Fishing strategy announced

NTI President Paul Kaludjak and environment minister Olayuk Akesuk signed a joint fisheries strategy last week in Iqaluit.

Six key objectives of the Nunavut Fisheries Strategy:

The seafood spread accompanied the launch of a Nunavut fisheries strategy last Thursday, drafted by the Nunavut Government and Nunavut Tanngavik Incorporated (NTI).

Ensure stocks are kept at sustainable levels through a mixture of northern science initiatives, a conservation ethic and traditional Inuit knowledge.
Develop strong organization at the community level as well as strong regional partnerships, so Nunavut can control its own destiny
Achieve access to the vast majority of Nunavut's adjacent stocks. Southern jurisdictions control 85 to 100 per cent of their adjacent resources, while Nunavut controls about 50 per cent of its own.
Increase the labour force with fisheries training programs, and provide education in workplace dynamics to improve retention of workers.
Build key marine infrastructure like harbour and port facilities, as well as cold storage and processing operations.
Attract funding to help support major investments in science, training, infrastructure and business development.

Fishing strategy announced

John Thompson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 09/05) - A platter of Northern shrimp proved an effective lure to draw Inuit leaders and politicians together for a common cause.

"We'll be using the strategy in the years to come," said environment minister Olayuk Akesuk during the signing ceremony. "We want to use the waters freely."

The report outlines the current state of Nunavut's fisheries, which contribute between $12 million and $14 million to the economy each year and create more than 300 seasonal jobs.

The biggest challenges for fisheries are a lack of scientific knowledge about what exactly is lurking beneath the ice along much of the Arctic coast, an absence of necessary infrastructure to support fishing vessels and a dependence on the southern labour force.

Paul Kaludjak said again at the ceremony that Inuit are entitled to greater control over stocks adjacent to local waters, according to the Nunavut land claims agreement.

"I think it's sending a strong message to Ottawa," said Johnny Mike, an executive member of the Baffin Fishing Coalition.

"It shows we're serious. Ownership is the issue. I think that's the bottom line."