Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 01/02) - Outfitter Glenn Williams has an important decision to make.

During late June and early July, Williams takes tourists up and down the Sylvia Grinnell River in his jetboat.

But two weeks ago, the Amarok Hunters and Trappers Organization in Iqaluit voted to ban all recreational activity on the river. The HTO's authority is limited to its members, but the organization is working with the federal government to come up with an enforceable order with broader application.

In the meantime, Williams must decide what to do. When Williams heard through the grapevine about the concerns his boat was scaring fish and destroying habitat, he called the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Habitat management biologist Jordan DeGroot told him that during the weeks he is on the river, most of the char that migrate are in the ocean.

"There are some juvenile fish but those fish are in deep pools and slow-moving water, which are not areas that I go to," said Williams.

"The other thing is, DFO indicated to me that arctic char are fall spawners."

DeGroot confirmed the comments.

"According to habitat management, there are limited environmental concerns relating to the operation of his jetboat," said DeGroot.

However, DeGroot stressed DFO's conclusions are not meant to undervalue the HTO's assessment, which is based on traditional knowledge. "They are two separate issues," he said. "I want to make that clear."

Williams said the Grinnell River is classified as a navigable water. And the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement guarantees everyone the right of access to navigable waters for recreational or commercial purposes.

He contacted the HTO and asked chair David Ell if he wanted to discuss the situation or work together on alternative ways of restoring the fish, such as putting a hatchery on the river. "I received no response," said Williams.

But Williams did not attend the public meeting at which members voted to close the river to boats indefinitely.

"I don't feel welcome at those meetings," he said. "I feel discriminated against."

Asked if he take his boat up the river, Williams replied, "We'll have to see."

HTO chair David Ell said he did try to contact Williams but "he was either out of town or at a meeting."

Ell said he believes fish are in the river when Williams operates his business and said jetboats pose a risk to habitat.

"He knows there are fish up there," said Ell. "It would not be wise for him to go up and down the river."

Ell added coming up with an enforceable order "is going to be a long process" that will involve community consultation.