The breeding biology and management of the northern eider (Somateria mollissima borealis) in the Cape Dorset Area, Northwest Territories / by F.G. Cooch.: CW69-13/2-10E-PDF

"One of the most abundant waterfowl species of Arctic Canada is the northern eider duck (Somateria mollissima borealis). The insulating qualities of its nesting down have been known for centuries, and a thriving eiderdown industry, utilizing "farming" methods, has long been an important factor in the economy of Iceland. Although previous attempts to establish an eiderdown industry in the Canadian Arctic have failed for one reason or another, it is hoped that eventually one can be established for Canadian Eskimos. In 1933 an eiderdown industry was organized along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but the amount of clean down produced seldom exceeded 150 pounds per year (Lewis, 1939). A major deterrent to success was the tedious and time-consuming cleaning procedure. After the Second World War, economic conditions favoured other activities and the industry declined. In recent years there has been renewed interest"--Introd.

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