Iqaluit (Mar 03/03) - Every time a polar bear is killed in self defence, it's one less to support a community.

That's why Nunavut's Department of Sustainable Development is working on a polar bear deterrent and management program, wildlife officers from around the territory heard last week.

According to Steve Pinksen, senior advisor of legislation and enforcement for DSD the initiative is being designed to reduce the number of polar bears being killed in self-defense.

Pinksen said it is a huge issue in terms of public safety, but it also has economic impacts. There is a limited harvest on polar bears and every one killed in self-defense reduces the number that can be allowed for community hunts and subsequent trade.

The 30 officers who attended the conference also discussed Nunavut's new Wildlife Act, expected to come before the legislature this month, the Bathurst Road and Port Project and decentralization.

Each of those issues have, or will have, an impact on Nunavut wildlife officers, said Pinksen.

He added that the department would like to hold similar conferences more often, but it costs $5,000 to $6,000 per participant. Arviat wildlife officer Joe Savikataaq welcomed the opportunity to meet face to face with his peers.

"The only way you can communicate or ask for solutions is by the phone. If it is just simple questions it's ok, but it is something that has to be shown, it's much more difficult," he said.