Qikiqtarjuaq to train divers

IQALUIT — Qikiqtarjuaq wants to kick-start its clam industry by training residents as clam divers.

Beginning in August, 12 residents will spend six weeks learning to dive.

Kakivak Association, a training arm of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, is giving the hamlet $95,000 for the diving course. A commercial diving company from the South will conduct the training.

The hamlet wants to have trained divers by the time its clam industry is up and running.

There are millions of clams on the ocean floor near the eastern Baffin community. The clams are similar in size and texture to the geoduck clams that are popular in Asian markets.

Qikiqtarjuaq wants to cash in on its clams and bring a much-needed boost to its economy.