Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Repulse Bay (Mar 08/00) - No one can accuse the community of Repulse Bay of not learning from its mistakes.

When the number of narwhals that were harvested skyrocketed following the implementation of a new management system last year, the Arviq Hunters and Trappers Association took immediate steps to remedy the problem.

More specifically, when the HTA membership realized they had taken 158 narwhals, let 43 escape after being wounded, and killed and let sink 34, they began to make changes to avoid such high numbers the next time around.

"They didn't realize they were going that far," said Joani Kringayark, a wildlife officer with the Department of Sustainable Development.

"It was a big learning experience for the community and for the hunters themselves. They're taking steps to ensure there are resources in the future," he said.

Consulting with the HTA membership on the new management system since its birth last year, Kringayark said four amendments to HTA bylaws were being introduced.

The first amendment said that five-gallon plastic containers must not be used as floats when hunting narwhals. Because the mammals dive very deep, the plastic tanks rupture making it easier to lose the animal after it has been wounded. Kringayark said this would cut down on the number of lost narwhals.

The second change involved a self-imposed quota.

"No more than 100 narwhals can be taken annually by the membership of Repulse Bay. The community itself is saying that," said Kringayark.

The third new bylaw, to be implemented by March 31, will find a way to utilize the meat from the animal. Inuit traditionally just use the muktaaq.

Finally, the membership wants to find a way to limit the number of narwhals that are harvested at the floe edge in the hope that fewer will be struck and escaped or killed and sunk.

There is a stumbling block on the fourth amendment, however.

"Other communities in the Keewatin have access to our floe edge and as long as they have their own tags, we can't do anything about it," said Kringayark.

"We don't think that's appropriate."

He said letters had been written to the regional wildlife organizations asking for help in solving the problem and that the amended bylaw would hopefully be in place by the end of March.

Michelle Wheatley, the director of wildlife management for the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, said while the high numbers were food for thought, it was too soon to become concerned about them.

"There was some concern, but also recognition that this is a three-year system. If we see the same numbers again next year, then it would be a concern. It's too early to tell," said Wheatley.

She also said when the board gathers in Iqaluit for their annual general meeting next month, they would discuss the new system and consider all recommendations.

The new management system was implemented by the NWMB last year to allow communities, through their HTAs, to opt for a three-year trial period free of quotas if they met certain regulations.

Kugaaruk (Pelly Bay), Iglulik and Hall Beach are expected to join Pond Inlet and Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island) in using the new system this year. It is also expected that the Arctic Bay membership will vote in the new bylaws.