Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Repulse Bay (Jan 30/02) - The results of recent scientific studies may mean good news for bear hunters and guides in Repulse Bay.

As released by the Department of Sustainable Development earlier this month, the study results showed the bear population in the Gulf of Boothia to be significantly healthier than biologists originally thought.

The new estimate puts the number of bears in the area -- located above Hudson Bay between Taloyoak and Iglulik -- at 1,500. Twenty years ago, scientists figured just 900 bears roamed the area.

The hamlets of Repulse Bay, Kugaarjuk, Taloyoak, Hall Beach and Iglulik all hunt from the Gulf of Boothia population. The quota is currently set at 41 bears per year.

Sustainable Development Minister Olayuk Akesuk said because of the healthy new population estimate, the quota for the zone may increase.

"There's a good chance the quota (in the Gulf of Boothia) will increase, but we have to do community consultations to ensure there is good polar bear management for the future," said Akesuk.

He said the consultations would take place in each community this spring, giving the government and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board the opportunity to develop a management plan for the Gulf of Boothia by the fall.

"We'll listen to the communities, but we have to work together," he said.

Akesuk also said the improved population estimate means the area could be opened up to American sport hunters. The Marine Mammal Protection Act currently prohibits the export of marine mammals or marine mammal byproducts, including polar bear hides, from the area.

"We are going to talk to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife people," said Akesuk. "It's good news."

If approved by United States, American sport hunters will be able to take their polar bear trophies home.

That makes the idea of harvesting a bear in the area significantly more alluring to American hunters.

It is estimated that each sport hunter spends about $10,000 in a community when harvesting a bear.