Research Document - 2011/056

Allocation model for landed catches from Baffin Bay narwhal stocks

By Richard, P.R.

Abstract

This report presents a decision tool that can help co-managers decide on the allocation of total allowable landed catch (TALC) of Baffin Bay narwhal stocks given that multiple communities may harvest from the same summering stocks. Communities hunt narwhal during the summer when stocks are isolated in their summering aggregations and, in some cases, at other times of year from non-summer stock mixtures. The allocation tool is based on a spatial model of the source and degree of stock mixtures that are hunted and produces possible solutions that maximize the catch, particularly for communities with large historic narwhal catches, while minimizing the risk of over-exploitation of any one stock. The document also presents sensitivity analyses of the major assumption that narwhals from different stocks are available to hunters in proportion to stock size during the spring and fall migrations. Results vary depending on input variables but, in general, reducing optimized allocations by 10% or 20% further reduces the risk of exceeding a stock’s total allowable landed catch.

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