Environment and Conservation
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
August 9, 2010
George River Caribou
Hunting Season Delayed in Labrador
The George River caribou hunting season
in Labrador, scheduled for opening on August 10, will be delayed as the
result of preliminary information and ongoing analysis regarding the
herd. In July, a post-calving census was conducted in partnership with
the Government of Quebec, Laval University, the Nunatsiavut Government,
Torngat Plant and Wildlife Co-Management Board and the Institute for
Environmental Monitoring and Research.
"While the final results of the census
will not be available until later this fall, preliminary results confirm
a continued and serious decline in the population of the George River
caribou herd," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of
Environment and Conservation. "Whenever we feel that any of our wildlife
populations are being compromised, we apply a precautionary approach to
their management and delay hunting activities while we undertake a
review of current harvest management strategies."
In July 2009, the Provincial Government
announced plans to conduct a census in the summer of 2010 to determine
the current status and health of the George River caribou herd, and
review caribou harvest management strategies in light of the census
results. To date, work has involved collaring as many as 80 caribou from
the George River herd, both males and females, as well as a post-calving
aggregation photo-census of the herd. A public advisory was published in
the 2010-11 Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide
indicating that current harvest management approaches and methods may be
reviewed pending the results of the 2010 census.
The George River caribou herd is the
migratory forest-tundra ecotype of the woodland caribou which migrates
between forest and tundra in both Quebec and Labrador.
"It is our government's responsibility to
ensure appropriate management measures for the George River caribou are
being taken, based on the recent preliminary results of the population
census," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs.
"We must work collaboratively with all stakeholders to help ensure the
future of this important herd and its place in the lives of Labradorians."
An update on the harvest management plan
for the George River Caribou is anticipated in early September. Until
that time, hunting opportunities for all non-Aboriginal peoples will be
suspended.
For more information on wildlife,
including the opening and closing dates for hunting seasons, visit
www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/index.html
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Media contacts:
Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
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John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
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2010 08 09
2:55 p.m.
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