IGLULIK - The return of walrus tourism after a two-year ban is welcomed in Iglulik as it supports economic development, said acting mayor Paul Quassa.

Iglulik's Hunters and Trappers Organization banned all form of walrus tourism, whether it be sports hunting, photography or watching, for a two-year period starting in 2007-2008.

The ban was in response to an observed decrease in the numbers of the animals, Steve Pinksen, the director of policy planning and legislation at Nunavut's Department of Environment, stated via e-mail.

Quassa said he didn't think the original ban was due to a decrease in the number of walruses but more likely the Hunters and Trappers Organization was trying to make a point about the importance of Inuit values. Those values include not harassing wildlife, said Quassa.

"They felt the walruses were being too disturbed by photographers and people making documentaries about wildlife, especially walruses," he said.

"They were being disturbed and I think that was one of the reasons why they had stopped it in the first place. They were certainly trying to make a point (harassing wildlife) is not accepted.

"I think the point got a clear understanding from everybody so they felt it was understood."

Joanasie Sarpinak, co-owner of IDS Outfitting, said his company will probably conduct eight walrus tourism trips this July and August. The lifting of the ban is good news for them, he added, as it means more business.

Sarpinak said they have to follow rules, such as not bothering animals with calves and not shooting an animal unless it is on the ice so they don't get lost or sink.

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