Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) is a co-management board based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, responsible for managing fish, marine mammals, and aquatic habitats in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). Established under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA), FJMC works in partnership with the Inuvialuit Game Council and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure sustainable and culturally respectful use of Arctic aquatic resources.
The FJMC brings together traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern scientific research to guide the development of fisheries management plans, monitor subsistence and sport harvests, and advise on conservation and habitat protection. Its work helps protect key species such as Arctic char, Dolly Varden, and beluga whale, while supporting community food security and intergenerational knowledge sharing.
The FJMC plays a vital role in protecting Inuvialuit rights and ecosystems. Its co-management model ensures that decisions reflect local values and ecological priorities. Whether through community consultations, harvest studies, or collaborative research, FJMC promotes sustainable development and the long-term health of Arctic fisheries.
From its office in Inuvik, FJMC supports communities across the Beaufort Delta and Arctic coast. It plays a central role in maintaining the health of fish and marine mammal populations critical to Inuvialuit culture and sustenance. The committee is made up of both Inuvialuit and federal representatives, working together to ensure stewardship of the region’s waters for generations to come.
FJMC’s work is grounded in both traditional knowledge and scientific evidence. This dual approach ensures that management practices are both ecologically sound and culturally respectful, addressing the real needs of people who rely on these resources every day.
