Rethinking quantitative fisheries: A case study of a values-driven approach on the K̓vaí (Koeye)- Hísṇ (Sockeye) Haíłzaqv (Heiltsuk) fishery

Due to the Indigenous resurgence and decolonization movements seen across North America in recent decades, it is now well-documented that resource management has a deeply colonial and capitalist history (Berkes & Fikret, 2003; A. J. Reid et al., 2021) that still influences how science is conducted. In this political context of indigenizing environmental management model, we asked ourselves how we could rethink the quantitative fisheries management process to make space for multiple perspectives within a complex fisheries system. Here, we co-developed a value-driven forward simulation centered on Haíɫzaqv values, knowledges and practices to explore trade-offs amongst alternative harvest strategies for the food, social and ceremonial fisheries of hísṇ in K̓ vaí River system. Three key findings emerged from our closed-loop simulation. First, we found clear evidence that an in-season harvest strategy can mitigate some climate risk on the long-term resilience of the Kvai system hísṇ population. Second, a weighted trade-offs analysis can decrease mismatches between contemporary fishing management and local communities. Third, local monitoring methods allowed for more effective, nuanced quantitative advice for management. Finally, we discuss insights learned using a participatory modelling process. Our research demonstrates how values- driven approach in quantitative fisheries can be a practical way to create space for multiple ways of knowing that could support climate resilient and socially just human- salmon relationships.