From the Department of Environment and Conservation
August 14, 2014
The Provincial Government’s latest survey of the George River caribou herd, conducted in July 2014, has resulted in confirmation that the herd continues to decline significantly.
“As a government we know this herd is of critical importance to the people of Labrador and we have made significant investments into enhanced management, increased biological monitoring and improved collaboration with the Province of Quebec. Even with the implementation of a five-year moratorium on all hunting, and infusions of funding for monitoring and research, the herd continues to struggle.”
– The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Environment and Conservation
Biologists with the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec conducted a photo census in July 2014 documenting 14,200 animals – down from 27,600 in 2012. Investigations continue to focus on causes of high adult mortalities and the low number of caribou surviving beyond six months of age. Both provinces have initiated discussions on the development of a joint management plan in collaboration with all resource users including Aboriginal governments and organizations.
In 2011, the Provincial Government announced a three-year, $1.9 million Labrador Caribou Initiative aimed at data collection in an effort to better understand the factors affecting the herd’s decline.
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides $975,000 over three years to fund a scientific monitoring and research program for the George River caribou herd.
QUICK FACTS:
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Media contact:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 728-8092
deborahthomas@gov.nl.ca
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