As a result of big game population census work conducted in moose and caribou management areas on the island portion of the province this past winter, revisions have been made to big game licence quotas.

Survey results warrant changes to the licence quotas in two moose management areas. The quota for Area 43 — Port Au Port − has been decreased by 150 licences, and Area 8 — St. Georges − has been increased by 150. These adjustments have been made to ensure the stability of the populations in these areas and do not result in any changes to the total numbers announced this past spring. While Area 45 was also surveyed, no new adjustments are required as population levels appear to be stable in that area.

"It is a priority of our government to ensure the appropriate management of our wildlife populations and, as such, it is necessary for us to make adjustments when our science points us in that direction," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "We are committed to an adaptive management approach which requires that the best and most up-to-date information is used in our quota-setting process. Monitoring and managing the well-being of our wildlife populations is an ongoing responsibility, and it is important for us to strike a sustainable balance."

Minister Johnson noted that, as part of the Provincial Government's ongoing management efforts involving caribou in the province, a census of the Middle Ridge caribou herd (CMA 64) was also conducted this past winter.

"The results of the latest census of the Middle Ridge caribou herd do not differ substantially from the 2006 population count," said Minister Johnson. "Our current information indicates there are approximately 8,800 animals in the area, compared to 8,700 which was estimated in 2006. Therefore, we have not made any changes to the quota for Area 64 for this year's licence draw. We will continue to monitor the health and status of caribou populations through more survey work scheduled for the upcoming fall and winter."

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Media contact:

Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca