Traditional ecological knowledge and local observations of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) in Darnley Bay, NT

Capelin are an important fish species in marine habitats because they serve as a prey source for marine mammals, predatory fish, and sea birds in sub-Arctic waters and in parts of the Arctic. In the Beaufort Sea, Capelin are less abundant than in southern waters and have been observed at a limited number of locations, primarily outside of the Mackenzie River Delta. However, warming temperatures and reduction of sea ice are expected to facilitate an increase in presence and abundance of Capelin in the Canadian Arctic. By observing specific locations that have supported multiple spawning events, we can better understand the reproductive ecology of Capelin in a warming Arctic and how their interactions with other species may change in the future. There are few reports in the scientific literature of Capelin in the Canadian Arctic. Recent observations and knowledge of aquatic biota over the long-term, however, are acquired by Indigenous peoples and are usually achieved and transferred orally across generations. This traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) provides a valuable information source that has been minimally documented for Capelin. Additionally, local observations of this species in recent years provide valuable information which can be used to identify ecological change. Capelin have been observed spawning in Darnley Bay, NT for multiple years by community members of Paulatuk, Northwest Territories (NT). The objective of this study is to document historic observations of Capelin made by the community members of Paulatuk and determine: 1) How long capelin have been observed in Darnley Bay; 2) Where in the bay they have been observed; 3) If capelin are present in the diet of subsistence species (i.e., Arctic Char); and, 4) If Capelin were ever harvested for consumption. Environmental information, spawning characteristics, and food web interactions gathered from TEK will extend the current understanding of this species’ ecology and is a tangible example of how local and traditional knowledge can be used to establish baseline distribution and ecology of species in remote locations. Together, TEK and increased scientific knowledge will increase understanding of Capelin biology and allow for predicting shifts in food web dynamics as climate changes.

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