Conference Call #39

Dan Pike reminded Members that the NWMB had established a quota of 500 metric tonnes of striped pink shrimp in the Nunavut Settlement Area for 1998. Dan reviewed his briefing note pertaining to the allocation of this quota. He advised the Members that a letter was sent to potential harvesters on June 1, stating that applications for a shrimp allocation would be accepted by the NWMB until June 19. Six applications were received and evaluated as per the criteria developed in the NWMB's Policy for Allocation of Groundfish in Zones I and II. Dan stressed that this is the initial year for this shrimp fishery under this form of administration, and that applicants need to be advised that allocations made this year should not be considered as long-term allocations. Dan reviewed the six individual applications with the Members.

The Board recognized that two of its participating Members were in a conflict of interest situation on this matter and would not be able to vote with respect to these allocations. It was decided that the remaining Members participating in the Conference Call would consider the allocation requests and would make their recommendations. The Executive Director would then contact the first available of the other Member(s) in order to complete a quorum and finalize a Resolution on this matter.

Gordon Koshinsky questioned the landed value of shrimp and the rents commonly paid by fishing operators to holders of allocations. Dan Pike suggested that rents in the range of $200 to $300 per tonne are probably the norm, with landed values being more than ten times higher.

The decision of the eligible Members participating was to allocate as follows:

• 300 MT to Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association

• 100 MT to Qikitaaluk Wildlife Board

• 100 MT to Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Association

It was stressed that letters to the successful applicants are to include notification to the effect that the 1998 allocations should not necessarily be considered as long-term. (Resolution 99- 053)

4. Commercial Caribou Quota Amendment: Arviat HTA

Jim Noble reviewed the DRWED briefing note on this matter with the Members. The Arviat HTA wishes to increase their non-resident barren-ground caribou sport-hunting quota from 30 to 50 animals, with a corresponding decrease in their commercial caribou quota from 270 to 250. This was presented in the context of a straight-forward re-allocation of tags with no overall quota implications. Gordon Koshinsky noted that the NWMB, with the concurrence of the Beverly-Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, recently approved an increase in the commercial caribou quota for Arviat. Gordon suggested that the Arviat HTA should have made their allocation intentions clear at the time of their request for an increase in the commercial quota.

The Board did approve the transfer of 20 barren ground caribou tags on behalf of the Arviat HTA from the commercial quota to the non-resident-sport-hunting quota, on the understanding that the total harvest would not be increased, and with the provision that the HTA be advised of the NWMB concern regarding this successive request for quota adjustment. (Resolution 99- 054)

5. Signing Authority for NWMB Banking Transactions

Jim Noble noted that the current signing authorities for the NWMB bank account are Ben Kovic, Jim Noble and Harry Flaherty, with any two to sign. As the NWMB now has a Director of Finance and Administration (Gordon Tomlinson), Jim requested that the NWMB include Gordon as a signing authority. The Board approved the addition of Gordon Tomlinson as a signing authority for NWMB financial documents. (Resolution 99- 055)

6. Approval of 1997/98 Audit Report for Release to DIAND

Jim Noble noted that the NWMB Contribution Agreement with DIAND requires that an Audited Financial Statement be provided to DIAND by June 30 th each fiscal year. Jim requested that the Board approve submission to DIAND of a Draft Audited Financial Statement signed by the Chairperson and the Executive Director. This procedure would still allow the Board to review and approve the audited statements at the August meeting. The Board approved this request.

(Resolution 99- 056)

7. NTI Invoice in respect to Turbot Litigation

Jim Noble advised that NTI has submitted an invoice to the NWMB in respect to costs incurred for litigation still underway with DFO pertaining to turbot allocations. Jim noted that he could find no formal commitment by the NWMB to pay 50% of these costs as requested by NTI. Jim noted that funds were not budgeted for this item and action on it would require a budgetary amendment. Jim informed the Members that he had requested NTI to provide a more detailed invoice and that a full briefing on this issue would be provided for the August meeting. Gordon Koshinsky requested that the cost of the NWMB Legal Advisor's contribution to this matter also be provided at that time.

8. Other Business

David Tagoona noted that the Baker Lake HTA office remains closed due to lack of funds and asked when this matter would be rectified. Jim Noble replied that funds could not flow to the HTA until the audit was completed. With Janet Akat now on vacation, this task has been reassigned to Bobby Suluk of RWED.

9. Adjournment

The Conference Call adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Minutes Approved by:___________________________ _________________

Chairperson Date