In 2021, the Askîy Fish Health monitoring program launched as part of Askîy to collect data on fish health, including weight, length, condition, and palatability. A team of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government staff and knowledgeable Métis harvesters went ice-fishing at six lakes across Alberta using traditional and modern methods.
In 2022, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government staff and harvesters returned to four of the lakes from the previous year and also visited a new one. As in the previous year, data was collected on fish health, including weight, length, condition, and palatability. Additionally, a selection of fish from each lake was kept for toxicology testing.
Project Highlights:
- Fish were harvested from Lac La Biche, Moose Lake, Lesser Slave Lake, Pigeon Lake, and Sturgeon Lake.
- A total of 90 fish were caught across all lakes: 57 Lake Whitefish, 17 Walleye, 15 Northern Pike, and 1 Burbot.
Heading out fishing? We could use your help!
Take part in our Askîy Fish Health Community Monitoring Program by filling out our three forms above (fishing trip, fish measurement & health, and palatability) when you get back from your fishing trip.
Over 500 Métis Citizens have shared their concerns about declining fish populations, poor fish health, and differences in fish taste. Through Askîy, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s community based environmental monitoring initiative, Citizens can help the Otipemisiwak Métis Government gather information to detect fish health and population changes in Alberta.
To show our appreciation, we’ll be awarding prizes to Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government who submit forms May 15 – November 30, 2023. Grand prizes of $250 Cabela’s gift cards will be awarded for each category (fishing trip, fish measurement & health, and palatability), so make sure to submit all your forms!
All Citizens who participate will also receive a small token of our appreciation. Draws will be held, and all prizes distributed in December 2023.
Please help us protect Alberta’s fish and their habitat by participating in this community monitor program. Thank you to everyone that has participated this past spring and submitted their photos!