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February 11, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Kevin Aylward stated that after recent discussions with several groups in Southeastern Labrador, action must be taken to ensure the survival of the Mealy Mountain Caribou Herd. "I have asked officials in my department to speak with all interested parties on this issue and find a solution that will allow for the herd to be given an opportunity to grow back to sustainable levels," the minister said.

The Innu Nation is taking a lead role in facilitating discussions with its members and Innu communities on the North Shore of Quebec. Daniel Ashini, the vice president of the Innu Nation, said: "The Innu people depend on the caribou and we want to ensure that the Mealy Mountain Herd remains viable so that it can also sustain Innu people in the future. We are therefore consulting hunters and elders in our communities on what actions they think should be taken."

The Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Division has been tracking the population of the Mealy Mountain herd since 1958. The most recent evaluation indicated that the herd has dropped from a 1987 high of 1,932 animals to 233 as of March 1997. Officials from the Wildlife Division will consult with interested parties in the Southern Labrador area on the best way to effectively manage the herd. The minister concluded: "I anticipate that these meetings will commence in the near future as this year's limited hunting season has already begun."

Contact: David Wells, Communications (709) 729-6183.

 

1998 02 11 9:55 a.m.

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