UCN reports they will continue to administer the Collaborative Stock Monitoring Program in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and Indigenous fishers in northern communities The Program is a unique training initiative and data collection partnership to achieve sustainable fisheries and economic development in northern Manitoba.

Coordinator Brian Kotak says the program supports the capacity building of Indigenous Commercial Fishers and provides a basis of fish stock monitoring knowledge.  It also empowers commercial fishers with more participation in fisheries management with the province of Manitoba and contributes local knowledge and fisheries data towards eco-certification of Manitoba’s harvest.

The program is funded through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative under the Indigenous Inland Commercial Fisheries Initiative and the Province of Manitoba.