Identifying the stocks of belugas in Nunavik : the role of genetics = L'identification des populations de bélugas dans le Nunavik : le rôle joué par la génétique
T. G. Smith (Author), Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (Canada), Makivik Corporation (Issuing body)
Hunters often talk about differences that they notice in individual animals of the same species. In some parts of the Arctic, Inuit recognize two different types of muskoxen. One type is said to be very fast and have different shaped hindquarters than a slower somewhat larger type that also lives in the same area. Among ringed seals, Inuit hunters throughout the Arctic, notice a difference in the size of animals living in the deep bays. These are larger than the ringed seals that live along the outer part of the coast. Many Inuit can also tell the difference in the taste of fish such as Arctic char that come from different rivers, or in the taste of caribou that come from different hunting areas. In Nunavik, many communities in Ungava Bay, Eastern Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait, hunt belugas for food. No large differences have been noticed between whales hunted from different villages, neither in their appearance nor taste. Yet it is known that the belugas separate into groups that spend the summer months in different regions of Nunavik. Inuit harvesters, managers and scientists want to know whether these groups are separate stocks in order to manage the harvest wisely. A new technique, called DNA analysis, is now being used to identify stocks of animals. This booklet explains this new approach, which can help to determine the identity of beluga stocks, and improve our management of this important resource. (Au) -- ASTIS online database 52212
Print Book, Multiple Languages, 2000
Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Quebec, 2000