Ben Kovic opened the Conference Call at 08:30 a.m. Iqaluit time. He thanked the Board Members and staff for making themselves available to participate in the call.

2. Agenda for the Conference Call

The Board adopted the Agenda for the Conference Call as presented.

3. Revisions to 2000/01 Workplan as Submitted to DIAND

Jim Noble advised that DIAND communicated the need for a number of changes to the workplan as submitted by the NWMB for the current year. DIAND required these changes (which have in fact been made) in order to finalize the workplan as an acceptable attachment to the 2000/01 Funding Agreement. The changes have no impact on the overall budget. Gordon Tomlinson listed the changes that were required, and that have to date been communicated only verbally, as follows:

• Deletion of the line item for donations. According to DIAND interpretation of Department of Finance rulings, donations are not an acceptable expenditure item under the new funding arrangement. This is because donations as such cannot be reliably budgeted, are by definition not binding, and could be an easy avenue for the creation of surpluses that can now be retained by the Board as per the new funding arrangement.

• Conversion of the line item headed “Depreciation” to “Acquisition of Capital Assets”. This reflects a simple change in accounting practice, as established in accordance with the last audit.

• Removal of the “Web Site Development” component from “Acquisition of Capital Assets”, and creation of a separate line item to accommodate. The Department of Finance does not consider web site development to be a capital expenditure.

• Removal of references to “Investment Income”, with provision to net out any such income against some particular category of expenditures.

Gordon Koshinsky noted that some of these changes have rather complex implications, such as with respect to NWMB policies and wording of NWMB documents pertaining to expenditures that used to be categorized as donations. Michael d'Eça urged that the Board obtain written confirmation and justification from DIAND for each of the changes that were required and that were implemented.

4. Turbot Allocations for the Year 2000 in NAFO Sub-Area 0

Michelle Wheatley reviewed the briefing materials that she had tabled for the Conference Call. She reminded the Board that the NWMB is responsible to allocate 1500 MT of turbot in NAFO Division 0B off the east coast of Baffin Island. Of this, 1000 MT is inshore and 500 MT is offshore. The Board can, and previously has, move(d) the inshore quota to offshore for allocation in the summer fishery. In addition, the Board has available to award 55 – 60 days of exploratory turbot fishing effort in Division 0A.

In response to the usual published invitations, eleven applications were received for the 2000 summer turbot fishery in 0B; eight of these also requested allocation of fishing time in Division 0A. Four of the applicants did not participate in previous turbot fisheries. The applications were evaluated in the usual manner, according to the criteria set out in the Board’s Groundfish and Shrimp Allocation Policy.

Michelle reviewed her ranking of the applicants and her ancillary recommendations. The Board took time to consider and discuss this material. The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 142) to allocate turbot quotas and turbot fishing effort for NAFO Sub-Area 0 for 2000 as follows:

• For Division 0A (exploratory fishery), a total of 58 fishing days as follows:

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries:   25 days

• Nattivak HTA:                               15 days

• Mittimatalik HTO:                           9 days

• Clyde River HTO:                           9 days

• For Division 0B, a total of 1500 metric tonnes (MT) as follows:

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries:   750 MT

• Nattivak HTA:                               330 MT

• Mittimatalik HTO:                           45 MT

• Clyde River HTO:                           45 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:             285 MT

• Pangnirtung winter fishery:            45 MT

The Board also decided that:

• In conjunction with submitting these decisions to the DFO Minister, it would be appropriate to again apprise the Minister of the Board’s dissatisfaction with the turbot allocation available to Nunavut interests under the present five-year management plan.

• All allocations are conditional on fishing being undertaken as outlined in the fishing plans submitted by the applicants, with any variations from these plans requiring approval in advance by the NWMB.

• Allocations for the 0A exploratory fishery are conditional on the applicants confirming their intention to participate by July 30. Failure to confirm will result in the allocation being prorated to the other confirmed participants.

• Any harvesting inside the NSA will require the prior approval of the NWMB.

• If the final tally for the 2000 Pangnirtung winter fishery is less than the 45 MT currently estimated, the residual is to be added to the allocation for Cumberland Sound Fisheries.

Gordon Koshinsky stated that he was encouraged by the greater weight given this year to adjacency in ranking the applicants, as well as by the move to fewer participants. Ben Kovic asked for guidance in explaining the Board’s decisions to any disappointed applicants. Michelle noted that it was fortuitous but pertinent that applicants who ranked poorly in respect to the turbot allocations tended to rank better in respect to shrimp. She also noted the difficulty of reconciling what appear as conflicting or inter-related applications. For example, it might be expected that all Baffin communities would benefit from the successful fishing efforts of the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board (which in fact received no turbot allocation), yet neither the QWB nor the individual HTOs (a number of which routinely apply separately) acknowledge or explain this implicit relationship. Michelle suggested that future applications from QWB would be strengthened if this relationship were elaborated. Michael d'Eça stressed how important it was for the Board to maintain and follow a logical and transparent process in making resource allocation decisions.

5. Shrimp Allocations for the Year 2000

5A. Allocation of the Shrimp Quota for the Nunavut Settlement Area

Michelle Wheatley reminded the Members that the Board is responsible to allocate 500 MT of striped pink shrimp ( Pandalus montagui) inside the NSA (near Resolution Island) to Nunavut fishing interests. The overall quota for P. montagui in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFAs) 2, 3, and 4 is 3800 MT, of which 3300 MT is harvested competitively by the 17 permanent licence holders in the Northern Shrimp Fishery. Besides the 500 MT reserved specifically for Nunavut fishing interests, an additional 500 MT (out of the residual 3800 MT) may be harvested inside the NSA with the permission of the NWMB. This component is fished competitively in conjunction with the fishery outside the NSA. Contrary to the original intent of the NWMB, the DFO Minister has rendered this component accessible only to the permanent licence holders. The NWMB intent was/is that this component be reserved for Nunavut fishers who had already been awarded quota in the NSA fishery.

In response to the published invitations, nine applications were received for shrimp allocations for the current year inside the NSA. The applications were evaluated in the usual manner. Four of the applicants did not participate in previous NSA shrimp fisheries.

Michelle referred the Members to the briefing material and recommendations that she had prepared. Michelle noted that the allocations she was recommending totalled more than the overall NSA allotment of 500 MT that was available in the first instance. The rationale was/is that one of the applicants to fish in the NSA, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation as one of the 17 permanent licence holders, is eligible to access the extra 500 MT that is also available to the permanent licence holders for utilization inside the NSA. Allocating 500 MT to QC at the outset will give them de facto exclusive rights to access this extra 500 MT, thereby simultaneously providing them with maximum flexibility to fish their allocation where they encounter the best shrimp fishing.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 143) to allocate the striped pink shrimp quota for the waters of the Nunavut Settlement Area for 2000 as follows:

• Quliruak Incorporated:                350 MT

• Mayukalik HTO (Kimmirut):       150 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:            500 MT

The Board also decided that:

• In conjunction with submitting these decisions to the DFO Minister, it would be appropriate to again clarify to the Minister the initial intent of the NWMB in respect to accessing the extra 500 MT set aside for fishing within the NSA.

• Successful applicants must comply with all applicable conservation measures set out in the Northern Shrimp Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, 1997-99 or the successor to that document.

5B. Allocation of the Shrimp Quota for the SFA2 Exploratory Fishery

Michelle Wheatley reminded Members that DFO last year established a 3500 MT exploratory fishery for northern shrimp ( Pandalus borealis ) in Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 2 north of 63°N. The NWMB was authorized to allocate half of that quota (1750 MT) specifically to Nunavut fishing interests. The remainder was shared equally among the 17 permanent licence holders. The harvest in 1999 was very small. The DFO Minister has not yet confirmed that this fishery will be continued in 2000, and if so at what level and in what format. However DFO staff anticipate that the fishery will be continued, on the same terms as last year. It seems prudent for the NWMB to proceed on that basis, recognizing that any decisions made now would have to be conditional.

In response to the published invitations, eight applications were received for access to any exploratory shrimp fishery that transpires in SFA 2 this year. The applications were evaluated in the same general manner as for the NSA shrimp fishery, except with less weight placed on training and employment criteria due to the experimental nature of the SFA 2 fishery.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 144) to allocate a tentative/assumed exploratory northern shrimp quota of 1750 MT for the waters of the Nunavut Settlement Area for 2000 as follows:

• Quliruak Incorporated:                       225 MT

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd:     525 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:                     450 MT

• Aqviq Marine:                                      150 MT

• Kabva Marine:                                     150 MT

• Mittimatalik HTO (Pond Inlet):            125 MT

• Mayukalik HTO (Kimmirut):                 125 MT

The Board also recognized/decided that:

• These allocations are conditional on an experimental quota being established as presumed.

• Successful applicants must comply with all applicable conservation measures set out in the Northern Shrimp Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, 1997-99 or the successor to that document.

Michelle noted that the Board’s Policy for Allocating Groundfish and Shrimp was not particularly appropriate for exploratory and emerging fisheries. Criteria pertaining to matters such as investment, employment and training needed to be viewed in a different light, and considerations of historical participation in the fishery were largely irrelevant. Michelle suggested that the Board consider developing a separate policy for allocation of such fisheries.

6. Exploratory Crab Fishery Proposal (QC and Associates): Update

Michelle Wheatley briefed the Board on recent developments regarding this proposal. DFO has requested reaction from the NWMB for input to their decision on whether to grant the exploratory licence. The Nunavut Fisheries Working Group has discussed the matter in a couple of meetings. DSD has drafted a set of seven conditions that they regard as necessary and appropriate background for the proposed venture; these conditions have been “generally agreed upon” by the NFWG. These conditions seek to minimize exclusive or long-term access implications for the proponent by virtue of being granted such an exploratory licence, and also seek to maximize the flow of benefits to local and regional interests. A major stumbling block for the proponent to date has been the refusal by DFO to grant permission to bring in an American vessel. It should be noted that Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd. have indicated that they will likely develop an exploratory crab fishery proposal of their own.

Gordon Koshinsky predicted that the proponent, and more specifically the proponent’s partner Northern Resources Inc., would interpret the conditions as proposed by DSD to be onerous and unattractive. Gordon wondered how indicative these conditions were of the broad opinion of the Territorial Government. Michael d'Eça suggested and the Members agreed that before adopting the conditions as proposed by DSD for forwarding by the NWMB to DFO, the matter should be explored with QC and with Northern Resources Inc. Gordon Koshinsky urged that the process by fast-tracked, and that DFO be given an immediate indication that the NWMB is supportive of the proposal in principle, with advice on conditions to follow.

7. Re-visitation of NWRT Multi-Year Project: DOE (King Eider)

Michelle Wheatley advised that DOE Project 5130-97-2 (Productivity and Survival of King Eiders at Karrak Lake) was approved for four years of funding in 1997. That was prior to the policy change that limited NWRT funding to a maximum of three years. In response to the policy change, active tracking of the project for funding purposed ceased at the end of FY 1999/00. As a result, the project was inadvertently overlooked when funding commitments for ongoing projects were tallied in preparation for the recent project reviews. In accordance with the approval granted in 1997, the project was/is eligible for $32,000 of NWRT funding in 2000/01, conditional on appropriate reporting. The required reports have been received in good order, and the amount required to meet the original funding commitment is well within the available NWRT allotment for 2000/01.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 145) to approve NWRT funding in the amount of $32,000 for DOE Project 5130-97-2 (Productivity and Survival of King Eiders at Karrak Lake) for 2000/01.

8. Recommendations of the Southeast Baffin Beluga Management Committee

Michelle Wheatley gave an overview of the recent history of beluga management at Pangnirtung, Iqaluit and Kimmirut. Indications now (contrary to earlier scientific opinion) are that these communities harvest from separate beluga populations. A new management system as recommended by the SEBBMC and approved by the NWMB was accepted by the DFO Minister for 1999, on a one-year trial basis. The SEBBMC recently reviewed the operation of the new management system over the trial period and recommended a number of changes and additions to bring about better reporting and more effective conservation practices. Central to the Committee’s recommendations is that beluga harvesting at Iqaluit and at Kimmirut continue to be managed without quotas for at least the next five years.

In addition, and in consideration of the results of a beluga population survey conducted by DFO in Cumberland Sound in 1999, the Committee recommended that the beluga quota for Pangnirtung be increased from 35 to 48 animals per year subject to review pending another survey of the population in Cumberland Sound in 2002. The new quota recommended by the Committee approximates the actual number of beluga harvested in 1999. DFO representatives at the Committee meeting expressed reservations about the sustainability of a quota increase of this magnitude.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 146) to increase the annual beluga quota for Pangnirtung from 35 to 48 animals, to be in effect until a new survey of the beluga population in Cumberland Sound is undertaken and evaluated. The Board also identified, as part of its decision, the need for DFO to work with the HTO and with the NWMB to put in place more effective monitoring and conservation measures, that these measures be operational prior to the start of the 2000 hunting season, and that the HTO meet annually with representatives from DFO and from the NWMB to review the new management system and to recommend any changes that may be deemed necessary.

Gordon Koshinsky asked to know the beluga harvest statistics for Iqaluit and Kimmirut in 1999. Michelle provided the following estimates:

Landed Wounded and escaped Killed and lost

Iqaluit 55 20 5

Kimmirut 15 1 2

Michelle stated that there were some indications that the 1999 beluga harvest at Iqaluit might be significantly under-estimated. Gordon suggested that the situation at Iqaluit under the non-quota system should be of greater concern than what was happening at Pangnirtung. He noted that there were reasonable estimates of beluga population abundance and trend at Pangnirtung, but there was essentially no information to underpin management of the beluga population being harvested at Iqaluit. Gordon urged that efforts commence to correct this deficiency.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 147) to entrench the non-quota management system for beluga whales at Iqaluit and at Kimmirut for a period of not less than five years. The Board also identified, as part of its decision, the need for DFO to work with the HTOs and with the NWMB to put in place more effective monitoring and conservation measures, that these measures be operational prior to the start of the 2000 hunting season, and that the HTOs meet annually with representatives from DFO and from the NWMB to review the new management system and to recommend any changes that may be deemed necessary.

9. Implementation of the New Narwhal Management System: Repulse Bay

Jim Noble advised the Board that the Repulse Bay HTO has established a local ceiling of 100 narwhal for the 2000 season. The HTO remains concerned about loss of struck animals, especially at the floe edge, and particularly about the potential for hunters from other communities to aggravate the situation. David Alagalak observed that the community needs to take more initiative on its own to enforce its hunting rules, especially in respect to controlling participation by other communities. The HTO apparently anticipates problems with hunters from Chesterfield and Rankin Inlets, although this has not been formally communicated.

The Board decided to defer detailed consideration of this matter to a later date. In the meantime the Board encouraged the Board Chairman and staff to liase with the HTO, the RWO and DFO in order to gain a better understanding of the issue or issues and to encourage local and regional action.

10. Proposals to Harvest Snow Geese

Jim Noble referred the Members to the three community applications to conduct spring snow goose harvests that were tabled for the Conference Call. Jim advised that in addition to these three applications (from Arviat, Coral Harbour and Cape Dorset), applications are also enroute from Gjoa Haven and Cambridge Bay. Jim noted that the NWMB has not been approached to fund any of these hunts. CWS has some funding support available, but not enough to meet all the requests. DSD may also contribute funding. What CWS is seeking from the NWMB is its reaction to these spring hunt proposals.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 148) to endorse community hunting of over-populated snow goose populations in spring provided that such hunting is facilitated by the communities and is overseen by responsible agencies. The Board noted, however, that its endorsement would be most meaningful if it were provided in the context of establishing specific quotas.

11. Requests to Carry-Forward NWMB Funding

The Board took note of two requests from proponents to carry forward NWMB funding. The Board decided to defer consideration of these items.

12. Requests for New NWMB Funding

The Board took note of two requests from proponents for new NWMB funding. The Board decided to defer consideration of these items.

13. Release of Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study Report

Ben Kovic advised the Board that WWF has requested an interim copy of the IBKS report for input into the WWF project to develop an Eastern Arctic Bowhead Conservation Plan. The WWF has given assurance that they will not release their report until the NWMB releases the IBKS report to the public. The IBKS report is expected to be ready for release in late May.

The Board decided (Resolution 2000- 149) to provide an interim copy of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study report to the WWF to assist the WWF to complete its Eastern Arctic Bowhead Conservation Plan, this on the understanding that the WWF will not release its report until the NWMB releases the IBKS report to the public. The Board also directed its staff to organize and conduct an official ceremony to mark the release of the IBKS report.

14. Adjournment

The Conference Call adjourned at 12:15 p.m. Iqaluit time.

Minutes Approved by:___________________________ ___________________

Chairperson Date

RESOLUTIONS: CONFERENCE CALL 48

Resolution 2000-142: Resolved that the NWMB allocate turbot (Greenland halibut) quotas and fishing effort for NAFO Sub-Area 0 for 2000 as follows:

• For Division 0A (exploratory fishery), a total of 58 fishing days as follows:

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries:     25 days

• Nattivak HTA:                                15 days

• Mittimatalik HTO:                            9 days

• Clyde River HTO:                            9 days

• For Division 0B, a total of 1500 metric tonnes (MT) as follows:

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries:     750 MT

• Nattivak HTA:                                 330 MT

• Mittimatalik HTO:                             45 MT

• Clyde River HTO:                            45 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:             285 MT

• Pangnirtung Winter Fishery:          45 MT

Moved by: David Alagalak Seconded by: Kevin McCormick

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 143: Resolved that the NWMB allocate the striped pink shrimp quota for the waters of the Nunavut Settlement Area for 2000 as follows:

• Quliruak Incorporated:                350 MT

• Mayukalik HTO (Kimmirut):        150 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:          500 MT

Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Joan Scottie

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 144: Resolved that the NWMB allocate a tentative/assumed exploratory northern shrimp quota of 1750 MT for the waters of the Nunavut Settlement Area for 2000 as follows:

• Quliruak Incorporated:                       225 MT

• Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd:     525 MT

• Qikiqtaaluk Corporation:                     450 MT

• Aqviq Marine:                                      150 MT

• Kabva Marine:                                      150 MT

• Mittimatalik HTO (Pond Inlet):             125 MT

• Mayukalik HTO (Kimmirut):                 125 MT

Moved by: Kevin McCormick Seconded by: Makabe Nartok

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 145: Resolved that the NWMB approve NWRT funding in the amount of $32,000 for DOE Project 5130-97-2 (Productivity and Survival of King Eiders at Karrak Lake) for 2000/01.

Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Moses Koonoo

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 146: Resolved that the NWMB increase the annual beluga quota for Pangnirtung from 35 to 48 animals, to be in effect until a new survey of the beluga population in Cumberland Sound is undertaken and evaluated. The Board also identified, as part of its decision, the need for DFO to work with the HTO and with the NWMB to put in place more effective monitoring and conservation measures, that these measures be operational prior to the start of the 2000 hunting season, and that the HTO meet annually with representatives from DFO and from the NWMB to review the new management system and to recommend any changes that may be deemed necessary.

Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Joan Scottie

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 147: Resolved that the NWMB entrench the non-quota management system for beluga whales at Iqaluit and at Kimmirut for a period of not less than five years. The Board also identified, as part of its decision, the need for DFO to work with the HTOs and with the NWMB to put in place more effective monitoring and conservation measures, that these measures be operational prior to the start of the 2000 hunting season, and that the HTOs meet annually with representatives from DFO and from the NWMB to review the new management system and to recommend any changes that may be deemed necessary.

Moved by: David Alagalak Seconded by: Kevin McCormick

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 148: Resolved that the NWMB endorse community hunting of over-populated snow goose populations in spring provided that such hunting is facilitated by the communities and is overseen by responsible agencies.

Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: David Alagalak

Carried Date: 20 April 2000

Resolution 2000- 149: Resolved that the NWMB provide an interim copy of the Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study report to the WWF to assist the WWF to complete its Eastern Arctic Bowhead Conservation Plan, this on the understanding that the WWF will not release its report until the NWMB releases the IBKS report to the public.

Moved by: Gordon Koshinsky Seconded by: Moses Koonoo

Carried Date: 20 April 2000