Information into Action: synthesizing available data and traditional knowledge into recommendations for Arctic Grayling recovery

According to the Alberta Fish Sustainability Index, Arctic Grayling populations have declined by 70% since 1960. Some factors that have aided in this decline are angling pressure, habitat degradation and fragmentation, and increasing water temperatures. The lack of an action plan and political consultation with the original stewards of the land has led to increased habitat degradation and fragmentation within the Swan River watershed. This decrease in suitable habitat has led to a closure of harvesting Arctic Grayling, causing a loss of a treaty right to members of Swan River First Nation.

Swan River First Nation has conducted monitoring activities such as Grayling habitat surveys, eDNA sampling, stream temperature monitoring, creek crossing assessments, and creating the Swan River Watershed Initiative. This project will focus on collating existing data collected by Swan River First Nation regarding Arctic Grayling and Traditional Knowledge within the community into a report. This report will provide remediation strategies to mitigate land use impacts and the next steps in recovering the Swan River Arctic Grayling population.