Review of the ecosystem approach in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

Historically, fisheries have been monitored at the individual stock level, without consideration to connectivity to other species or activities in the ecosystem. The ecosystem approach requires that the stock and fishery be seen in the context of predators, competitors, prey, by-catch impacts, other fisheries, and abiotic environmental variables so that management is holistic. In this study, we describe the components of the ecosystem approach applied in the scientific investigation of fisheries in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut. Relative to other Canadian Arctic locales with commercial fisheries operations, the Cumberland Sound area has a greater biodiversity and abundance of fishes and marine mammal species. These components support active fisheries for Arctic Charr, Greenland Halibut, and Beluga Whale, as well as Ringed, Bearded, and Harp Seals. The species and their fisheries are variable in character, their ecosystem effects, and their response to the environment. We describe the species dynamics and their fisheries within an ecosystem context. We briefly note the challenges to developing an overarching model of the system such as the integration of the different life histories of the species, as well as the incorporation of future non-fisheries-related disturbances.