Exploratory fishing finds coldwater shrimp at Grise Fjord - on Ellismere Island, Nunavut
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [nunatsiaqonline] by Sarah Rogers - Oct 2, 2014
The Arctic Fishery Alliance — made up of hunters and trappers organizations from Qikiqtarjuaq, Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay, and Resolute Bay — and researchers from Memorial University’s Fisheries and Marine Institute, recently embarked on a 13-day exploratory fishing project in nearby Jones Sound.
Harvesters and researchers fished with baited whelk pots, or traps, and hook-and-line gear.
On each day of the expedition, the traps captured three species of coldwater shrimp as well as whelks, or sea snails. On some days, the traps yielded hundreds of shrimps and whelks.
The discovery of those two species, and in such large numbers, has Grise Fiord taking the first steps towards opening a local, inshore fishery.
“The excitement in our community is unbelievable, ” said Jaypetee Akeeagok, chairman of Iviq Hunter and Trapper Organization, in a Sept. 29 release put out by the Arctic Fishery Alliance.
“The HTO is already making plans to apply for funding to purchase shrimp traps to further explore the commercial potential of these species....
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