Canada-Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal
The Canada-Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal (hereafter “the Commission”) was established in 1991 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Canada (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and the Government of Greenland (Ministry of Fisheries and Hunting). The purpose of the Commission is to support cooperative, responsible management of narwhal and beluga populations that migrate across the international boundary between the two countries.
Functions of the Commission
The Commission reviews information related to the status of shared narwhal and beluga populations, including scientific assessments of abundance and trends, stock structure, harvest levels, and other relevant impacts. These reviews include consideration of advice from its Scientific Working Group and relevant work from other bodies such as the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO).
Based on this information, the Commission makes recommendations on conservation and sustainable harvest levels to the appropriate authorities in both Canada and Greenland.
Structure of the Commission
The Commission includes members appointed by both Canada and Greenland. It is supported by one technical working group and input from hunters and resource users.
Scientific Working Group
The Scientific Working Group provides advice to the Commission on stock identity, abundance, population trends, and safe harvest levels for narwhal and beluga. Its findings are compiled into reports for consideration by the Commission.
User Input
Indigenous organizations, hunters, and resource users from both countries participate in the work of the Commission, including discussions related to harvest needs, local observations, and management considerations. Their perspectives help inform the Commission’s recommendations.
Commission Meetings
The Commission typically meets every two years, alternating between Canada and Greenland. Meetings are attended by Commission members, the Scientific Working Group, and representatives of marine mammal user and advisory organizations from both countries. Other co-management organizations may also be invited to participate as needed.
