Lead: Jim Reist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with six Inuvialuit communities, are conducting a four year study that will include a fishing survey in deeper waters (100–1000 m) of the outer continental shelf as well as slope areas of the Beaufort Sea. Researchers are studying both bottom-dwelling and mid-water fish species, documenting the size of their populations, habitats, diets, roles in the food chain, and migratory patterns—something which has never been done before. Increased understanding of the ecosystems on which fish species depend will support environmental assessments and sound decision making regarding fish habitat and offshore oil and gas activities.