Study Species
Ji’kaw (Striped Bass)
About Ji’kaw
Ji'kaw (striped bass) are found along the east coast of North America, including the Pekwitapa’qek (Bay of Fundy) and the Pitu’pa’q (Bras d’Or Lake).
From November to May, ji’kaw overwinter in both freshwater and marine environments. As temperatures begin to rise, they migrate into fast-moving rivers or the head of the tide to spawn. Once spawning is complete, some fish make the journey back to the ocean, while others return to freshwater habitats as temperatures drop again in the fall.
Ji’kaw cover vast geographical areas and their movement patterns are not well understood. . During the winter season and in summer, when they are most active, they gather in large groups, which makes them vulnerable to predation, exploitation and habitat alteration.
Recent observations in the Pitu’pa’q have shown an increasing number of ji’kaw, which may be linked to the recovery of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population. In the Pekwitapa’qek, the ji’kaw are primarily from the Shubenacadie River, which is the only known spawning population in that region. With shifts in population dynamics and seasonal variance, Apoqnmatulti’k project partners are seeking to better understand the various stages of the ji’kaw life cycle to help inform stewardship efforts.
Why study Ji’kaw
Ji’kaw are a significant species for the Mi’kmaq. They are harvested as a food source for personal consumption, feasts, and powwows. Ji'kaw are also important for the transmission of cultural knowledge and traditional practices such as hunting and ceremony.
A commercial fishery for ji’kaw existed in parts of Mi’kma’ki (Atlantic Canada) until the 1970s when it was indefinitely closed due to low catch numbers. There is, however, an active and popular recreational fishery for ji’kaw throughout the Pekwitapa’qek and Pitu’pa’q. Knowledge surrounding ji’kaw abundance, age distribution, habitat preferences, and migratory behaviour, provides a critical foundation for shaping effective management practices and ensuring that ji’kaw populations are sustained for future generations.
Katew (American eel)
Katew are a culturally significant species to the Mi’kmaq—they are harvested year round as a rich food source and for medicinal value. Mi’kmaw dependence on eel reflects a deep and respectful relationship dating back thousands of years.
Found in both the Pekwitapa’qek (Bay of Fundy) and Pitu’pa’q (Bras d’Or Lake), katew face threats such as habitat alteration and loss of migration routes. Through tracking the movements of tagged eel, we can better understand the extent and duration of their range.
Further learning:
Mi’kmaw Ecological Knowledge: Bras d’Or Lake Eels (UINR, 2012)
Jakej (American lobster)
Jakej supports a significant commercial fishery in Mi’kma’ki and has been an important food source for the Mi’kmaq for hundreds of years. However, little is known about how ecological conditions and human activities influence their movements. By tracking the movements of jakej, we can gain a better understanding of key harvesting areas or regions where the population should be protected for regeneration.
Further learning:
Punamu (Atlantic tomcod)
Punamu (Atlantic tomcod/Microgadus tomcod) are important to the Mi’kmaq as they provide sustenance to communities, particularly during the winter months.
Punamu are also called ‘frostfish’ or ‘winter cod’ due to their resilience to the cold. The Mi’kmaq refer to January as Punamuiku’s (‘tomcod spawning time’). This is when punamu move upstream and become more easily accessible to harvesters.