Hunting related stories seem to be the order of the week. A moose cull in western Newfoundland has finished for the time being.
Nunatsiavut Government issued a press release yesterday in answer to the declining George River caribou herd.
Nunatsiavut Government
George River Caribou Harvesting Recommendations
For Labrador Inuit Settlement AreaIn light of all the current scientific information regarding of the status of the George River Caribou Herd and the traditional knowledge gathered from community consultations, the Nunatsiavut Government is encouraging Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and communities to use self-constraint and to monitor harvest levels. The Nunatsiavut Government also recommends:
· A caribou harvest of no more then 2 animals per household.
· A season closure date of March 20, 2012 for all zones except the George River zone.
· A season closure date of April 15, 2012 for the George River Caribou Zone.
Please note that the provincial laws of general application apply to all areas outside of the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.
Please keep in mind that conservations measures taken today will ensure the resource for future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Renewable Resource Director: Rebecca Willcott at (709)-896-8582
This drastic cut back seems necessary but will impact many families severely once the caribou are handy. Going from the usual 6 to 12 caribou to 2 will be a hard pill to swallow, lets hope everybody adheres to the recommendations.
The contrast within Nunatsuavut and areas under provincial jurisdiction are not that great, outside NG licenses are required for a fee, enforcement is in place, one animal per license, no transfer of licenses for starters.
There is also a fear that illegal hunting of Labrador based animals by Quebec based hunters will continue this year. A legitimate concern and one that is politically motivated, lets hope the NL politicians handle it better this year if it happens.
No news yet on whether the Labrador Innu will conform with provincial regulations or set their own limits.
On a non hunting topic: a helpful hand is being extended to seniors and some folk not so fortunate to be dragged up in the mini economic boom.
Kudos to those involved in setting up this project, and to anyone who offers to help.
4 comments:
Recommendations are not enforceable. Much talk here is about waiting for the caribou to come across the line into LISA so we can take what we need. Until such time as the Province or the Feds prove that there are ony two caribou standing will NG members be subject to laws of general application.
Do You know if NG can implement restrictions that they CAN enforce rather than RECOMMENDATIONS?
No they can't until the Land Use Plan/ Total Allowable Harvest/Catch is in place and they have people trained to enforce such Laws. Prov/Feds can only sent TAH/TAC's if they can prove the need for such conservation measures which will be very difficult to do. Given Sec 2.11 of the LILCA we have surrendered our rights outside of LISA thus Laws of General Application apply.
I forgot to mention the NG spent thousands of dollars on travel for these consultations and this public notice is what they came up with. It has no teeth.
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