Perceptions de communautés québécoises à l’égard des ressources comestibles du fleuve Saint-Laurent
Context: The Saint-Lawrence hosts a great variety of edible resources, but they are largely unknown. Quebeckers currently consume mostly imported seafood products whereas the few marine species that are commercially fished in Quebec are mainly exported. However, it is reasonable to assume that habitants along the Saint-Lawrence River have a closer relationship with edible marine resources and a vision for promoting them which deserves to be heard. Manger notre Saint-Laurent (Sustenance from our Saint-Lawrence) is a research-action multidisciplinary project aiming the promotion of edible local marine resources in the Saint-Lawrence. Objectives: (1) Critical analysis of the participatory process used in four communities in Quebec for Manger notre Saint-Laurent, and (2) Analysis of results generated. Methods: Four partner communities have been identified as actors in this project: Cap-Chat, Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé, the Magdalen Islands and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk (Maliseet Viger) First Nation. A group of 10 to 14 participants from various backgrounds was recruited from each community. The Nominal group technique was used and transcripts were qualitatively analyzed.  Results: All communities combined, winning strategies to increase supply were increasing local distribution networks and facilitating sustenance fishing. Winning strategies to increase demand were discovering the products through tasting and cooking, protecting cultural history of fishing, and marketing and educating about the products. Emergent species (sea urchins, algae, seals) particularly interested participants. The most popular target groups were youth and the community as a whole. Qualitative analysis revealed the important cultural ties to fishing in all communities. Also, critical analysis of the method revealed aspects like the importance of correctly recruiting participants, of having an experienced facilitator, and the usefulness of qualitative analysis. Conclusion: Our sample of Saint-Lawrence coastal communities created consensus around many resources that should receive more availability and more promotion, and around target groups that should include everyone in a community while targeting youth. This study is a first step in a research project that will lead to Quebeckers getting Sustenance from our Saint-Lawrence.
fish seafood qualitative research participatory stakeholder community Saint-Lawrence Magdalen Islands Maliseet Viger