Halt called on Baffin harvest
Inuit have always respected the natural cycle of caribou: Minister
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 5, 2015
BAFFIN ISLAND
The Government of Nunavut welcomed the new year with the bad news that effective Jan. 1 there would be no caribou hunting allowed on Baffin Island.
The interim moratorium on harvesting, announced Dec. 19, comes after a 2014 aerial survey of the entire range. According to the Department of Environment, the entire Baffin Island caribou population is now estimated at a total of between 3,462 and 6,250 caribou, down 90 to 95 per cent since the 1990s estimate of approximately 120,000 to 330,000.
Environment Minister Johnny Mike said the numbers are consistent with what Baffin Island hunters have been telling his department.
"This is an urgent situation, and the GN is taking immediate measures to protect the sustainability of Baffin Island caribou. This is a shared responsibility, and we are working with our co-management partners, hunters and communities to complete a plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Baffin caribou for our future generations," said Mike.
The interim moratorium is in place until further notice.
As for enforcement of the moratorium, the department's conservation officers will work closely with community Hunters and Trappers Organizations.
"Protecting and preserving the Baffin Island caribou is a shared responsibility of all communities. As of Jan. 1, hunting caribou on Baffin Island may result in an investigation that could lead to fines and/or charges," stated Mike.
Long-term conservation measures are being developed in accordance with the wildlife co-management system outlined in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
"Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq, respect and care for the land, animals and the environment, is paramount to our traditional values and knowledge. Inuit have always respected the natural cycle of caribou, and we now face additional pressures with the use of modern equipment on the land," stated Mike.
"Respecting this interim moratorium is necessary so that Baffin Island caribou can repopulate."
The objective of the interim moratorium will allow for the preservation of Baffin Island caribou for future generations. There will be no monetary compensation for hunters who may experience a loss of income due to these measures.
