Members and Staff Participating

Ben Kovic

Robert Moshenko

Kevin McCormick

David Alagalak

Nick Amautinuar

Harry Flaherty             

Joannie Ikkidluak

Paul Pemik

Jim Noble

Michelle Wheatley

Josée Galipeau

Michael d’EVa

Tom Demcheson       

Janet Akat

Annie Aningmiuq

Evie Amagoalik

Leetia Janes

Chairperson

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Executive Director

Director of Wildlife Management

Wildlife Management Assistant

NWMB Legal Counsel

RLO Baffin

RLO Kivalliq

Secretary

Interpreter

Interpreter

Not Available

Meeka Mike

(Verbal Notice of Resignation)

Member

Other Participants

Gabriel Nirlungayuk

Bert Dean

Glen Williams

Agnes Egotak

Philip Kadlun

Janet Carroll

Mike Ferguson

Mitch Campbell

Mathieu Dumond

Carey Bonnell

Karen Ditz

Winston Filatre

Mark Mallory

Director of Wildlife, NTI

Associate Director of Wildlife, NTI

Advisor, NTI Wildlife

Executive Director, KHTA

Chairman, KHTA

Nasaijiit (Bookkeeping) Services

Baffin Regional Biologist, DSD

Kivalliq Regional Biologist, DSD

Kitikmeot Regional Biologist, DSD

Manager of Fisheries and Sealing, DSD

Fisheries Management Biologist, DFO

Acting Area Director, DFO

Seabird Biologist, CWS

2 – 5 December 2003

Tuesday, 2 December 2003

1. Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries

The Chairperson called the 36th Regular Meeting of the NWMB to order at 9:10 a.m.   

1. Swearing In of New Member

Michael d’EVa administered the Oath of Office to David Alagalak to swear him in as an official member of the NWMB.

2.  Agenda: Review and Approval

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-078) to accept the agenda for Meeting 36 with the following changes:

• There is no Finance Director’s report;
• There will be a presentation at the end of item 8 on Nunavut Fisheries by the Manager of Fisheries and Sealing with DSD.

3.  Minutes Review and Approval

3.A.  As the Inuktitut translation of the minutes for Regular Meeting 35, held in Arviat, 3-5 June, 2003, was not yet completed, approval was deferred to the next Board meeting in March 2004.

3.B.  The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-079) the minutes for Conference Call 70, conducted 25 June, 2003 with minor changes. 

3.C. The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-080) the minutes for Conference Call 71, conducted 24 July, 2003 as presented.

3. D.  The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-081) the minutes for Conference Call 72, conducted 9 September, 2003 with minor changes. 

3.E.  The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-082) the minutes for Conference Call 73, conducted 29 September, 2003 with minor changes.

3.F.  The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-083) the minutes for Conference Call 74, conducted 21 October, 2003 with minor changes. 

3.G.  The Board adopted (Resolution 2003-084) the minutes for Conference Call 75, conducted 4 November, 2003 with minor changes. 

4. Financial and Administrative Business

With the resignation of the Finance Director, the Executive Director and Director of Wildlife have been overseeing the finance operations with the assistance of Janet Carroll from Nasaijiit Services 

4.A. Variance Report for October 31, 2003

Janet Carroll reviewed the Variance Report and noted that while it varies by line item, the overall budget is on track for the year and will likely come in under-budget.  The Board accepted (Resolution 2003-85) the report as presented.

Janet also noted that she has been working to address issues raised in the Auditor’s report and that the accounting system is in good shape.  There was some general discussion about financial controls.

4.B. Review 2002/2003 Final Report to DIAND

Copies of the final report for 2002/03 to DIAND were provided to the Board members for their information.

4.C. Review of November 1, 2003 Interim Report to DIAND

Copies of the Interim Report, submitted to DIAND on November 1, 2003, were provided to the Board members for their information.

5.  Chairperson, Senior Staff, Advisors’ and Members’ Reports

5.A  Chairperson’s Report

The Chairperson referred members to his report in the binder.  He highlighted his recent trip to Russia with ICC and noted that a Russian delegation would also be visiting the NWMB meeting.

5.B Executive Director’s Report

The Executive Director referred members to his report. 

5.C Wildlife Management Director’s Report

The Director of Wildlife Management referred members to her report.  

5.D  Finance and Administration Director’s Report

No report was available due to the vacancy in this position.

5.E  Legal Advisor’s Report

The Legal Advisor referred members to his report in the binder

5.F  Members’ Reports and Concerns

Joannie Ikkidluak reported that he had traveled with DSD in presenting the polar bear MOUs to the communities in the Baffin region.  He indicated that most communities had a good understanding of the MOUs.

David Alagalak indicated that he was glad to be back with the NWMB.  He suggested that the Board needs to look at its use of conference calls and try to keep them shorter with a limited number of issues.

Robert Moshenko reported that he had recently attended the Beverly Qamanirjuaq Management Board (BQCMB) meeting in Winnipeg, and passed on a variety of information from that meeting.  He passed on a concern from the BQCMB about the proposed road development through the Kivalliq.

Kevin McCormick reported on his recent trip to Greenland where he discussed concerns about Eider Ducks.  He indicated that a workshop for the fall of 2004 may be arranged to discuss this joint issue.

6. Completion of Assignments and Implementation of Resolutions

The Chairperson referred members to the task list in the binder.  Items not completed or ongoing were reviewed with the members. 

7. Environment Canada (CWS): Issues / Discussions

7.A Ivory Gulls

Mark Mallory gave an update on his research on Ivory Gulls, which has been underway for two years.  The research in 2003 confirmed the findings from 2002; that there appear to be drastically reduced numbers of Ivory Gulls nesting in the High Arctic near Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.  The research has included both surveys and the gathering of traditional knowledge.  These birds are harvested in Greenland, and the apparent decline is a significant concern.  The survey will be repeated in two years.  In the mean time collaboration is continuing with researchers from Denmark.  COSEWIC will also take a look at these findings next fall and consider uplisting Ivory Gulls from their current status of Special Concern.

8. Fisheries and Oceans (DFO):  Issues / Decisions

8. A. Bowhead Whale Status Report /RWO Interest

Karen Ditz informed the Board that recent satellite tagging work on bowhead whales, both in Canada and Greenland appears to indicate that rather than two stocks, there may only be one stock of bowhead whales in the Eastern Arctic, and that this is likely shared with Greenland.  This may affect recommendations on sustainable harvest rates in the future.  The information needs to be reviewed by scientists before this can be confirmed.

In preparation for a possible future bowhead hunt, the Board sent letters to the RWOs in the fall, asking for expressions of interest in undertaking such a hunt.  Several letters of interest were received from various HTOs, not from the RWOs.  Winston Filatre noted that the hunting techniques workshop held in November discussed weapons for use in the bowhead hunt.  Winston also noted that it takes 6 to 9 months to prepare for a hunt.  The more leeway, the better prepared the hunt will be.  The Board discussed that it may not be possible to wait for DFO to present confirmation of one or two stocks before making a decision.  The RWOs will need to work together to decide which community will host the hunt.  The Board decided to discuss this issue further during the in camera session.

8. B. Narwhal and Beluga Community Based Management (CBM)

Karen Ditz provided a summary of the harvest numbers and struck and lost information provided by the communities participating in the community-based management initiative.  The numbers are not yet final.  The Narwhal CBM Review Committee Working Group will be meeting the the next 10 days or so to review information and work on other aspects of the new system.  Michelle Wheatley will also be finalising the report on the Review Tour from last year.

8. C.  Arviat Beluga Harvest Summer 2003

Winston Filatre reported to the Board that concerns had been raised about the harvest of belugas in Arviat.  The estimate is that about 300 animals were taken.  While there were a couple of complaints about wastage, no evidence was found. 

8. D. Experimental Fishing Licenses – Various

Karen Ditz presented two requests for experimental licences.  The first request was for arctic char and Atlantic cod licenses for Levi Evic in Pangnirtung.  DFO recommended not approving the cod request, due to conservation concerns, but recommended approving 1000 kg for each of eight locations, with a condition that biological information be collected every year for five years.  The ninth site can be opened with a variation order and does not need an NWMB decision.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-86) the recommendations as presented by DFO.

The second request was with regards to an experimental license for Arctic Skate for Jencor Fisheries in the area offshore in Division 0A and 0B (Zone I).  Karen indicated that DFO had some concerns due to the slow growth rate of skates.  There are also concerns about possible by-catch of turbot because both species are found at a similar depth.  While the applicant has applied for 45 days of harvesting, there was concern expressed by members that a definite limit should be put in place.  The recommendation of the Board (Resolution 2003-87) was that the fishery be allowed to proceed for one year to harvest 125 mt of arctic skate with by-catch not to exceed 5% of the total (i.e. 6.25 mt) and that DFO should report the results to NWMB including the by-catch rate along with its recommendations for a continuation/termination next year.

8. E. Terms of Reference Cumberland Sound Beluga

Karen Ditz presented the terms of reference for the Cumberland Sound Beluga Recovery Team, and asked for the Board’s approval of the TOR.  There was some discussion about the difference between a management plan and a recovery plan.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-88) the TOR subject to the inclusion of Michael’s comments.

Wednesday, December 03, 2003

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:45 am.

8. F. Cumberland Sound Beluga Recovery Strategy

Karen Ditz informed the Board that DFO was drafting a recovery strategy for Cumberland Sound Beluga and would be bringing this strategy to the Board later in 2004.  Michael d’Eça suggested a few modifications which he was to forward to Karen.

8. G. Walrus Sports Hunt Allocations 2004

Michelle Wheatley presented three applications for walrus sport hunts from the communities of Igloolik, Hall Beach and Kimmirut.  Michelle recommended approving all three requests with associated conditions on assignment and reporting.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-89) the recommendations as presented.

8. H.  Cumberland Sound Separate Turbot Quota

The NWMB has written to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to enquire about establishing a separate management zone for turbot in Cumberland Sound.  This proposal will be taken to NAFO for their review by DFO.  NAFO has the authority to establish separate management zones.  The basis for this suggestion will be the same principle on which Greenland has established separate management zones for its fiord fisheries.  This should go to NAFO in the summer or fall of 2004.

8. I.  Presentation on Nunavut Fisheries

Cary Bonnell, Manager of Fisheries and Sealing for DSD, gave the Board a presentation to provide an overview of the variety of fisheries in Nunavut and adjacent waters.  The fisheries discussed included: turbot – both offshore and fiord fisheries; shrimp; arctic char; clams; scallops; flounder and crab.  The focus of DSD’s work is on the emerging fisheries.  Carey also pointed out the need for improvements in infrastructure, science and training.  While it has not been easy, things are improving, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

9. Nunavut Wildlife (DSD): Issues / Decisions

9. A. Wildlife Act

The Chairman noted that the Wildlife Act was proceeding through the Legislature at the same time as the NWMB meeting.  The Board has submitted a number of concerns to the Minister, but most have not had a response at this time.  The Legislation was passed during this week.

9. B.  Thelon Sanctuary Management Plan

Chris Nichols, DSD noted that they had responded to the NWMB’s concerns about how the process would work if the NWT did not sign on to the plan and concerns about consultation with the Dene of northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and were now waiting for the NWMB to answer.  Michael d’Eça noted that the NWMB had written to DIAND and NTI also about this issue, but had not yet had a response from either of these other organizations.  The NWMB will continue to follow up with NTI and DIAND to get their official responses.

9. C. Polar Bear MOUs

Mitch Taylor, DSD Polar Bear Biologist reported on progress towards establishing new MOUs with the communities for polar bear management.  All community meetings in all three regions have been concluded, and there is verbal agreement to the draft MOUs in most communities.  Some groups have already signed MOUs, while others haven’t, and no MOU is completely signed yet.

Mitch noted that the new draft MOUs include provisions for HTOs to develop hunting rules; continue the flexible quota system; and provide guidance on how to establish TAH's both for times when new survey information is available and when it is not.  Members suggested that they would like to have some indication from a more senior level at DSD of the Department’s intentions with the polar bear program for the next few years.

9. D. MX/01 Changes to Quota and Seasons

Mike Ferguson, Baffin Regional Biologist, DSD presented a briefing note requesting that the Board approve a reduction in the Muskox quota for MX/01 – mostly Bathurst Island – to five animals per year from a current quota of 40 per year. Resolute is only community that hunts this population and is supporting the requested decrease.   In addition a season change is recommended, to change the season for muskox hunting in MX/01 to 1 August through 31 May for GHL and GHLS holders and 1 October through 31 May for other residents and non-residents.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-90) the recommendations as presented.

9. E. MX/05 Removal of Resolute Bay’s Quota

Mike Ferguson explained that in the 1970s there was a complicated exchange of muskox and polar bear tags in which Resolute Bay ended up with a quota for muskox in MX/05, which they cannot easily access.  DSD is recommending to remove the quota of 7 tags for Resolute for this population.  There is no recent information on this population and what harvest level it can support.  The community is interested in accessing other, recently surveyed, muskox closer to the community instead.  This will likely be presented to the Board at a later date.  The Board deferred consideration of this request until written support from the Resolute Bay HTO is submitted.

9. F. MX/06 Muskox Season/Special Rules

Mike Ferguson presented recommendations from DSD to change the season and other non-quota limitations for muskox in MX/06.  The recommendation are: to change hunting season to same as recommendation for MX/01; remove the current requirement that a maximum of 10 animals may be taken on Somerset Island; and allow unused tags to be carried forward for one year as special tags.  The HTO is in support of the recommended changes.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-91) the recommendations as presented.

9. G.  MX/17 Muskox Quota Increase

Mathieu Dumond presented recommendations from DSD for a decrease in the quota of muskox in MX/17.   Based on the current estimate of the muskox population in this area (based on a survey in 2000), a decrease form 55 tags per year to 18 tags is being recommended.  We do not know the basis for the previous quota.  The information has been presented to the KHTA, but not to the individual communities affected.  There has been little feedback.  There is interest form Kugaaruk in expanded MX/17 to the east, but this needs more research.  This population is harvested by Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.  Board members expressed concern at the size of the decrease and the lack of response from the communities and the lack of inclusion of community observations / IQ.  There was also concern expressed that the muskox management zones do not reflect actual populations of muskox.  The issue was deferred until a response from the communities affected can be presented to the Board.

9. H.  MX/22 Muskox Season Change

Mathieu Dumond indicated that there was a request from the Gjoa Haven HTO to extend the sport hunting season for non-resident aliens by two months for muskox in MX/22.  The quota was recently increased from 5 to 8 animals per year.  The extension of the season would allow for earlier sport hunts.  However, there is concern that it could affect animals during the rut.    The HTO has indicated they wish to see the harvest be sustainable.  Board members asked for confirmation on the timing of the rut in this population.  The Board asked DSD to confirm the information on the rut and provide written documentation from the HTO.  The issue was deferred until that information is received.

9. I.  Commercial Caribou Quota Increase

Mitch Campbell presented a request from Arviat for an additional 300 tags for sport hunting.  While sport hunting is a commercial operation, it is a conservative harvest as only males are harvested, the herd is not greatly disturbed and meat goes into the community.  The Qamanirjuaq herd can support the requested harvest increase.  BQCMB has supported the request.  DSD is recommending in favour of the requested increase.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-92) the recommendations as presented.

9. J.  Peary Caribou

Mike Ferguson updated the Board on activities relating to Peary Caribou.  Surveys have been done using both ground and aerial surveys and work is underway to document IQ on movements between islands. With the passage of the SARA legislation, we need to work towards a recovery plan for Peary caribou.  Resolute Bay and Gjoa Haven asked for separate MOUs on this issue.  Meetings were held in November 2002, July 2003 and November 2003.  The draft MOU will be given to the NWMB for feedback.  The basic objective of the MOUs is to conserve the populations and ensure harvesting is done on a sustainable basis.

9. K.  Southeast Baffin Caribou

Mike Ferguson also updated the Board on efforts to develop a management plan for Southeast Baffin Caribou.  Mike presented the outline of the terms of reference for the development of the management plan.  The target for completion is December, 2004.  A meeting will likely be held in the new year.  The Board agreed that NWMB would likely participate in any meetings that were held and that the Board would like to be kept informed of developments.

Thursday, December 04, 2003

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.

10. NWMB Internal Items: Issues / Decisions

10. A.  Harvest Study

Heather Priest updated the Board on progress towards producing the final report on the Harvest Study.  The editing of the data has been done and the final editing of the text is now underway.  The report will be about 250 pages in each language and will include comments received as feedback from the communities during the community tour.  Heather also demonstrated how the geographic data will be accessible through a CD-ROM.  The final report should be published or close to it by the end of the fiscal year.

Heather also asked the Board for direction on the long-term storage of the data from the harvest study.  The data is currently in Microsoft Access.  A storage system needs to be developed that is safe, secure and allows for information to be extracted with minimal training.  The Board was asked to decide whether it should be a web-based system or a CD-based system.  The Board will also need to decide if there will be any cost-recovery for accessing the data.  The cost will likely be in the range of $25,000 for a CD-based system to $50,000 or more for a web-based system.  It was felt that a web-based system would reduce staff time on looking up data.  The Board agreed (Resolution 2003-093) that staff should develop a proposal and RFP for developing a web-based database storage system, with a cost range of $50,000 to $75,000, and should include provisions for possible cost-recovery.

Visit from Russian Delegation

A Russian delegation, visiting Nunavut to better understand the co-management of wildlife resources, paid a short visit to the NWMB meeting.  A short question and answer period was held between the Board and the delegates.

10. B. Nunavut / Nunavik Migratory Marine Species Committee

Michelle Wheatley updated the Board on the meeting in Kuujjuaq between DFO, Makivik and NWMB, and subsequent discussions on East Hudson Bay Beluga.  Michelle presented a number of issues to the Board, which had arisen as a result of these meetings.  In response to the first of these issues, the Board directed NWMB staff to inform DFO that in-person consultations with Sanikiluaq were the best approach to provide information and get feedback from the communities.  In response to the issue of Makivik wishing to obtain muktuk from Kivalliq communities, the Board generally supported the idea, so long as it was clearly regulated in the communities, and to urge Makivik to consider the conditions that KWB had put forward with reference to this harvest.

The meetings had also produced the possibility of a Nunavut-Nunavik Migratory Species Committee – to formalize the process of these regular meetings.  The Board agreed that there were concerns over who would be involved in this committee and that further discussion was necessary prior to establishing terms of reference.  With reference to the proposed Nunavik Beluga Management Board, the Board directed staff to provide a summary of concerns back to DFO and that the NWMB was not prepared to participate at this time, given the current terms of reference.

10. C.    Baffin Fisheries Coalition - Funding / License

Jim Noble reported to the Board that the Baffin Fisheries Coalition had written to the Board requesting a long-term commitment (10 years) of allocation in Division 0A, and requesting that BFC be granted the groundfish licence that the NWMB currently holds.  The Board decided they needed more information on this issue prior to making a decision and directed Michael d’Eça to review the request and implications for the NWMB.

11. NTI Wildlife Division: Issues / Decisions

11. A.  NTI Wildlife Department: Update

Gabriel Nirlungayuk reviewed recent activities undertaken by the NTI Wildlife Department.  These included the recent Harvesting Techniques Workshop and polar bear MOUs.  With respect to polar bears, it was noted that it was important to get information from past research back to the communities.  Communities are also concerned about apparent increases in polar bear numbers and the increase in damage of property by polar bears.

In Camera Session

Motion to go in camera (Resolution 2003-094). 

Motion to come out of camera (Resolution 2003-095). 

Motions from in camera session.

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-096) to approve a TAH of one bowhead for 2005 or 2006 for the Foxe Basin Bowhead stock.

12. Applications for Funding: Reviews / Decisions

12. A.   NWRT and NWMB Funded Projects

Michelle Wheatley noted that funding is on track for all NWRT projects.  All funding is on track for 2003/04 Study Fund projects.  However, the Board was asked to support a recommendation for an extension to funding provided to Baker Lake in 2002/03 to allow them to complete their reports.  The Board approved (Resolution 2003-097) the recommendations as presented.

12. B.  Conservation Education Fund

Jim Noble reviewed a request from Kivalliq Land and Sea Resources for funding to assist in a study on training development.  The Board did not feel it was applicable to the NWMB’s mandate and decided (Resolution 2003-098) not to support the request.

Jim presented a second request from Joanna Kafrowski for funding to undertake a study on gender and decision-making in Arctic fisheries.  While this study was a little different, it was seen as being useful to the Board and the Board agreed (Resolution 2003-099) to support the proposed study in the amount of $4,000.

Friday, December 5, 2003

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:45 am.

13. Other Presentations

13. A.   Parks Canada Presentation

Vicki Sahanatien, Manager of Parks for Parks Canada gave a presentation on national parks in Nunavut and an outline of the research work currently being undertaken in the parks.  Research focuses on habitat, climate change, plants and Peary caribou.  There is also work underway on management plans for the parks.

14. Meetings, Workshops and Other pertinent Events

A. Reports and Briefings: Past Events

Ben Kovic referred members to the reports in their binders.

B.  Review and Participation: Upcoming Events

The members reviewed the upcoming meeting list and decided who would attend the required meetings.

Motions from Executive Committee Meeting

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-100) to approve up to $25,000 to purchase software to develop the new document management system.

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-101) to re-staff the Director of Finance and Administration position, after updating the job description.

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-102) to write to Amarok HTA indicating that the Board would no longer be pursuing the option of renting office space in their proposed new building and gave direction to NWMB staff to negotiate a long-term agreement with Qikiqtaaluk Corporation for the current office space.

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-103) to agree to the Chairman’s name going forward as a nominee for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Advisory Committee on Oceans, and for Ben to step down from his participation in the Biodiversity Working Group.

15. Date and Location of Next Meeting

The Board decided (Resolution 2003-104) to conduct its next (37th) Regular Meeting in Iqaluit the week of March 22, 2003. 

16. Adjournment

The Chairman thanked members, translators and NWMB staff for their work in preparation for and at the meeting. The 36th Meeting of the NWMB was adjourned.