Proceedings 2012/031
Proceedings of the Zonal Peer Review of Stock Identification, Abundance, Hunt Sustainability, and Tracking and Movements of Canadian Narwhal; 10-11 May, 2012
Chairperson: D. Bowen
Editor: L. Kruger
Summary
These proceedings summarize the relevant discussions and key conclusions that resulted from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) zonal peer review of stock identification, abundance, hunt sustainability, and tracking and movements of Canadian narwhal held in Winnipeg on May 10 -11, 2012. The meeting was attended (in person and via phone and WebEx) by experts from DFO Science, DFO Fisheries Management, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB), Kivalliq Wildlife Board, Arviq Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Assiniboine Park Zoo and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, as well as independent scientists/experts.
Several objectives were accomplished during the meeting. A new population estimate and sustainable harvest level were determined for the Northern Hudson Bay narwhal population, based on an analysis of the 2011 aerial survey data. The most recent satellite tracking results for narwhals tagged in Admiralty Inlet and Eclipse Sound in 2009-2011 and the use of stable isotopes for stock identification in narwhal were peer reviewed. Sustainability of the 2011 Baffin Bay narwhal harvest was assessed based on a retrospective analysis using a harvest attribution model.
Five working papers were reviewed during the meeting. Four were accepted and will be made publicly available as Research Documents on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Science Advisory Schedule. Two science advisory reports were reviewed and will also be posted on the CSAS website.
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