Minister meeting with advisory committee for insular Newfoundland caribou

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, attended the first meeting of the advisory committee for insular Newfoundland caribou. In Budget 2006, government announced a two-year, $3 million strategy to examine 10 of the major caribou populations of insular Newfoundland.

The committee heard presentations on the current situation and concerns with the island caribou populations, the activity-to-date on research and management of these herds, and the workplan for the enhanced caribou management strategy.

"Clearly, caribou populations on the island are in decline. Contributing factors may be increased predation, nutritional deficiencies and changes in habitat," said Dr. Dan Stewart, committee chair. "However, more detailed research is required and the committee reviewed the workplans for further field work and research that is presently being undertaken."

Specific activities being undertaken include increased collaring of caribou; survey counts; nutritional assessment; determination of calving mortality; and population demographics and classification.

"The work of this committee has only just begun, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months," said Minister Jackman. "As results of the enhanced research efforts are known, the committee will be able to work with government in developing sound caribou management strategies."

In June, the minister announced the establishment of a committee to advise government on various aspects of the enhanced caribou management strategy. The committee will advise the ministers of the three government departments that deal with various aspects of caribou conservation, including Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, as well as Minister Jackman. Members of the committee include Dr. Dan Stewart, associate professor, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and committee chair; Ms. Gudrid Hutchings, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association; Mr. Stuart Weldon, representing resident hunters; Mr. Darrell Harris, Department of Natural Resources; Ms. Mary Taylor-Ash, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; and Ms. Christine Doucet, Department of Environment and Conservation.

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401.

2006 07 14                                  12:40 p.m.