Eelgrass meadows (Zostera marina) represent fundamental ecosystems for the Cree families of Chisasibi for their capacity to attract waterfowl species (Canada geese, Brant geese, Snow geese, Ducks, etc.). The eelgrass beds in addition to other coastal ecosystems along the eastern coastline of James Bay have seen many changes since the 1970s. This research project addresses theses changes through a combination of Cree Traditional Ecological Knowledge and environmental science. It includes:

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• Toponomy interviews

• Land-Use and Occupancy interviews

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge interviews

• Environmental sampling and monitoring with coastal land-users

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Objective of the research:

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• Define changes in coastal ecosystems since the mid-1970s (ex: disappearance of the eelgrass beds)

• Document Cree Traditional Ecological indicators

• Translate Cree Traditional Ecological indicators in measurables indicators