Research

Sport Angler Survey

Rationale

Arctic Char Filets

For over a decade Inuvialuit have been providing subsistence fish catch information to the Inuvialuit Harvest Study. However, during this period there has been no comprehensive survey of recreational anglers fishing in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). The annual sport angler survey provides resource co-managers with a more complete body of information to better manage our fish stocks for the Inuvialuit who depend on the fish as an important food source, and for the continued enjoyment of recreational anglers from the north and around the world.

Objectives

• To determine the number, species and location of fish caught by sport anglers on Inuvialuit private and public lands, and in national parks within the ISR during the spring and summer fishing season.
• To develop more effective promotional and education programs to inform the public about the ISR private lands fishing registry.
• To promote awareness of the Fisheries Joint Management Committee and our mandate to recreational anglers.

Methods and Information Collected

• The sport angler survey is conducted with an estimated 600 recreational anglers purchasing a licence or registering to fish in the ISR between April and September, 2001.
• Anglers surveyed include those issued:
1. Northwest Territories sport fishing licences by vendors within the Inuvik Region,
2. Northwest Territories sport fishing licences with an "ISR validation" by vendors from outside the Inuvik Region and
3. Parks Canada fishing permits to fish within National Parks in the ISR.

• Fishing on the Firth River.

  Information is gathered from recreational anglers using a brief mail-out questionnaire that is self-completed and returned by mail.
• To increase angler participation, a reminder letter and a second questionnaire mailout is sent to non-responders. A prize draw incentive for participants is offered.
• Results from the 2000 angler survey were used to refine the study design and questionnaire for the 2001 survey.
• Fishing data to be gathered includes: total number of fish caught, number of fish retained, location, month, gear type used, angler preference for fish species, intent to ice fish in the ISR during the winter and use of fishing guides and outfitter services.

Partners

• Fisheries Joint Management Committee (project lead)
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development

Results

• The sport angler survey was conducted in 2000 and 2001.
• Western Arctic Parks began participating in the survey in 2001.
• Results from 2001 will be reported in 2002.

Contacts

Ed McLean
Resource Biologist
Fisheries Joint Management Committee
Joint Secretariat ­ Inuvialuit Renewable Resource Committees
P.O. Box 2120
Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
Phone (867) 777-2828
Fax (867) 777-2610
fjmc@jointsec.nt.ca