by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 13/97) - Although the Kigivik char fishery in Gjoa Haven is small by commercial standards, it employs 15 people during its summer season. Two people, with a swing-shift relief, work the boat.

This year, the fishery tried to extend its season by starting earlier using snowmachines to move out to the shoreline, then dropping nets in the open water. Normally, the fishing is done by boat.

"We started in mid-July. This is the first year we tried it, as the ice was breaking along the shoreline, using skidoos. It opens the market earlier and there's almost no market competition for the char at that time of year," said Kevin Smart, organizer of the fishery, who works for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) in Cambridge Bay. The season ended in the third week of September.

The fishery was formerly a meat-processing plant, built in the 1950s, says Smart.

"But it wasn't viable since there wasn't much game, so we took it over," said Smart.

The Kigiviq fishery is 100-per-cent owned by the hunters and trappers organization of Gjoa Haven, said Smart.

The boat that the fishery uses was bought in B.C. and can travel long distances, manoeuver through rough water and troll for fish in the ocean, Smart said.

"This year we took out 30,000 lbs. in the short season. Of that, 10,000 lbs. of char were tagged and released -- almost 900 fish. We're looking at responsible harvesting and where these fish go," said Smart.

The char quota is 80- to 100,000 lbs.

The fishery is starting to look more viable all the time, Smart said, and there could be expansion.

The fishery has been getting help from the federal department of fisheries, RWED and the GNWT's department of education and culture.

The fish are taken from unchartered waters, except for the entrance of Gjoa Haven Harbour.

The char is flown by First Air, NWT Air and Air Canada to Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

In Yellowknife, it's sold at Northern Fancy Meats and at fine restaurants. In the east, it's sold through Kitikmeot Foods.

Smart feels more could be sold in the Yellowknife market but there is a move to development markets in new areas. "There's strong interest from the central U.S. and Illinois," he says.

Since there is no idea of the volumes of fish in the area, "that's why we're tagging and checking for any sign of smaller fish," says Smart.

What's the minimum size char?

"Normally, we don't handle under four pounds."

Char no longer has to go through the Freshwater Fish Marketing Board out of Winnipeg, said Smart.

The char is $4.50 per lb. at wholesale price, destined for Edmonton or Montreal. High freight costs vary depending on the destination, but can add anywhere from $1.50 lb. to the price of char.