Use of acoustic telemetry and First Nations' traditional knowledge to determine the movements and habitat use of valued aquatic species, and their environmental correlates

拟议的为期三年的合作研究项目旨在通过在土著权利持有人、学术界和其他当地利益攸关方之间建立合作，提高我们对芬迪湾和布拉德奥尔湖珍贵物种的迁徙和季节性栖息地利用的了解，从而更好地管理海洋资源。以土著（米克马克族）和西方知识为基础，在各级与土著和包括联邦政府（渔业和海洋部）在内的其他利益攸关方的合作下，声学遥测计划将被设计和执行，以记录有价值物种的运动和时空栖息地的使用，并将其与环境相关因素联系起来。研究的数据和结果将通过Mi'Kmaq管理和治理结构流动，加强研究区域海洋资源不断发展的共同管理方法。该项目建立在加拿大海洋跟踪网络和项目合作伙伴的既定研究基础设施的基础上。Mi'kmaq和/或新招收的研究生（优先来自土著群体）将接受声学遥测技术使用和操作/维护方面的培训，所有学生都将接受不同知识体系独特观点和优势方面的培训。研究结果将用于解决对海洋和淡水生境及物种的威胁，该项目将把知识的所有权移交给社区，以支持他们在协商过程中的决策和干预。

The proposed three-year collaborative research project aims to enable better stewardship of marine resources by creating a collaboration among indigenous rights holders, academia, and other local stakeholders to increase our understanding of the movements and seasonal habitat use of valued species in the Bay of Fundy and Bras'd'Or lakes. Building on indigenous (Mi'kmaq) and Western Knowledge, and in collaboration at all levels with indigenous and other stakeholders including the Federal government (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), acoustic telemetry programs will be designed and executed to document the movements and temporal and spatial habitat use of the valued species, and link them to environmental correlates. Data and results from the research will flow though Mi'Kmaq management and governance structures, enhancing evolving co-management approaches for marine resources in the study regions. The project builds on the established research infrastructure of Canada's Ocean Tracking Network, and those of the partners in the project. Mi'kmaq and/or newly recruited graduate students (preferentially from Indigenous groups) will be trained in the use and operations/maintenance of acoustic telemetry technology, and all students will be trained in the unique perspectives and strengths of different knowledge systems. Results will be used to address threats to marine and freshwater habitat and species, and the project will transfer ownership of knowledge to communities to support their decision-making and intervention in consultation processes.