Caribou are essential to the cultural identity, customs and traditions of Labradorians and are an important dietary staple.　 Following the completion of field work and data analysis for the George River caribou herd census by biologists from both Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced new conservation measures to further protect the George River herd. The results indicate the current population of the herd is 74,131. This represents a significant decline from the previous census estimate of 385,000 in 2001. In 1993, a similar census estimated the herd at 776,000 animals.

"The results of this census clearly illustrate the need to implement immediate and alternative harvest management approaches to help prevent further decline of the herd," said Minister Charlene Johnson. "The current liberal hunting regulations are not sustainable and, as a result of this census and the feedback we received from the people of Labrador during a series of public consultation meetings, immediate and significant conservation measures are warranted to ensure appropriate long-term management for the George River caribou."

Effective immediately, the commercial caribou hunt, non-resident caribou hunting via the use of outfitters, and the resident caribou licence transfer system for Labrador residents will be suspended. The licence transfer system allowed for any resident of Labrador to legally transfer their licence to harvest two caribou to another resident of Labrador who was qualified to hold a big game licence. Additionally, the allowable harvest will be reduced to one caribou per licensed hunter from the current limit of two, and the season will open immediately and close on April 30 in open zones.

The Provincial Government will also establish a committee to review whether additional conservation measures may be required in subsequent years, after a more detailed assessment of the population and increased monitoring efforts are conducted. The intention is to work toward the implementation of a co-management board which has worked effectively in other jurisdictions.

On August 9, 2010, a delay to the start of the caribou hunt in Labrador was announced, pending final completion and analysis of a census of the herd. The post-calving census was conducted in July, in partnership with the Government of Quebec, Laval University, the Nunatsiavut Government, Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board and the Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research. In addition, public consultations were held on October 12 and 13 of this year with targeted stakeholders, including Aboriginal governments and groups, outfitters and resident hunters.

"We thank all those who participated in our meetings, as well as those who provided written submissions," said Minister Johnson. "It was made abundantly clear by all stakeholders that conservation of the herd is the top priority."

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, also applauded the cooperative nature that was evident during the public consultation meetings recently held in Labrador.

"What I heard loud and clear from all stakeholders was that conservation of the resource must take priority over harvest," said Minister Hickey. "These measures are designed to recognize the considerable value and importance of this resource to all Labradorians."

"Ongoing and enhanced management will be critical to safeguard the George River herd into the future," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "In the coming months, as we focus on a longer-term management strategy for the herd, we will be engaging and encouraging all partners and stakeholders with an interest in the George River caribou to come together in the interest of conservation to assist in the protection of this important resource."

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