Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Panniqtuuq (Oct 29/01) - A high-profile conservation group will work with Panniqtuuq's Hunters and Trappers Association to study wildlife health.

World Wildlife Fund scientist Susan Sang held a series of briefings on the new partnership during a recent visit to Panniqtuuq and Iqaluit.

"The goal is to integrate science with traditional knowledge," Sang said. "It's up to the community what they do" with the findings."

The extensive study follows in the footsteps of last year's Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Wildlife Health in the Baffin. The report was written in partnership with the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board.

The study found deformed seals in Kimmirut, skinless belugas in Arctic Bay, sickly char in Hall Beach and worm-infested caribou in Qikiqtarjuaq.

"That was our preliminary study. Now it's time to investigate further," Sang said.

Sang was reluctant to call the situation urgent. However, given last year's study, the need clearly exists, she said.

The report states, "Over the past decade Inuit hunters, trappers and fishers have reported a wide range of abnormalities in their harvests as well as a perceived increase in the frequency of ceratin conditions and disease states."

Panniqtuuq residents, especially hunters and elders, will be asked to record physical and behavioural abnormalities recently seen in wildlife on the land and at sea.

Sang hopes to return to Panniqtuuq with a veterinarian in early spring.

Fund scientists expect the study will take three years to complete. Results will be handed to Panniqtuuq's HTA.

"I'm interested to know what the causes are. Global warming? Contamination? Natural processes?" Sang asked.