Sustainable management of the commercial sea cucumber fishery in Kitasoo/Xai'xais territory

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In recognition of the negative impacts that past and current Canadian resource management practices have had on Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada is now actively engaging Coastal First Nations in a collaborative management process, guided by the recently signed Fisheries Resource Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA). The Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation has long been involved in research and monitoring efforts for sea cucumbers alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is now being formally engaged in directing management of this $13 million annual fishery. While the Kitasoo/Xai'xais Fisheries Program (KXFP) continues to lead ongoing sea cucumber monitoring and research projects, recent events have illuminated a more urgent need to expand these efforts and adapt existing management plans. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited economic opportunities within the Kitasoo/Xai'xais community of Klemtu, highlighting the need to strengthen existing local employment opportunities. The commercial sea cucumber fishery provides one such opportunity, as it has the potential to offer dozens of jobs each season for the community, enough for approximately 10% of the adult population in Klemtu. However, given ongoing concerns about the sustainability of the fishery, the continued benefits of this industry to the community are not guaranteed. The main goal of this partnership is to leverage the resources and technical expertise of our academic research group to help answer the key ecological questions the KXFP has about sea cucumbers, to support their management plan and ensure the continued success of the fishery within their territory. The success of this partnership will lead to numerous positive ecological, social, and economic outcomes at a local level and beyond: maintaining sea cucumber populations within the territory will contribute to overall ecosystem health; reducing the risk of severe population declines will in turn guarantee consistent employment opportunities for the community; and improving management of the fishery within Kitasoo/Xai'xais territory will provide a template for the rest of the coast, helping to ensure the continued success of this profitable industry.