Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 29/02) - Wildlife officials expressed concern last week after finding the remains of a beluga whale with almost 75 per cent of its flesh unharvested.

John McCotter, right, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans officer Andrew Nakashuk investigate the entry wound behind the head of a beluga whale found shot to death. DFO found the whale they suspect was left to rot. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

Hunters travelling near the Bay of Two Rivers close to Iqaluit reported the whale to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans July 17. DFO began its investigation the following week.

Fisheries officers said the whale was shot from the rear. Entry wounds show it was hit in the head.

Investigators said they suspect the whale was brought to shore midway through a tide and the hunters did not have enough time to harvest the muktaaq.

The carcass of a second whale was found nearby, still underwater. Its head was found on the shore. This whale, however, looked fully harvested.

"It happens sporadically throughout Nunavut," said DFO officer John McCotter. "This is the first one that's been reported in Iqaluit this season."

McCotter said hunters waste meat for several reasons. Failure to anticipate tides plays a big factor, as well as weather, inexperience and laziness.

As a first offence, the waste of a beluga whale after it has been hunted is punishable by six months in jail and a $3,000 fine. For a repeat offence, the maximum penalty is two years and a $5,000 fine.

DFO has no suspects yet.

"We'll hope for a tip to come in. The only way to find out is through a witness," said McCotter.

The whale had been hunted about two weeks before DFO was able to reach it, so little could be determined from the site itself. Anyone with information relating to this crime is asked to contact DFO.