JI’KAW (STRIPED BASS; MORONE SAXATILIS) SHOW SEASONAL VARIATION IN THEIR SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION IN A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT ESTUARY IN MI’KMA’KI

Abstract

This research introduces Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw for “we help each other”): a collaborative partnership that brings together Mi’kmaw, local and western scientific ways of knowing to better understand valued aquatic species in Pitu’pa’q, Unama’ki (Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton). Guided by Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), this research focuses on the movements of Ji’kaw (Striped Bass; Morone saxatilis). Ji’kaw are a culturally important species to the Mi’kmaq, a target of recreational and rights-based fisheries, and are listed as Special Concern in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, the winter ecology of Ji’kaw remains poorly understood, due in part to the complexity and diversity of their migratory behaviours. Through a co-developed acoustic telemetry program, we discovered that Ji’kaw are active during the summer in Pitu’pa’q but overwinter from November to April. During this period, their distribution contracts dramatically as they aggregate within coastal barachois ponds. This knowledge, when paired with patterns in annual Ji’kaw movement pathways and distribution across Pitu'pa'q, is important to inform shared stewardship of this aquatic species. Through collaborative research, Apoqnmatulti’k generates knowledge that can support Mi’kmaw-led governance of Pitu’pa’q’s fisheries and conservation, while enhancing respect for the land, the Ji’kaw, and Mi’kmaw sovereignty within traditional food systems. Learning to honour and bring together different ways of knowing is central to Apoqnmatulti’k’s work. This research highlights how Mi’kmaw, local and western understandings of Ji’kaw’s seasonal movements can co-produce enhanced and nuanced fisheries knowledge in Pitu’pa’q.