Community experiences and perceptions of aquatic change in ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, ᓄᓇᕗᑦ (Kinngait, Nunavut)

Abstract

Climate change and development are shaping Arctic ecosystems in unprecedented ways intimately known to Inuit. To describe changes in aquatic habitats and species near Kinngait, Nunavut, researchers co-created a questionnaire with the Aiviq Hunters and Trappers Association and community technicians. Inuit knowledge, centered on experiences and perceptions of marine, coastal, and lacustrine shifts, was gathered from 39 knowledge holders. Responses indicated that across ecosystems, turbidity and waves are not likely changing, wind and erosion may be changing, and water is warming. Ice is thinner, breaking up earlier, forming later, and diminishing in extent. These shifts are altering harvest timing in the spring and winter, and are rendering travel on the land increasingly difficult. While most knowledge holders reported no change in the diversity and abundance of marine mammals, fishes, and invertebrates, others expressed that ringed seal and beluga whale may be declining, salmon are appearing, and mussels are proliferating. Inuit insights and voices consolidated through this endeavour will serve the community and contribute to a baseline of documented knowledge to help understand ongoing change.