Developing Community Fishing Plans in the Inuvialuit Settlement Area

In November 2017 the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened connecting Canada to the Arctic Ocean by road. While of great significance for Canadian and other world travelers the highway traverses large areas of the Inuvialuit... [ view full abstract ]

In November 2017 the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened connecting Canada to the Arctic Ocean by road. While of great significance for Canadian and other world travelers the highway traverses large areas of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region(ISR) identified as private lands pursuant to the Inuvialuit Final Agreement(IFA) of 1984.  Communities have historically used these areas adjacent to the highway corridor for subsistence hunting and fishing and expressed concern at the onset of the project for the impacts that might occur from highway construction and , more importantly, the impacts that might occur to fishing sites from the improved access that the highway provides. 

This paper examines what was considered by the existing co-management structures in the ISR in regard to this project and what actions were undertaken by the Fisheries Joint Management Committee and the communities of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk to provide protection and community management for their fisheries.  The creation of 2 Community Fishing Plans and the management measures they include is provided.  A description of the  challenges facing the successful implementation of the management measures adopted is provided and opportunities for the advancement of community based conservation and protection of fisheries resources identified. Current management and monitoring efforts for 2018 are described.

D. Vic Gillman

Chairman, Fisheries Joint Management Committee