NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

MINUTES: CONFERENCE CALL No. 26

WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1996

Agenda

Call to Order

Agenda

Christmas and New Years Holiday Schedules

Funding Proposals: NWMB-Funded Research

Ground-Based Caribou Survey: Aiviit (Coral Harbour) HTA

Turbot Exploratory Fishery: Lord Mayor Bay (Taloyoak Area)

Kitikmeot HTA: Financial Situation

Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust: Investment Guidelines

Adjournment

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, Ben Kovic , convened the Conference Call at 3:00 p.m.

2. Agenda

Item 4 was moved to follow Item 5 in order, and was subsequently deferred. The agenda was accepted with this one amendment. (Resolution 97-125)

3. Christmas and New Years Holiday Schedules

Jim Noble referred to the briefing note “Days of Operation during Christmas and New Years,” that had been prepared by the Executive Committee for the Board’s consideration. Jim explained that this item was moved to the Conference Call agenda due to the short time remaining before Christmas.

A summary of “Holiday Schedules” for various agencies in Iqaluit was also provided for the Board. Jim noted that staff members were questioning the NWMB schedule as most other agencies were closing for the Christmas/New Year period. Considerable discussion ensued on the various options. A motion to follow the NTI Holiday Schedule was tabled, but not carried. (Resolution 97-126)

4. Funding Proposals: NWMB-Funded Research

4.A Ground-Based Caribou Survey: Aiviit (Coral Harbour) HTA

Dan Pike reviewed his “Submission to the NWMB” on a request for funding from the Aiviit HTA (Coral Harbour) for a snowmobile (ground) survey of the caribou population on Southampton Island. Some hunters do not accept the caribou population estimate provided by the DRWED based on a July 1995 aerial survey and are suggesting that a ground survey would provide a more accurate estimate. After considerable deliberation, the Board approved funding in the amount of $10,000 for this project, with the following conditions: (Resolution 97-127)

•  That the Aiviit HTA must seek expert advice in designing the survey such that it will result in a valid estimate of population size; and,

•  That the Aiviit HTA must invite DRWED personnel to participate in the survey as observers at their own expense; and,

•  That the NWMB suggest to DRWED that consultations with the Aiviit HTA should commence immediately to agree on the design, planning and conduct of a spring survey of the Southampton caribou population.

Note: David Igutsaq left the meeting at this point since the next item referred to him personally.

4.B Turbot Exploratory Fishery: Lord Mayor Bay (Taloyoak Area)

Dan Pike reviewed his “Submission to the NWMB” on the request for funding by David Igutsaq to conduct an exploratory fishery in Lord Mayor Bay near Taloyoak. The Board approved funding for the project in the amount of $5,200 with the following conditions: (Resolution 97-128)

•  That a letter of support be provided by the Taloyoak HTA; and

•  That the proponent obtain instructions from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans with regard to recording fishing effort and sampling of catch; and,

•  That the proponent submit the samples and catch records to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for analysis.

5. Kitikmeot HTA: Financial Situation

Jim Noble reported that a letter was sent to the Kitikmeot Hunters and Trappers Association regarding their financial situation. The Board will be kept informed of developments in this matter.

6. Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust: Investment Guidelines

This item was deferred to a Conference Call scheduled for Monday, December 9.

7. Adjournment

The Conference Call adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Minutes Approved by:___________________________ __________________

                                                           Chairperson                                   Date