SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The GNWT and the Tlicho government say they are prepared to act swiftly to deal with the severe decline of the Bathurst caribou herd.

Results from a June survey released Thursday show a drastic decline in population. Since a survey done in 2006, the herd has declined by more than 95,000 animals, to 31,897 from 128,047.

"We now know the time for census, the time for study, for aerial surveys, while they have an important place, are now over," said Michael Miltenberger, minister of Environment and Natural Resources, during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

In a technical briefing earlier in the day, GNWT caribou biologist Bruno Croft said it's unclear what exactly is causing such a massive decline in a herd that, in 1985 totalled close to a half a million.

"We're scratching our heads," Croft said.

Croft said there are numerous possibilities for the decline, including predation, over-harvesting and changes to environmental conditions. The three diamond mines, according to wildlife biologist Jan Adamczewski, could be a contributing factor.

"There is some sort of formal displacement around the mines," he said. "You get closer to the mines and there is less use by the caribou. Whether or not that necessarily translates into a big effect at the population level is a bit harder to say."

Croft said the decline in female caribou, down to 16,604 from 55,593 in 2006, is a serious problem.

"Bottom line is we have to find ways to get more females to return to the calving grounds," he said.

Tlicho Grand Chief Joe Rabesca said he was shocked by the decline, and, along with the three community chiefs from Gameti, Whati and Wekweeti, he has already begun to speak to community members about the severity of the decline. Rabesca said action is needed now, and if it involves limiting aboriginal hunters, then so be it.

"We have to work with this government (the GNWT)," Rebesca said.

Miltenberger said the territorial government will be working with the Tlicho government to develop a proposal to put before the Wek'eezhii Renewable Resource Board by October laying out recommendations on how to improve the herd.

As for what measures will be taken to improve herd size and health, Miltenberger said some "tough decisions" are going to be made, specifically relating to sport hunting.

"Sport hunting is one of the things that will be dealt with." he said, adding the protection of subsistent hunting is important. In previous statements, Miltenberger has said if hunting of the herd needs to be restricted, sport hunters would be the first to go.

Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said his people are concerned they will lose the ability to live off the land, like the aboriginal populations in southern Canada have.

"We're really concerned the same thing will happen to us," Erasmus said, adding at the bottom of the list is game hunting.

"We all know they want to keep their tags and we're going to have to say, 'Is that practical?'" he said. "The unfortunate thing is someone has to pay the consequence."