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NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
MINUTES: CONFERENCE CALL No. 50
WEDNESDAY, 14 JUNE 2000 Agenda Agenda for the Conference Call Auditors’ Report on NWMB Financial Statements for 1999/00 Miscellaneous Briefings and Updates
Funding Agreement with DIAND: Changes to Workplan and Budget Future of Southeast Baffin Beluga Management Committee Requests to Convert Caribou Quotas Bluenose Caribou Management Plan Bathurst Caribou Planning Agreement Requests for Arctic Charr Commercial Fishery Amendments Re-visitation of Two NWMB Study Fund Projects Participation at Upcoming Meetings and Other Events
Resolutions: Conference Call 50
Ben Kovic opened the meeting at 8:35 a.m., Iqaluit time.
2. Agenda for the Conference Call
Ben checked to ensure that all Members had received their briefing materials. The Board adopted the Agenda as presented, with the following changes and clarifications:
3. Auditors’ Report on NWMB Financial Statements for 1999/00
Gordon Tomlinson referred the Members to the draft report of the auditors (MacKay Landau) with respect to the financial statements of the NWMB for 1999/00. Gordon noted that the report was available only in draft format, but was deemed to be quite straightforward and uncontentious. Gordon then proceeded to review the report with the Members in some detail. He noted that no serious problems had been identified with the Board’s accounting practices, and that overall the NWMB had received a “clean “ report. Gordon reminded the Board that DIAND has ceased to allow donations as a line item, and he recommended that the NWMB categorize items of this nature in future under one of a number of other categories as might be considered appropriate. The NWMB recorded revenue in excess of expenses for the year in the amount of $200,166. Capital assets in inventory cost $667,429 and have a depreciated value of $201,373.
Gordon pointed out that the auditors made three observations/recommendations:
David Alagalak urged that concerted efforts be made to comply with the auditor’s recommendations. With respect to the first observation, Gordon Koshinsky accepted responsibility for the slow-down that was evident in the preparation of minutes towards the end of the fiscal year. With respect to the second observation, Gordon Tomlinson explained that the contribution agreements with the RWOs were not always amended to ratify payout adjustments made in response to realized surpluses and deficits. With respect to the third observation, Gordon Tomlinson confirmed that some minor problems were encountered with the way the NWMB computer system made GST calculations.
Discussion ensued on whether the Board could move to accept the audit report, since the document was still only available in draft. Jim Noble stressed that DIAND required the Board’s audited financial statement by the end of June, and that in view of the discussion today, few if any further changes were anticipated.
The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 157) to accept the audited financial statements for the NWMB for 1999/00, along with the report of the auditors with respect to those statements and including the auditors’ observations and recommendations, as per the submission by the auditors on 10 May 2000.
4. Miscellaneous Briefings and Updates • Release of IBKS Report: Public Ceremony Ben Kovic reported that a ceremony was held in the Parish Hall in Iqaluit to mark the release of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study report. Many elders were invited, with special attention to those who had been interviewed in the course of the project. The ceremony was well attended by media (News North, Nunatsiaq News, IBC, APTN, CBC radio). There was also a good turnout by the public, including many students. It seems that the report is being well received.
Ben Kovic reported participating in this workshop. The Minister of Education has directed that science curricula for the schools are to be changed to better reflect Arctic perspectives. This was an initial workshop. It is hoped that significant changes can be enacted in time for the next school year.
Kevin McCormick advised of a recent Greenland publication pertaining to the oceans that he had encountered and that he considered pertinent. He promised to send a copy to the NWMB office.
• Exploratory Crab Fishery ProposalBen Kovic advised that QC’s proposal for an exploratory crab fishery remains on the table, but does not seem to be proceeding as well as QC would have liked. There is unresolved business between the partners, apparently pertaining to the provisions for the long-term buyout of interests by QC.
Michelle Wheatley noted that Cumberland Sound Fisheries Limited has also developed a proposal for an exploratory crab fishing licence. The CSF proposal will be discussed by the Nunavut Fisheries Working Group at their next meeting.
• Prominent Visitors to Iqaluit in August Federal Ministers responsible for fisheries, environment/wildlife, heritage/parks, and possibly forestry will all be coming to Iqaluit for meetings in August. Provincial/Territorial Ministers will also be participating. Ben Kovic, along with Pat Best and Bert Dean, attended a preparatory meeting with the DFO Minister’s Executive Assistant in Ottawa recently. The discussion focussed on a possible “good news announcement” by the DFO Minister during his Iqaluit visit. Several options were discussed, and DFO staff indicated some willingness to re-visit the NTI litigation that is still underway concerning turbot allocations to Nunavut interests. NTI officials have conceded that they might be willing to drop this action if the DFO Minister were to make a serious conciliatory gesture.
• Legislative Changes Underway Jim Noble briefed the Board on the initiatives that are underway to develop a new Nunavut Wildlife Act and new Fisheries Regulations for Nunavut . It appears that good progress is being made in both areas. DFO hopes to retain a consultant to help ensure that the new Fisheries Regulations are compatible and integrated with the NLCA. The Department is proposing this as a contract for cost-sharing, with a requirement of approximately $7,000 from each of DFO, NTI and the NWMB. Kevin McCormick suggested that this could be a very worthwhile investment. He was interested to see the terms of reference for such a contract, in anticipation that it would be relevant to any similar initiative that might eventually be undertaken by CWS.
• Establishing Qualifications for Big-Game Hunting Guides Michelle Wheatley advised the Members that the Big-Game Hunting Guides Working Group met in Iqaluit on April 11-12. Michelle tabled two working papers that have resulted from the deliberations of this Group. One of these papers is about classifying guides and hunters; the other is about guide qualifications.
Kevin McCormick asked if the results of the exercise were to be incorporated into the new Nunavut Wildlife Act. Michelle stated that this would be the expectation, but it would be the prerogative of DSD. Harry Flaherty asked why outfitters and tourism interests in general were not included in the Working Group. Michelle replied that the Baffin Tourism Association does participate, albeit not as a formal member.
• Deliberations of the Walrus Working Group Michelle Wheatley advised that the Walrus Working Group has not met recently. The largest task that the Group currently has underway is the preparation of a discussion paper on options for managing walrus. Rob Stewart of DFO was assigned the task of drafting this paper.
• Coalition of Resource Centres Michelle Wheatley reminded the Board that CWS has become an active partner in the Coalition this year. A Resource Centres Technician trainee, Utu Maurice, was hired two weeks ago on a part-time basis and will focus on cataloguing and maintaining the resource centres at DFO, CWS, NRI and NWMB. This will free the Resource Centre Manager to work primarily at the DSD library, until the full-time DSD librarian is able to take over.
• Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan Michelle Wheatley reported that a meeting of the parties was held in early May at Rankin Inlet. Those present agreed with the wording of the Plan as it now exists. It is now up to Lutsel K’E to review the plan and get back to other parties with any comments.
5. Funding Agreement with DIAND: Changes to Workplan and Budget
Gordon Tomlinson referred the Members to the letter of 31 May from DIAND in response to the Board’s request for written confirmation/explanation of the changes that DIAND had required be made to the NWMB workplan and budget for 2000/01. The explanations provided are for the most part straight-forward and non-controversial. The requirement by DIAND that the NWMB eliminate all reference to donations does remain somewhat problematic, however.
DIAND’s objection to making provision for donations in the NWMB budget was initially understood to stem from the fact that specific donations cannot be accurately predicted and thus pose a potential for creating artificial surpluses. In their written explanation, however, DIAND went further, stating that donations are “not an admissible expense under expenditures funded by DIAND and not considered as part of an obligation to be met under the NLCA”. The Board is faced with the question of if and how to continue making some or all of the kinds of expenditures that were previously designated as donations.
Gordon pointed out that most if not all of the items that the NWMB has funded under “donations” since its inception have pertained to education and/or corporate citizenship. He suggested that it is entirely legitimate for the NWMB to continue providing funds for initiatives sponsored by others that promote wildlife conservation and/or that enhance the profile and effectiveness of the NWMB in the community and in the Territory. Gordon presented a number of options whereby the Board might come to grips with this dilemma.
The Board decided that it would be appropriate to re-structure its “Donations Policy”, with provision to contribute funding by way of “Conservation Education” or “Advertising and Promotion” to externally-sponsored initiatives that were relevant to the mandate of the NWMB or to its operations.
6. Future of Southeast Baffin Beluga Management Committee
Michelle Wheatley referred the Members to the briefing note she had prepared, along with the letter from the DFO Area Director recommending that the SEBBMC be dissolved. The rationale for the Committee stemmed from the assumption that the three communities were harvesting from a common stock of beluga whales: recent scientific studies have refuted this assumption.
Gordon Koshinsky spoke in favour of disbanding the Committee. He applauded the accomplishments of the Committee to date, but suggested that the key now was community-based beluga management rather than regional beluga management. Gordon believed there was a danger that the Committee could become an obstacle rather than remain a catalyst for the kind of management focus that was now required. Harry Flaherty urged more consultation with the communities prior to the future of the Committee being decided.
The Board agreed to have NWMB staff formally solicit the Committee members and the HTOs for their opinions about the continuation of the Committee. Harry further proposed that if the Committee were to be disbanded, then members of the NWMB should attend future community meetings on beluga management.
7. Requests to Convert Caribou Quotas
Michelle Wheatley referred to the three requests forwarded by DSD from HTOs in the Keewatin Region to convert existing commercial caribou quotas into non-resident sport-hunting quotas. The rationale for these requests is to increase economic benefits without increasing harvests. The requests are supported by the KWF and by DSD. They are as follows: Commercial Non-Res Sport From To From To • Arviat Zone BC/11 (Qamanirjuac Herd) 250 200 50 100 • Baker Lake
• Repulse Bay Zone BC/08 (Wager Herd) 200 160 40 80
On a related matter, KWF is recommending that DSD implement a one-tag system for both commercial and non-resident sport caribou quotas, leaving the allocation between these two uses to be made by the HTO in each community. DSD does not support this proposal at this time since it would require changes to the current Wildlife Act and regulations. DSD would prefer to build any such revision into the new legislation being developed.
The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 158) to approve the conversion of commercial caribou quotas to non-resident sport-hunting quotas as requested by the communities of Arviat, Baker Lake and Repulse Bay. The Board also decided to advise KWF that the NWMB is sympathetic to the concept of a one-tag caribou management system, and interprets that such a system would be consistent with the NLCA. However the NWMB appreciates and concurs with the preference of DSD to defer this as a matter for consideration in the context of the exercise now underway to develop new wildlife legislation for Nunavut. To that end, the NWMB would encourage the KWF, along with the other RWOs and the HTOs, to make their views known to DSD.
8. Bluenose Caribou Management Plan
Michelle reminded the Members that at its March meeting the Board accepted the research finding that Bluenose Caribou actually encompassed three herds: the Cape Bathurst, the Bluenose West and the Bluenose East. The Board had also directed her (Michelle) to review the draft management plan.
Michelle reported that the Plan was initiated without benefit of the knowledge that there are three distinct herds. As a result, some parts of the document are difficult to follow. Only the Bluenose East herd is of direct interest to Nunavut since it is harvested by hunters from Kugluktuk, among others. The Kugluktuk HTO and the Kitikmeot HTA have indicated to DSD that they would like to work with the Sahtu communities to develop a management plan specific to the East Bluenose herd. In contrast to the other two herds, indications are that the Bluenose East herd is being harvested at rates that are not sustainable. The matter is clouded by the fact that population data for the Bluenose East herd are not as reliable as the data for the other two herds.
The Board decid ed (Resolution 2000- 159) to support the development of a separate management plan for the Bluenose East caribou herd, on the understanding that the plan will be based primarily on the extraction of relevant material from the comprehensive draft plan that has already been prepared for the Bluenose caribou, and that DSD will lead the planning process.
Kevin McCormick questioned if a very formal management planning approach was really necessary for the Bluenose East caribou herd. Michelle agreed that shortcuts were probably available. She explained that a structured plan and process seemed to be matters of higher priority with the non-Nunavut interests because there are more of them and they have more trans-boundary concerns.
9. Bathurst Caribou Planning Agreement
Michelle Wheatley reminded the Members that a number of agencies on both sides or the NWT / Nunavut border have been working to develop a planning agreement leading to the preparation of an inter-jurisdictional management plan for the Bathurst herd of barren ground caribou. Among the terms of reference for the planning process as it is contemplated is the very fundamental matter of evaluating whether development of a management plan is actually warranted. Michelle tabled the current draft of the Planning Agreement, which incorporates comments on an earlier draft provided by herself and the Board’s Legal Advisor. The NWMB is being asked to be a signatory to the Planning Agreement and to appoint a representative to the Planning Committee.
Unfortunately the draft Planning Agreement was available for the Conference Call in English only. The Board decided to defer further consideration of the matter pending availability of the written material in Inuktitut.
10. Requests for Arctic Charr Commercial Fishery Amendments
Michelle Wheatley advised that the Pangnirtung HTO has requested closure of Arctic charr commercial fisheries in three water bodies in the Pangnirtung area, and that the Mittimatalik HTO has requested re-opening of one of the closed charr commercial fisheries near Pond Inlet.
The Board decided to defer consideration of these matters to a later date.
11. Re-visitation of Two NWMB Study Fund Projects 11A. Davis Strait Turbot Survey
Michelle Wheatley advised that DFO has requested that the NWMB consider transferring this project from NWMB Study funding to the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust. DFO anticipates that this would facilitate administration of certain components of the project, most notably the chartering of the required vessel from Greenland. Gordon Koshinsky asked about the prospects for this project continuing for a third year. Michelle replied that there was a good possibility that the project will be ongoing in 2001/02, and that the third-year cost to the NWMB (or to the NWRT) is still estimated at about $100,000.
The Board decided to defer consideration of this matter to a later date.
11B. Monitoring Geese at Arviat
Michelle Wheatley reminded Members that the Board in March conditionally approved the request from the Arviat HTO for NWMB Study funding for a project to monitor snow and Ross’ geese. Approval was pending on the proponents clarifying the proposed use of helicopters for herding snow geese, this with a view to using man-powered drives if possible. Michelle advised that the Board’s concern was referred to CWS, and that Mr. A. Didiuk wrote to explain the impracticality of herding the geese in any manner other than by helicopter.
David Alagalak maintained that no type of motorized conveyance should be used for any sort of interaction with wildlife other than in the course of hunting. Michelle noted that CWS copied their response to the Arviat HTO in recognition of the fact that the HTO is the project proponent. David agreed to explore the matter with the HTO immediately, with the aim of reaching a solution that will permit the contribution agreement to be finalized.
12. Participation at Upcoming Meetings and Other Events
Jim Noble led the Board through the most recent (as at June 9) tabulation of announcements and invitations. The following new decisions were reached regarding attendance and participation:
13A. Proposal to Use Snowmobiles and ATVs for Polar Bear Sport Hunting
Michelle Wheatley advised that the Arviat HTO has put forward a request for permission to use snowmobiles and ATVs in the sport-hunting of polar bears. The HTO argues that this would reduce polar bear loss rates and increase the safety of hunters and guides. There would be no impact on the numbers of polar bears harvested. The proposal is supported locally and regionally, but DSD headquarters is opposed. DSD points out that the use of dog teams for polar bear sport hunting is a requirement of the International Agreement on Polar Bears, to which Canada is a signatory. Kevin McCormick noted that any such change would require the agreement of the six or seven participating countries.
Ben Kovic observed that that this is an issue of long-standing in the Keewatin in general, and at Arviat in particular. The situation there is somewhat unique in that polar bears are available for sport hunting only from September through November, during which periods there is generally not enough snow to run dog teams. David Alagalak recalled that a wounded polar bear was lost at Arviat last year because the dogs were unable to overtake it. This bear would almost certainly have been taken if ATVs could have been used. David also noted that dogs used for hunting at Arviat are generally not of pure husky lineage and are neither strong enough nor fast enough to keep up with polar bears. Better attention to breeding dogs for hunting purposes would be a positive step towards overcoming that problem. Meeka Mike observed that dogs provide elements of safety that are not provided by snowmobiles. Gordon Koshinsky suggested that consideration might be given to permitting the use of motorized vehicles in back-up situations, i.e. to retrieve wounded bears.
The Board decided to defer this item to the September meeting, and to ask DSD to prepare a full briefing.
13B. Polar Bear Population Status: M’Clintock Channel
Jim Noble reported that DSD has completed the fieldwork for their survey of the M’Clintock Channel polar bear population. Indications are that this population of bears has been severely depleted, and DSD is considering proposing a moratorium on hunting. Stephen Atkinson has requested the advice of the NWMB regarding consultations that would be appropriate. Harry Flaherty urged that DSD prepare an interim report on their findings and conclusions for the consideration of the Board. The Board agreed that community consultations were required and that DSD needed to lead them.
13C. Funding for 2000 Bowhead Hunt Planning
Jim Noble advised that the Coral Harbour Hunt Planning Committee had requested funding assistance from the NWMB with respect to the 2000 Bowhead Hunt. Jim reminded the Members that the Board provided funding to assist with the planning of the two previous hunts, but that the Board did not cover any of the actual hunting expenses.
The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 160) to approve funding of up to $15,000 to assist the Coral Harbour Hunt Planning Committee in its planning and administrative functions, with the understanding that NWMB funds were not to be used to address any expenses of the hunt per se, nor of its aftermath.
13D. Funding Request: Kitikmeot Summer Science Camp
Jim Noble advised that the Kitikmeot Summer 2000 Science Camp Program has requested a contribution of $6,000 to assist with the cost of obtaining instructors.
The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 161) to approve a contribution of $5,000 in conservation-education funding for the Kitikmeot Summer 2000 Science Camp Program.
13E. Performance Recognition for NWMB Employees
Jim Noble reminded Members that the Board approved a new 18-step pay grid for its employees at the March meeting. Jim asked for direction on implementing the new system with respect to paying performance bonuses.
The Board directed Jim to proceed to implement the new system, but to set aside the matter of performance bonuses for consideration at a later date.
13F. Recognition for IBKS Co-ordinator and Committee Members
Ben Kovic suggested that in view of the successful and highly publicized completion of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study, it might be appropriate for the Board to provide some formal recognition for the Study Co-ordinator and for the members of the Study Committee.
The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 162) to approve the purchase and presentation of appropriate plaques to recognize the contributions of the Study Co-ordinator and the members of the Study Committee in the completion of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study.
13G. Bonus for NWMB Legal Advisor
Jim Noble reminded the Board that the contract with its Legal Advisor contains provision for the payment of annual bonuses, at the discretion of the Board, in the range of 0 to 5% of aggregate professional fees. The Board neglected to consider this matter in respect to 1998/99, and it is now appropriate to consider it for 1999/00 as well.
The Board decided to defer consideration of this matter pending preparation of a detailed briefing note by the Executive Director.
13H. Date for September Board Meeting
The Board decided that the next regular meeting of the NWMB would be held the week of September 25 th . Taloyoak was re-confirmed as the location for the meeting.
The Conference Call adjourned at 11:55 a.m. Iqaluit time.
Minutes Approved by:_________________________ __________________ Chairperson Date
RESOLUTIONS: CONFERENCE CALL 50
Resolution 2000- 157: Resolved that the NWMB accept the audited financial statements for the NWMB for 1999/00, along with the report of the auditors with respect to those statements and including the auditors’ observations and recommendations, as per the submission by the auditors on 10 May 2000.
Moved by: David Alagalak Seconded by: Harry Flaherty Carried Date: 14 June 2000
Resolution 2000- 158: Resolved that the NWMB approve the conversion of commercial caribou quotas to non-resident sport-hunting quotas for the communities of Arviat, Baker Lake and Repulse Bay as follows:
Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Kevin McCormick Carried Date: 14 June 2000
Resolution 2000– 159: Resolved that the NWMB support the development of a management plan for the Bluenose East caribou herd, on the understanding that the plan will be based primarily on the extraction of relevant material from the comprehensive draft plan that has already been prepared for the Bluenose caribou, and that DSD will lead the planning process. Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Moses Koonoo Carried Date: 14 June 2000
Resolution 2000- 160: Resolved that the NWMB provide up to $15,000 to assist the Coral Harbour Bowhead Hunt Planning Committee in its planning and administrative preparations for the 2000 bowhead hunt near Coral Harbour.
Moved by: Kevin McCormick Seconded by: Harry Flaherty Carried Date: 14 June 2000
Resolution 2000- 161: Resolved that the NWMB approve a contribution of $5,000 in conservation-education funding for the Kitikmeot Summer 2000 Science Camp Program.
Moved by: Harry Flaherty Seconded by: Moses Koonoo Carried Date: 14 June 2000
Resolution 2000- 162: Resolved that the NWMB approve the purchase and presentation of appropriate plaques to recognize the contributions of the Study Co-ordinator and the members of the Study Committee in the completion of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study.
Moved by: Harry Flaherty Seconded by: David Alagalak Carried Date: 14 June 2000
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