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Distribution and abundance of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Nunavut, Canada—an Inuit knowledge survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2013

Jeff W. Higdon ,
Kristin H. Westdal  and
Steven H. Ferguson
Jeff W. Higdon
Affiliation:
Higdon Wildlife Consulting, 912 Ashburn Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 3C9, Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada
Kristin H. Westdal
Affiliation:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada Oceans North Canada, 515–70 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1G7, Canada
Steven H. Ferguson*
Affiliation:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: S.H. Ferguson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada email: steve.ferguson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge is being increasingly used in wildlife management in northern regions, and Inuit harvesters in Nunavut, Canada, have extensive knowledge about local wildlife species. We collected Inuit knowledge on killer whales (Orcinus orca) through 105 semi-directed interviews in 11 Nunavut communities from 2007 to 2010. Interviewees provided extensive information on killer whale movements, seasonal presence, distribution and abundance in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Observations from different communities were often complementary, and there was consistency in interview comments both within and among regions. Nearly all participants had seen killer whales at least once, and the whales were present every summer (July–September) in all regions, although movements depended on ice conditions. Relative abundance of killer whales varied by region, and they were reported more often in North Baffin communities than in other regions. Killer whales migrated through Hudson Strait and Lancaster Sound following their marine mammal prey. Estimates of local population sizes were variable, with suggested numbers that varied from tens to the low hundreds. Most interviewees in the Foxe Basin, Hudson Bay and north Baffin regions thought that killer whale presence was increasing. In contrast, half the South Baffin interviewees noted declines in past abundance due to the 1977 harvest of 14 whales that became trapped in a saltwater lake. Interviews provided information at a long temporal and wide spatial record. Inuit are reliable observers and continued killer whale research will be most effective if it integrates modern science approaches with the traditional skills, knowledge and experience of Inuit harvesters.

Keywords

killer whaleArcticexperienceharvesterssemi-directed interviewstraditional ecological knowledgeobservationwildlife management
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 94 , Issue 6 , September 2014 , pp. 1293 - 1304
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2013 

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