Lawrence Ruben effortlessly drills through about six inches of ice on the Hornaday River near Paulatuk, N.W.T. using an electric auger. The machine completes the task in just four seconds, causing water and crushed ice to surge to the surface as he removes the spiraled blade. With a humorous remark about the contraption being “the best thing since sliced bread,” Ruben shares a laugh with his daughter before moving on to drill the next hole.
Situated approximately 25 minutes away by ATV from Paulatuk, the Hornaday River is where Ruben and his wife, Dianne, have built a cozy 16-by-16 foot cabin for relaxation and Arctic char fishing. Despite their efforts during a recent trip with their daughter and son-in-law, they were unsuccessful in catching any fish. Ruben notes that the movements of Arctic char in the Paulatuk area have become unpredictable, deviating from historical patterns of overwintering in the Hornaday and Brock rivers before migrating back to Darnley Bay and the Arctic Ocean.
To address these changes, the local community has partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on a research initiative. In July, they collaboratively caught and tagged 38 Arctic char with acoustic transmitters at various locations around Darnley Bay to gain insights into the fish’s behavior and whereabouts.
The acoustic monitoring system, comprising tagged fish and underwater receivers, is designed to track the fish’s movements. The tags emit high-frequency signals that are detected by receivers as the fish pass by. Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists, including aquatic science biologist Tazi Rodrigues, are optimistic about the data the system will provide once the receivers are retrieved next summer.
The research project also involves the installation of receivers in freshwater lakes connected to Darnley Bay to comprehensively study the Arctic char’s habitat preferences and migration patterns. Paul Blanchfield, a federal research scientist, emphasizes the importance of understanding how environmental changes, such as sea ice thickness reduction, impact the fish’s marine residency and food source reliance.
With a focus on climate change impacts, Ruben reflects on the noticeable alterations in the region since 2010, citing earlier river thawing and increased erosion. He highlights concerns about the deteriorating conditions for char spawning due to added silt in the water, leading to dwindling fish populations in recent years.
Returning to the ice of the Hornaday River, Ruben engages in the local fishing technique known as “jiggling,” patiently awaiting a catch of the vital subsistence resource that Arctic char represent for the community of Paulatuk.
