Conservation implications of moving the Northern boundary of the Belcher-Islands and Eastern Hudson Bay Beluga total allowable take zone South of its current location

Abstract

In 2020, the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) renewed the Nunavik Beluga Management Plan for a five year period (2021 to 2026). Existing management measures include a total allowable take (TAT) of 20 beluga in the Eastern Hudson Bay management area (Figure 1), and Non-Quota Limitations (NQL) in respect to beluga harvesting elsewhere within the Nunavik marine region. In December 2023, the Anguvigaq (regional hunters and trappers organization) informed the NMRWB that the location of the northern boundary of the Eastern Hudson Bay (EHB) beluga TAT zone is disputed by local knowledge holders, resulting in impacts on the affected communities, Inukjuak (58.45°N; 78.10°W) in particular. The Anguvigaq recommended that the northern boundary, located at 59°N of latitude, be reassessed based on the best available scientific information and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), and that moving the boundary further south be considered. In response to this request, the NMRWB elected to hold public hearings to consult with communities of the Eastern Hudson Bay area on the significance of changing the northern boundary of the EHB beluga TAT zone to beluga conservation and Inuit Rights. In preparation for this public hearing, the NMRWB requested that DFO provide a scientific review of the conservation implications that such a change in the TAT zone would have for the EHB beluga stock. This Science Response Report results from the regional peer review held April 12, 2024 on Conservation Implications of Moving the Northern Boundary of the Eastern Hudson Bay Arc Region Total Allowable Take Zone South of its Current Location. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.