Cumulative Impacts, Fish, and Food Security

The Cumulative Impacts, Fish, and Food Security initiative is at the core of several ongoing projects, prioritizing community knowledge, land relationships, and the importance of fish. Collaborating with multiple Indigenous Nations, these projects include:

Continued Monitoring in Michipicoten First Nation Territory: In response to increasing resource extraction activities, Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) aims to monitor their traditional lands sustainably. Building on a prior project, they will sample mercury levels in Northern Pike, Walleye, and Lake Trout, focusing on lakes frequently used by their harvesters. The project aims to update datasets on mercury levels in fish, providing the community with essential information for their safety. This includes the development of a fish consumption advisory tailored to MFN, incorporating multiple fish species and lakes for more comprehensive guidance.

Mercury in Traditionally Consumed Fish Species of the Moose River Watershed and Basin: Land use changes, like hydroelectric dams and mining, have raised concerns about mercury contamination in fish, potentially affecting the Moose Cree First Nation’s food sources. Collaborating with the community and organizations like Camp Onakawana, Collective Environmental, and Trent University, this project assesses the mercury contamination risks in the Moose River watershed. Community input will identify crucial fishing spots, and surveys will quantify mercury levels in traditionally consumed fish species. The results will inform a practical fish consumption guide and support community planning and environmental assessments for future projects, advocating for best practices while preserving traditional food reliance.