Concerns Raised Over Overharvesting of Caribou

It’s been a common sight over the last number of weeks to see hunters returning to Nunatsiavut communities with a Kamutik full of caribou.

Some people are concerned that hunters may be overharvesting the George River caribou herd.

A representative from the provincial Department of Wildlife and Conservation says people should find a balance between the conservation of caribou and community needs.

The provincial government announced a number of conservation measures to combat the decline of the George River caribou herd back in November.

At that time it was found that the herd had declined dramatically from 385,000 animals in 2001 to a little over 74,000 caribou.

Those conservation measures do not apply within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.

The provincial government is advising that overharvesting of caribou can have serious negative impacts on the future sustainability of the George River caribou herd.

Biologists are currently developing a caribou population model that will be used to predict the effects of harvesting on the herd.

A caribou quota will be created for Labrador Inuit in the future if a total allowable catch is established by the province.

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