The Gitga'at First Nation has always been deeply connected to the ocean. Today, technology helps ocean stewards protect and understand the surrounding waters better than ever before.
Below are some ways the Gitga’at First Nation uses technology to monitor what’s happening in the ocean.
Gitga'at Guardians: Protecting Our Waters
The Gitga'at Guardians serve as the eyes and ears of the Nation on the water. They monitor marine life, check for toxins, and ensure traditional food resources remain healthy. By combining traditional knowledge with modern science, the Guardians help keep the community and environment safe.
Regional Monitoring System and CoastTracker App
The Coastal First Nations developed a Regional Monitoring System (RMS). This system provides a standardized way to collect and manage data about coastal regions, which supports the Guardians in their work.
Part of the RMS is the CoastTracker app. Guardians use this app on tablets to record observations, take photos, and make voice notes while in the field. Even without internet access, they can gather information and upload it later when they're back online.
Hydrophone Networks: Listening to the Whales
The waters in Gitga'at territory are home to many whale species, including orcas and humpbacks. To monitor these majestic creatures, the Gitga'at Nation, in partnership with the North Coast Cetacean Society, has installed hydrophones.
These underwater microphones listen for whale calls and help track whale movements, understand their behaviour, and identify important feeding areas. The information collected is crucial for the whales’ protection and conservation.
SWAG Project: Protecting Whales from Ship Traffic
With increasing ship traffic in the territory, there's a risk to whales from ship strikes and noise pollution. The Ships, Whales & Acoustics in Gitga’at Territory (SWAG) project addresses this issue.
The project monitors whale locations in real time by using artificial intelligence and high-tech hydrophones. The Nation uses this data to inform mariners so they can take measures to avoid harming whales, ensuring both marine safety and whale protection.
Using Technology for the Benefit of the Nation’s Waters
Embracing these technologies allows the Gitga'at First Nation to continue the tradition of stewardship over the ocean. By combining ancestral knowledge with modern tools, we can ensure the health of the Nation's waters for generations.
For a more detailed look at our monitoring efforts, please read the 2023 State of the Gitga'at Ocean Report available on the GFN blog. The 2024 report will be released later this year.
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