THE PURPOSE of this NWMB hearing is to publicly consider the proposed removal of the level of Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) for bowhead whales in the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA). The 2008 TAH level was two bowhead whales.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) has filed – in Inuktitut and English – a Proposal for NWMB Decision (NTI Proposal), seeking a decision to remove the level of TAH for bowhead whales in the NSA. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has also filed translated written submissions (DFO submissions) regarding the level of TAH for bowhead whales in the NSA.

The hearing is scheduled to take place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, at the Navigator Inn, on February 10th 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The NWMB may also hold an evening session, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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1. The hearing shall be open to the public, with notice provided to the public at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the hearing. Part of the hearing may be conducted in camera, where the NWMB considers that confidential or sensitive matters may be disclosed or discussed.
2. Any interested person or body may file with the NWMB written submissions in response to the NTI Proposal and/or the DFO submissions – duly translated into Inuktitut or English as the case may be – by no later than 5:00 PM, January 26th 2009.
3. The requirement for translation of submissions filed with the NWMB does not apply to individual members of the public.
4. The NWMB shall ensure that all materials filed with it or produced by it are made publicly available, subject to relevant confidentiality or privacy concerns.
5. The NWMB shall provide simultaneous English and Inuktitut translation at the hearing, to the extent reasonably possible.
6. A quorum of NWMB members shall be present at the hearing.
7. Any representative or agent of the Government of Canada or Government of Nunavut, any Hunters and Trappers Organization or Regional Wildlife Organization, any Inuk, and any other person or body whom the NWMB considers appropriate, shall be accorded the status of party at the hearing.
8. Any other person or body wishing to be named as a party by the NWMB shall make an appropriate request in writing to the NWMB.
9. All parties and other participants at the hearing are required to treat one another and the NWMB with respect.
10. The NWMB shall provide a reasonable opportunity for oral presentations from each of the parties at the hearing by their choice of official, expert or counsel.
11. Any member of the NWMB, the NWMB’s Director of Wildlife or the NWMB’s legal counsel may ask relevant questions of any party at the hearing.
12. Any party may ask relevant questions of any other party at the hearing.
13. The NWMB shall provide members of the public in attendance at the hearing a reasonable opportunity to make statements and to ask questions of the parties and the NWMB.
14. Every person at the hearing wishing to speak or ask a question shall raise his or her hand, and shall only speak once the NWMB Chairperson has recognized him or her.
15. The NWMB Chairperson reserves the right to place reasonable time limits on presentations, statements and questions.
16. The NWMB shall make an audio recording of the hearing available upon request.

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NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD AGENDA: Consider Proposed Modification or Removal of TAH for Bowhead Whales in the NSA Iqaluit, Nunavut: Feb 10, 2009

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