Current projects

Consult our current projects here. For any questions or requests for information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Current projects  Management, conservation et diversification

Marine Spatial Planning

Project description

2021–2026

This project aims to strengthen the participation of Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey communities in marine spatial planning (MSP) in the Gaspé region, ensuring that marine management reflects their priorities, knowledge systems, and traditional uses. Led by AGHAMW, the project supports collaboration among the communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, as well as with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other partners.

Throughout the mandate, AGHAMW has worked closely with the communities to document the social, cultural, traditional, and economic uses of the marine territory, identify areas of importance, and support discussions around conservation and sustainable development. Participatory workshops, community visits, and knowledge-sharing events have helped highlight Indigenous knowledge, in accordance with principles of consent, data ownership, and community governance.

The project also helps equip communities to engage with potential initiatives such as the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), while promoting a co-management approach grounded in dialogue, trust, and Two-Eyed Seeing. By strengthening communication and collaboration mechanisms, this project lays the foundation for more inclusive, respectful, and locally adapted marine planning.

AERF (eel)

Project description

Available Soon

Sea cucumber post-season inventory

Project description

2013 – present

MMAFMA has been involved in the post-season sea cucumber survey since 2013 in collaboration with license holders, including our three member communities. The objective of the survey is to assess the impacts of dredging fishing on sea cucumbers and benthic communities. The species composition in terms of abundance and biomass, as well as the size of sea cucumbers, are compared between sites at various dredging intensities and with different time delays since the last dredge pass. The results are shared with license holders and DFO in an effort to provide important information to support the sustainable development of this fishery.

Liaison with the Canadian Coast Guard

Project description

2019 – present

Since 2019, the AGHAMM has assumed a role of liaison between the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Mi’gmaq and Maliseet communities of Quebec. We act as a connecting thread to provide information on the many CCG programs to First Nations communities, and to foster relationships and exchanges between the CCG and the communities, in particular their fisheries departments. In addition to our presence in career fairs, a workshop was organized in March 2020 in Gaspé with representatives from the communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, Listuguj and Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk. The various training, recruitment, auxiliary vessel, icebreaker and search and rescue programs were discussed.

Sustainable initiatives to reduce the risk of entanglement of St. Lawrence cetaceans—North Atlantic right whale, blue whale, and beluga—in fishing gear.

Project description

2021–Present

This project is carried out under the Indigenous Species at Risk Fund (ISARF). It aims to encourage the engagement and participation of AGHAMW member communities in species at risk stewardship, particularly in relation to the threat of entanglement in fishing gear affecting the North Atlantic right whale, blue whale, and St. Lawrence beluga.

The ultimate objective of the project is to support the conservation and recovery of these aquatic species at risk by implementing solutions that reduce the risk of entanglement. This objective will be achieved through the analysis of results from pilot trials conducted over the years and by sharing the best practices identified.

Since 2021, weak links have been tested during the snow crab and lobster fisheries of AGHAMW member communities. In addition, during the summer of 2022, ropeless buoy trials were conducted primarily aboard the Nignag. These pilot projects will continue to evolve and be carried out during upcoming fishing seasons

AERF (salmon)

Project description

This project aims to protect and conserve thermal refuges found in salmon rivers of Wolastokuk and Gespe’gewa’gi in order to strengthen the resilience of Atlantic salmon habitat in the face of increasingly frequent heat events. Using thermal drone imaging, cold-water areas with high ecological potential are identified. Field validation work is then carried out to confirm salmon use of these refuges and to document their physical and biological characteristics.

The information collected helps guide targeted protection or restoration measures, such as installing deflectors, revegetating riverbanks, or conducting rock armouring work, to ensure the long-term sustainability and functionality of these habitats that are essential to Atlantic salmon.

 

AQUA AWOGENE

Project description

Disponible bientot

NIGNAG training vessel

Project description

2017 – present

In 2017, AGHAMM acquired a multi-species training boat (35-foot fiberglass hull) for the purpose of providing training. We also acquired three communal commercial fishing licenses for mackerel, herring and bluefin tuna; as well as the associated fishing equipment. We named the boat Nignag, which means our home in the Mi’gmaq language. The acquisition of this multi-species training vessel aims to adequately train the members of the crews of Gespeg, Gespegiag and Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk to commercially fish different species such as lobster and the species covered by our licenses. In particular, this project aims to allow real-life learning on various fishing techniques, different gear, new technologies, while completing a practical training on safety at sea. Thanks to the help of DFO and Service Canada, the training vessel program offers training for apprentices, fishing helpers, captains as well as courses in scuba diving. Theoretical training recognized by educational establishments are combined with practical experiences on board the training boat.

Ecological Monitoring Program for the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area

Project description

2020–2026

An ecological monitoring plan for a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an essential tool used to assess whether the conservation objectives established for the area are being achieved.

As part of an agreement signed in 2020 between the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey Indigenous Fisheries Management Association (AGHAMW) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), through the Oceans Management Contribution Program, a joint ecological monitoring plan was developed for the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area for an initial three-year period. This agreement has since been extended until March 2026.

The indicators selected under this monitoring plan are intended to complement the work of DFO biologists and contribute to the ecological and scientific monitoring of the Banc-des-Américains, established following its designation as a Marine Protected Area. These indicators make it possible to indirectly measure the achievement of the MPA’s conservation objectives.

Monitoring Activities

  • Seal population counts

  • Documentation of recreational boating activities

  • Monitoring of microplastic presence near the Banc-des-Américains MPA

  • Outreach and community engagement initiatives

 

Aquaculture

Project description

2018–Present

Since spring 2018, AGHAMW has operated its own aquaculture site offshore from Paspébiac Bay. This site is dedicated to the marine cultivation of macroalgae, primarily sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), with ongoing cultivation trials of winged kelp (Alaria esculenta) and dulse (Palmaria palmata).

The seaweed harvest helps supply processing companies for food purposes, such as SALAWEG, which was initially an AGHAMW project. Our site is the first in Québec dedicated to the commercial production of large seaweeds. It also supports several research projects carried out in collaboration with partners including Merinov, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), UQAR, Université Laval, and others.

Atlas of Mi’gmaq and Maliseet Sites and Uses of the Marine St. Lawrence

Project description

015–Present

Originally, this project aimed to strengthen the capacity of AGHAMW member communities to collect and organize georeferenced data related to their uses and sites of importance in coastal and marine environments. More specifically, the project sought to digitize, map, and share Mi’gmaq and Maliseet knowledge related to traditional and contemporary activities in the marine environment.

Through this initiative, AGHAMW compiled available information on important sites and uses for its three member communities and developed georeferenced databases. The first version of this work was made available as a PDF document: Atlas of Mi’gmaq and Maliseet Sites and Uses of the Marine St. Lawrence for the Communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Viger.

A new version of the Atlas has since been developed in a Story Maps format (www.atlas.aghamw.ca). It allows community members to visualize the use of coastal and marine territories and access marine-related data for their lands through a user-friendly, interactive atlas. This evolving tool will continue to be enhanced over time by the AGHAMW team and community members. Ultimately, it is intended to support communities in their participation in Marine Spatial Planning.

Current projects
Sensibilisation

World Oceans Day

Project description

For the past couple of years, to celebrate World Oceans Day, MMAFMA has been hosting a beach clean-up in the community of Gesgapegiag.  Community members join together to clean the shorelines. Following the event, light snacks and refreshments are provided.

Salmon story (Plamu, Polam)

Project description

For many years, MMAFMA and the Atlantic Salmon Federation of Quebec have collaborated together to provide elementary schools with the necessary equipment, salmon roe and classroom materials that can be incorporated with their curriculum.

Gespeg Summer Camp

Project description

Each year, the community of Gespeg organizes a summer camp for its young people. The AGHAMM contributes to this by participating in some of their outdoor and indoor activities, such as sea kayaking, visiting Forillon Park, whale watching, and more.