Ottawa, partners to spend $7M on Arctic fisheries research

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq has announced funding of more than $7 million for research on new and developing fisheries in the Arctic.

Just over half the money is to come from Ottawa, with the Nunavut government, Inuit groups and universities providing the rest.

Some of the research will examine stocks of Arctic char, turbot and shrimp to see what level of fishing can be sustained.

Other projects will consider opening new fisheries for clams or crabs.

In 2013, Nunavut fishers brought in $79 million worth of turbot, shrimp and char.

The money is to be spent over two years.