The primary purpose of the project is to assess changes and current status of Cisco in the Tagish River based on traditional and local knowledge and file data and studies that have been conducted since the early 1990’s. The goal of this assessment is to identify options for cisco restoration and develop a restoration plan if necessary and feasible. Cisco are believed to be the primary food source for Lake trout in the river and an important subsistence species in the past.
As there is little historical data and the study will rely heavily on interviews with elders and knowledgeable CTFN citizens and local individuals. Technical data sources and field assessments will include the following:
- Assessment of status and changes of Cisco in Lake trout diets in the Tagish River based on angler harvest surveys since the early 1990’s
- Analysis of commercial quotas and angler snagging permits and harvest reports since the early 1990’s
- Collection of about 200 Cisco samples from commercial operator and supplemental small mesh netting and beach seining in Tagish River during May-July to establish age class structure and evidence of regular annual recruitment and ongoing reproduction health.
- Comparison of above year class and recruitment data to studies (Larson) conducted in early 2000’s to detect any changes in reproduction and recruitment success.
Proponent: Carcross Tagish RRC
Contract: 2016-17-20
Amount Awarded: $10,000
Final Report: Download