said fishermen in the region only landed 100,000lb. of fish. Last year they landed close to 400,000 lb.

The main reason for the drop in figures was because the late freeze up meant the fishermen were not able to get on the ice, said Maniapik.

"This year they were close to the land. There was less room for fishermen this year," said Maniapik. "There were less fish and smaller fish."

Ice fishermen have no choice but to set up where the ice is, said Maniapik.

It's good for the community because income support would be a lot higher, he said.

Despite the tough year, Madeleine Qumuatuq, community economic development officer, says the fishery is good for the town.

Close to 140 people are employed through the fishery.

"The Pangnirtung fishery is great for the community. Workwise it puts a lot of dollars into the community," said Qumuatuq.