DRAFT NUNAVUT POLAR BEAR MANAGEMENT PLAN (to replace existing MOUs)

Transcription

1 DRAFT NUNAVUT POLAR BEAR MANAGEMENT PLAN (to replace existing MOUs) THIS DRAFT IS FOR DISCUSSION WITH HTOs AND COMMUNITIES AND WILL CHANGE BASED ON INPUT RECIEVED 1. PREFACE To be written after consultations 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This will be a summary of the complete document once it is finished. 3. INTRODUCTION Talk about Nunavut, what we have done. This could include a couple of paragraphs on the importance of Polar Bears to Inuit, and a brief summary of the current state of affairs with respect to polar bear management in Nunavut and worldwide. Inuit have observed that polar bear numbers have increased significantly since the 1960s. Prior to the 1940 s polar bears did not pose a serious threat to human safety; no one worried about going camping in those days. However, today there are safety concerns due to the increase in polar bear numbers across Nunavut Nunavut has been successfully managing polar bears to increase since the 1970s.Quota system, sex ratio, non quota limitations, samples, etc. Inuit support the Nunavut s polar bear management efforts but it is Inuit who are impacted by reduced quotas and polar bear damage. Even the listing of polar bears as a species of special concern under the Species at Risk Act is at odds with the Inuit perspective, and despite the listing Inuit do not believe that there is a serious conservation concern. 4. Guiding Principles o A list of principles to be followed when managing polar bears including application of the 8 Inuit Societal Values. Inuit societal values and Knowledge (IQ) Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 1

2 Precautionary Approach Integration of Inuit Traditional Knowledge and Science Consideration of Cumulative Effects Education and Participation Others? Social//cultural/economic value of a polar bear hunt/harvest through implementation of NLCA Way of life Future generations Public Safety 5. GOALS OF THE POLAR BEAR MANAGEMENT PLAN To maintain viable and healthy subpopulations of polar bears for current and future generations and to assure that they remain as a functioning part of the landscape. To consider other aspects of the ecosystem when we consider polar bears To ensure that Inuit values remain a central foundation in polar bear management To integrate Inuit Quajimajatuqangit and Western scientific knowledge 6. BACKGROUND 6.1. Historical Perspective The current polar bear management system in Nunavut has been inherited from the Northwest Territories prior to the creation of Nunavut. This included the setting of harvest of quotas (now called Total Allowable Harvest or TAH), instituting harvest seasons, and harvest reporting and sample submission The Nunavut perspective Management in Nunavut has focused on the restriction of harvest based on population estimates derived from scientific studies. Although populations where low during the early 70 s they have largely recovered or increased since that time and now remain largely stable or increasing. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) indicates that there are more polar bears seen now compared to the past and that more polar bears are seen around, and in, communities. The numbers of polar bears now pose a risk to human safety both in communities and on the land. This makes it hard to follow tradition and to go to Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 2

3 traditional areas. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit indicates that polar bears are currently less afraid of humans and more aggressive as well as more likely to damage to property such as cabins and food caches. In Nunavut human safety and the right of Inuit to harvest and eat polar bear remains a high priority. This combination of more bears that are less fearful and a right to protect human safety and property has lead to an increase in defense kills. This can result in a negative situation where community harvest is reduced to account for defense kills which can result in a reduction of traditional harvest. Polar bears are very effective opportunistic predators and IQ indicates that they are resilient and capable of adapting to various environments as indicated by their wide range of occupancy in the subarctic and arctic. Polar bears can survive and hunt on land and in open water as well as on sea ice. Polar bears have also been documented and observed to feed on multiple sources of food, including berries, seaweed, fish, birds, eggs, walrus, bowhead, narwhals, beluga, and other types of seals such as bearded seals, harbour seals, and harp seals. The reduction of large areas of multiyear ice that is known to be of low productivity is being replaced with more productive first year sea ice, which Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit predicts will be more productive for polar bears Legislative Frameworks and Agreements In Nunavut wildlife is managed according to Article 5 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Article 5 allowed for the creation of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) which is the primary instrument of wildlife management in Nunavut, and defines the roles of the NWMB, government, Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs), and Regional Wildlife Organizations (RWOs). In 1973 Canada was signatory to the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. This agreement has been the foundation of management actions in Canada ever since. The agreement holds member states accountable for taking actions to protect the ecosystems of which the polar bears dwell, paying special attention to places where polar bears dens feed, and where they migrate. States also must manage polar bear populations in accordance with proper conservation practices based on the best available scientific data. This has not formally recognized traditional or local knowledge, although many managing agencies do utilize this body of knowledge. Recently, the Range States have agreed to include Inuit traditional knowledge as part of the body of knowledge to be considered for polar bear conservation and management. In 2011 the Polar bear was listed under the Species at Risk Act as Special Concern. There are no immediate impacts on Inuit harvest or management actions; however a National Management Plan must be developed. The Nunavut based plan will form part of the National Plan. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 3

4 Within Nunavut the Wildlife Act details harvest management, licensing, reporting and sample submission. Further detail on management, including research, harvest, and TAH determinations has been detailed in existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) developed for all sub populations jointly with Regional Wildlife Organizations (RWOs), Hunters and Trappers Associations (HTOs) and the Department of Environment (DoE). These MOUs are intended to be replaced with this management plan. 7. Polar Bear Co-Management in Nunavut In Nunavut polar bears are managed according to the NLCA. Each of the co management partners fulfill their respective roles according as defined in the NLCA. The co management partners are the NWMB, RWOs, HTOs, DoE, and NTI Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated represents all Inuit beneficiaries in the Nunavut Settlement Area as per the comprehensive land claims agreement that was signed in 1993 by the Inuit of Nunavut and the Government of Canada. The NLCA is constitutionally protected under Canada s Constitution Act, NWMB The NWMB role is defined in the NLCA sections and Their role consists of but is not limited to setting Total Allowable Harvest rates (TAH) and Non Quota Limitations (NQLs). As well they approve management plans and designation of rare species RWOs RWOs role is defined in sections of the NLCA. These roles include but are not limited to, regulating the activities of HTOs in their region including allocation of TAH among communities, distributing any accumulated harvest credits as required to cover accidental, defence, or illegal kills. The RWO may also return credits annually to augment a community s harvest. Credits may not be transferred between communities that share a population without the written consent of the community that accumulated the credit HTOs HTOs role is defined in sections and of the NLCA. These roles include but are not limited to, regulating the harvesting activities of their members, which includes all beneficiaries within the community. This includes allocation of tags in Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 4

5 species with TAH, and setting of harvest seasons. As per the NLCA, the HTO may develop rules for non-quota limitations and. The HTO shall open and close their polar bear hunting season as they choose to optimize polar bear hunting for their community DoE The Minister of Environment retains the ultimate authority over wildlife management in Nunavut as per the NLCA. DoE staff conduct research, work to collect IQ, and make recommendations to the NWMB for Decision. Conservation Officers enforce the Wildlife Act and regulations. Further efforts are underway to develop nee programs to reduce people-bear conflicts, and reduce and compensate for damage to property as a result of bears. 8. Species Description Inuktitut name Nanuq, Nanuk English name Polar bear Latin name Ursus maritimus (Phipps 1774) 8.1. Status: Canada: Special Concern (Species at Risk Act) IUCN: Vulnerable 8.2. General Description The polar bear is a top predator characterized by low reproductive rates, long life span, and late sexual maturity. It is a member of the Family Ursidae and is welladapted to life on the sea-ice and in the water. The webbed and enlarged front paws make the polar bear a strong swimmer and its curved claws are well-suited for hooking seals, their primary food source. Other adaptations to the Arctic environment include furred pads of the paws and black skin. The black skin assists in absorbing solar energy, whereas the furred paws improve insulation and enhance traction on snow and ice. Polar bear fur appears sometimes white, but it also may be yellowish or off-white, depending on the time of year and sometimes the gender. Polar bears exhibit extraordinary strength when crushing through the sea-ice, digging into birth and haul-out lairs of seals, or moving large boulders to get at meat caches. As adults, males are larger and heavier than females: males can weigh around kg, and can be up to 300 cm long; females usually do not exceed 400 kg, and reach up to 250 cm in body length. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 5

6 8.3. Distribution Global Range Polar bears occur as a circumpolar species in the northern hemisphere. It was initially believed that they belong to a single population that ranged throughout the Arctic, with animals being carried passively on the sea ice by currents. However satellite telemetry studies and mark-recapture data demonstrated that they do not wander throughout the Arctic, but rather show seasonal commitment to local areas. It is recognized that movements and distributions are mainly determined by how sea-ice is generally used as a platform for feeding, mating, and denning. Globally all polar bears are divided into 19 subpopulations ; 13 (excluding bears of the Arctic Basin) of these exist in Canada (Figure 1). There are an estimated total population 25,000 polar bears. Approximately 16,000 polar bears are estimated in Canada. The majority of Canada s polar bear subpopulations are found in Nunavut. Due to the environmental characteristics of the Canadian northern archipelago, 2/3rds of the world s polar bear population thrive in Canada Nunavut Range Currently, there are 12 recognized subpopulations of polar bears within the Nunavut 8 are shared with other jurisdictions and user-groups, 4 are entirely within Nunavut (Figure 1). The distribution of bears within each area is not only determined by how bears use the sea-ice, but also by the availability and quality of sea-ice. Some subpopulations (such as Western Hudson Bay) experience a seasonally ice-free environment which forces polar bears in these regions onto shore during summer where they remain for several months. A more detailed background/description of Nunavut s polar bear subpopulations is provided in the appendices Biology Life cycle and reproduction Breeding occurs in March and June adult. When males mate with females ovulation is induced although implantation of the fertilized egg is delayed until October. Among Nunavut s subpopulations pregnancy rates appear to vary markedly: only about half of all adult females (>5 years) that are available to mate (i.e., having no cubs or cubs that are about to be weaned) produce cubs the following year in Kane Basin, whereas in Baffin Bay it is almost all females. Female age at first reproduction also varies among the subpopulations: it ranges between 4 and 7 years of age, with most subpopulations having females producing litters at relatively high rates by age 6. By age 6, male polar bears likely become reproductively mature, but younger males are not likely to reproduce because the older and bigger males may prevent them from doing so. It appears that most males do not enter the reproductive segment of the population until they are 8 10 years old. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 6

7 Figure 1. Canadian and Nunavut (dark grey) polar bear subpopulations [BB = Baffin Bay; DS = Davis Strait; SH = Southern Hudson Bay; WH = Western Hudson Bay; FB = Foxe Basin; GB = Gulf of Boothia; MC = M Clintock Channel; LS = Lancaster Sound; KB = Kane Basin; NW = Norwegian Bay; VM = Viscount Melville; NB = Northern Beaufort; SB = Southern Beaufort. Pregnant females prepare and enter maternity dens in late fall and the young, normally 1 2, are born between November and early January. IQ also suggests that the timing of birth varies with latitude. Dens are generally excavated in snow, and are then covered and closed by snowdrifts. They are frequently located on islands or land in close proximity to the coast and adjacent to areas with high seal densities in spring. An anomaly to this is the maternity dens for the Western Hudson Bay polar bears: their dens are up to 120 km inland at traditional denning areas, and initially dug in soil. At birth, cubs weigh approximately 0.6 kg. They are nursed inside the den until sometime between the end of February and the middle of April, by this time cubs weigh kg. Litters are produced after 3 years of raising cubs estimated an average inter litter interval of approximately 3.6 years Natural Mortality and Survival Aside from humans, polar bears have been observed and document to pose a threat to other polar bears. Predation by wolves on polar bear cubs of the year have been Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 7

8 observed by Inuit. Walruses have also been reported to kill polar bears infrequently. Good estimates on age-specific mortality and survival rates are only available for some Nunavut subpopulations where capture-mark-recapture studies with adequate sample size were conducted. Every main life stage of a polar bear faces different challenges; therefore the survival rates vary accordingly. Moreover, the survival rates for these life stages also vary slightly among Nunavut s polar bear subpopulations because of the differences in ecosystem productivity. In general, biologists recognize four important age categories: 1) cubs-of-the-year (COYs); 2) yearlings and subadults, 3) prime-age adults, and 4) senescent adults. These are also divided by gender because males generally have lower survival rates than females. In the wild the maximum age a polar bear can attain is estimated as approximately 30 years. Inuit recognize 11 different age categories/class of polar bears. They are 1) Namiaq - a newborn cub, 2) Atciqtaq - a cub, 3) Piaraq - a cub that is with its mother, 4) Advarautaq - a cub about 1 year old, 5) Nalitqaihiniq - When they are a little bit bigger than an advarutaq, (which is a little bit bigger than a sled dog, about the height of the mothers belly), 6) Namiaq - Offspring that is the same size as its mother, 7) Nukaugaq - a young male, 8) Tadzaq - Adult female, 9) Anguruaq - Full grown male, 10) Arnaluit - Pregnant female, 111) Piaralik - Female with cubs and 12) Namiariit or Pingahuqat - Family group with cubs. Although some of these are general and specific for the same age they represent the diverse understanding Inuit have of polar bears Diet Polar bears are highly carnivorous. Throughout their Nunavut range, the ringed, bearded and harp seal makes up most of the polar bears diet. Other species like walrus, Beluga whale, narwhal, bowhead whale, birds, eggs, berries, seaweed, and harbor seal are also preyed upon opportunistically. Polar bear diet varies throughout the year and across its range. Primary feeding tends to be in spring when seal pups are abundant however polar bears will hunt and scavenge throughout the year, feeding opportunistically on almost anything. For example, in seasonally ice-free areas where bears move on shore, vegetation, berries, eggs, birds, and other terrestrial or marine based food items are consumed. At times even fish and ringed seals are successfully preyed upon when there is little or no sea-ice in summer. Polar bears are energetic marvels that are well-adapted to times of food abundance and shortages. When food is in high abundance, polar bears can increase their body mass significantly. When food becomes less or unavailable, polar bears can live off their stored fat reserves Habitat Polar bears utilize all areas of the Canadian subarctic and arctic. Access to land is essential for both ice free periods and for denning mid winter. They also utilize the Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 8

9 marine environment for predating marine animals. Polar bears have also adapted to all different types of sea ice and are strong swimmers and capable of traveling long distances in open water. Inuit have identified that bears (tulayuituq) persist in open water and sea ice for the majority of their lives. In Nunavut, polar bears den mostly on land. Denning sites are locations that have sufficient snow cover in early winter for the construction of the dens. Dens can also be found in the moving multiyear ice. All maternity denning sites are important areas because they provide shelter for the mother and offspring. All maternity denning sites are protected under Nunavut Wildlife Act. 9. CONSERVATION ISSUES AND CHALLENGES 9.1. Industrial Activity and Tourism There is considerable potential in Nunavut for industrial activities to be harmful to polar bears and their habitat. There are several active and proposed mines, and other industrial pursuits in Nunavut that could affect bears through their direct activities or through increased shipping traffic and pollution. Noise and disturbance from humans or exploration activity in any form near dens could cause disturbance, abandonment of offspring or displacement of denning bears if not carefully planned and controlled. Any shipping activities through primary feeding areas may lead to disturbance and lower hunting success of polar bears, but also to an increase of abandonment of seal dens. If any industrial activities (e.g., oil or gas exploration, shipping, mining operations) lead to an oil spill in sea ice habitat, polar bears and seals will be directly exposed to oil, with effects ranging from ingestion, hair loss, kidney failure, and ultimately death. Any increase in industrial activities will cause an increase in the local human population, refuse, and other wildlife attractants. As a consequence, bear-human encounters are also likely to increase. There always has been a great interest in the Arctic and its resources and wildlife. This interest recently has increased because of easier accessibility of remote destinations across the Arctic. An increase in human activity (e.g., by boat, ATV and snowmobile traffic) increases disturbance of polar bears. Currently, Nunavut does not have a polar bear viewing tourism industry as sophisticated as Manitoba but various locations in Nunavut offer similar opportunities that could become focal points for intense polar bear viewing. Although some side effects of tourism can be controlled by proper policies and management, the cumulative impacts of several negative stressors (e.g., disturbance, climate change, contaminants) are not clear and therefore warrant heightened awareness Pollution/Contaminants Polar bears are at the top of the Arctic food chain, and as such accumulate high levels of various environmental pollutants through the food they ingest. A majority of these polluting compounds, mostly organochlorines, reach the Arctic via wind and Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 9

10 ocean currents from industrialized areas. Moreover, these compounds are fat soluble and remain in fat tissue and concentrations accumulate progressively at higher levels throughout the food chain. It has been demonstrated that various organochlorines are passed on from mothers to their cubs. How these pollutants and chemical compounds affect polar bear populations, health and fitness over the long-term is not well known. However, it is very likely that survival, the immune and the reproductive system are impacted. With new pollutants and their uncertain long-term effects being detected in polar bears, a combined magnified response to these and other stressors is likely expected Habitat Protection Climate Change Climate change is affecting both the terrestrial and marine environment in Nunavut however the impacts on polar bears is not clear at this time. It is challenging to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change on polar bear sea ice habitat. However, there is federal legislation that requires protection of species habitat should they be listed as threatened or endangered under the Federal Species at Risk Act. Polar bears are currently listed as Special Concern Denning Other important habitat includes denning and summer retreat areas. In Nunavut, polar bears den mostly on land, either along the slopes of fiords, on peninsulas or islands. All maternity denning sites are important areas because they provide shelter for the mother and offspring, and contribute to the growth of the population. Any industrial activities near or in the vicinity of denning areas could disturb the bears and lead to den abandonment Population Boundaries The division of polar bears into sub populations is based on satellite telemetry and movement patterns. Although this is accepted for management purposes it is understood that bears do not remain within these manmade boundaries, rather they move and respond to their environment. These boundaries have formed the basis for management actions for over 4 decades and have been of benefit to managers seeking to set harvest levels and researchers focusing their studies. Subpopulations in Nunavut are based on documented movement of female polar bears. Inuit know that polar bears travel regularly between different geographic areas of Nunavut and that there may be less than 13 subpopulations in Canada. Increasing scientific evidence in the form of genetic studies continues to corroborate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has designated one unit for polar bears in Canada although increasing Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 10

11 genetic analysis suggests there may be fewer sub populations in Canada Polar Bears and People Inuit have lived with bears in close proximity both historically and currently. Historically population levels were lower and as a result bears were more scattered on the landscape. Currently human population in Nunavut is higher than ever and growing, with most of the population concentrated in 25 communities. At the same time in many areas there are more bears than there were 40 or 50 years ago and as a result interaction between bears and people are increasing which has resulted in increase defense kills of polar bears. These defense kills are taken off the community harvest and reduce traditional hunting opportunities. This occurs not only in the communities but on the land in hunting and fishing camps as well. At the same time traditional means of caching meat are susceptible to increased depredation and losses of traditional food, often at significant cost, are impacting Inuit. Currently in many areas of Nunavut the number of bears encountered in communities and on the land has increased significantly to a point where Inuit families are no longer safe in camp without armed monitors for protection. This presents a serious public safety issue which requires management action by co management partners. Co-management partners have committed to the development of polar bear - human conflict management plans Inter-jurisdictional considerations In Nunavut 7 of 12 polar bear subpopulations are shared with other jurisdictions. Northern Beaufort, Viscount Melville, Foxe Basin, South Hudson Bay, Western Hudson Bay, Davis Strait, and Baffin Bay. It is anticipated that jurisdictions responsible for shared subpopulations will develop and implement management plans for the protection and conservation of polar bears. Cooperative efforts between jurisdictions on research and management decisions should be encouraged CITES The 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been in effect since July Polar bears are included in Appendix II to the Convention. In Canada, CITES is implemented through national legislation, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Inter-Provincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). As the responsible authority for the implementation of CITES, Environment Canada must determine if the export or import of a species would be detrimental to the survival of that species. Such non-detrimental findings or NDFs are a requirement of the Convention. Given the shared jurisdiction for wildlife in Canada, coordination with provincial and territorial jurisdictions is required. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 11

12 At the present time, the export of polar bears from Canada is allowed under CITES as a Non Detriment Finding has been developed. Significant efforts have gone into maintaining open export by all stakeholders. Continuing domestic and International export of polar bear parts, such as hides, depends on sound harvest reporting and sustainable harvest. This must apply to all jurisdictions to be successful. Ensuring strict reporting of all mortality and maintaining adequate records should be a benchmark for all jurisdictions. In Nunavut this is currently done and export continues although only through combined efforts of stakeholders Enforcement Polar bears are classified as presumption as to needs species in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (Article 5, section 5.6.5). The total allowable harvest is allocated to Inuit. An Inuk is required to have a tag/allocation in order to harvest a bear. In Nunavut all human caused mortality (regular, sport, defense, illegal) of bears is recorded and comes off of the TAH. Sound harvest reporting practices have been instrumental in continuing efforts to maintain the legal export of polar bears and their parts from Canada. This has allowed Inuit harvesters the benefit of increasing value in hides and trophies in addition to the cultural and food value of harvesting a bear. Maintaining sound harvest reporting and accounting for all human caused mortality is an important management tool required to make sound management decisions as well as ensure continued value from hides and sport hunts. Currently the in the case of defence kills the hide, meat, and all parts are turned over to the local HTO. When there is an irregular kill, the Conservation Officer will seize the parts of the bear necessary to complete the investigation. The specimens are collected as normal. When it has been determined that the kill was an accidental, defence, or research kill, the Conservation Officer shall ensure that all seized parts from that kill shall be turned over to the local HTO. The cleaning and drying of the hide is the responsibility of the HTO because the HTO retains the hide. If there is any dispute on the disposition of the hide, meat, or parts of the bear from an emergency kill, the decision on the disposition of all bear parts is deferred to the appropriate RWO. There is no payment to the HTO or the hunter for specimens, or for cleaning and drying the hide of a bear taken illegally. As per the Wildlife Act, all seized parts from bears taken illegally are disposed of as directed by judicial authority. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 12

13 10. CONSERVATION STRATEGIES This section summarizes the general approaches to addressing the above issues and challenges. This should be written after community consultations. The following points are for discussion, will be written post consultation Research and Monitoring The intention of the Dept of Environment is to conduct population inventory studies every XX years to determine the population estimates, and rates of birth and death for sub populations. Harvest statistics are also fundamental information for management and will continue to be collected. The results of these studies will guide future management of polar bears. A schedule of sub population inventories is in Appendix Q. Community residents (priority to HTO members) shall have the opportunity to participate in polar bear research projects. HTOs will have input into proposed studies and IQ will help guide research efforts. What research questions do we need answered? More IQ on denning, ice use, movement, Inuit use Genetics to further define populations Others????? Harvest Monitoring This is from current mou s for discussion All human caused polar bear kills will be recorded and will be taken from the TAH of the nearest community. In the event that the human caused mortality exceeds the TAH, additional tags will be issued and the number of additional tags issued will be deducted and counted as part of the next year's TAH. A naturally abandoned cub or yearling will be counted as a natural death. Polar bear cubs caught in traps and/or netting set for other species shall be recorded as part of the human kill. For TAH determination purposes, the cubs will be counted as males, and will require one half tag each. Unused tags will not be carried over for use in a subsequent hunting season. After June 30 th, all unused tags will be turned over to the GN. These returned tags will be counted as credits to the community and administered by the appropriate RWO The following shall be collected from each polar bear killed: (a) Lower jaw; (b) Ear tags, if present; (c) Lip tattoos, if present; Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 13

14 (d) Evidence of sex (baculum), from all male polar bears; The parts that evidence the age, species, and sex of a polar bear are teeth for the age; the jaw or skull for the species; and the baculum of the male polar bear for the sex. When the baculum has been lost or forgotten the DNA determination shall also constitute evidence of the sex. Where evidence is not provided, the kill will be counted as a female polar bear for TAH purposes. It is recognized from traditional knowledge that polar bear cubs are born in November and December. The age of a cub will be determined by the degree of canine tooth eruption for cubs, and the annular rings for cubs, yearlings, and two-year olds when the skull, jaw or a tooth is present. No person shall hunt: Any member of a family group. If the female of a family group of cubs, yearlings, or two-year olds is killed, the cubs, yearlings, and two-year olds will be regarded as killed as well. A female polar bear that is in a den, or a female polar bear that is constructing a den. All polar bears that are not members of a family group (i.e., are by themselves) may be harvested. If a cub or yearling is found without its mother, it may be harvested, but it must be reported to the Conservation Officer and the HTO as soon as possible. The HTO may apply to the Minister for a Wildlife Management Permit to allow cubs or yearlings to be harvested for food and cultural purposes. The permit must be issued in advance with a copy to the Conservation Officer, and the HTO must monitor the hunt to ensure that the female (mother) is not harmed Education and Communication This section addresses education and communication to all target audiences including harvesters, international audiences, etc. We could pull a lot from the draft PB communications strategy we started Inter-Jurisdictional Partnerships Polar bear Inter-jurisdictional agreements should be developed for all sub populations that are shared with Nunavut. This is already underway for some populations. User to user groups should also pursue agreements on shared populations; one such agreement already exists in the western portion of the Kitikmeot with user groups in NWT. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 14

15 11. Management Plan Actions Each of the 5 management plan components would be described below in terms of the specific goals and objectives related to them. Actions to accomplish the goals and objectives would be in the implementation section, with a timeline for 5 years. There are 5 main components that have been identified to help co-management partners achieve the goals identified in this section. They are: Harvest Management (Inuktitut phrase?? ) Information and Knowledge Gathering (Qanuqtuurniq) Habitat Management and Environmental Stewardship (Avatitinnik Kamatsiarniq) People and Bears (Inuillu Nanuillu) Working Together (Piliriqatiginniiq) Harvest Management Goals and Objectives This section will be written after community consultations to get feedback on harvest management to date, and what communities would like to see moving forward. We need to stress the fact that in our highly variable and highly dynamic landscape, we cannot be prescriptive about population targets Information and Knowledge Gathering (Qanuqtuurniq) Goals and Objectives This will list research priorities and reference the polar bear monitoring plan to be included as an Appendix. Here we could lump research priorities into broader goals and more specific objectives. Through community consultation, we would identify IQ research priorities. Ice and polar bear use Denning areas Other food sources than seal Habitat Management and Environmental Stewardship (Avatitinnik Kamatsiarniq) Goals and Objectives Write this section after community consultations to get feedback on key threats to polar bear habitat and ways to address habitat issues. This section would also likely Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 15

16 reference the monitoring plan. Examples: Evaluate presence, levels, sources, and trend of environmental contamination including chemical, radioactive, and trace elements Identify, detect, mitigate, or prohibit possible adverse effects of various developments or activities on polar bears and their habitats People and Bears (Inuillu Nanuillu) Goals and Objectives Write this section after community consultations. This part of the plan would address how to minimize human/bear conflict. The Wildlife Damage Prevention/Compensation programs would be referenced here. Other education and communications activities could fall under this heading as well. Examples: Reduce incidence of human/bear conflict in communities and at camps Develop a polar bear communications, education and outreach plan Working Together (Piliriqatiginniiq) Goals and Objectives This section would be written after community consultations to get feedback on how comanagement partners, various government and non-government agencies can work together for polar bear management. Examples: Develop and implement inter-jurisdictional agreements for shared populations Continue Nunavut s involvement with national/international polar bear research and conservation programs Seek input and participation from Inuit in research 12. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The implementation plan would include a set of specific actions associated with each of Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 16

17 the five components and relating to each of the specific goals/objectives under that component. A table would be included with a timeline for completion of each of the action items. Dates and actions regarding to sub-population boundaries as well as all the other concerns that were brought up here today Many of the actions would fall under multiple headings Harvest Management: Actions As mentioned above, one of the actions under Harvest Management could be to rework the MOUs for each subpopulation, removing target numbers and replacing it with a mechanism that enables user groups of that subpopulation and co-management partners to determine the adaptive management goal/target number at any given time Information and Knowledge Gathering (Qanuqtuurniq): Actions This would reference a PB monitoring plan, and put forward a schedule for updating that plan as needed. Habitat Management and Environmental Stewardship (Avatitinnik Kamatsiarniq): Actions People and Bears (Inuillu Nanuillu): Actions Working Together (Piliriqatiginniiq): Actions Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 17

18 Appendices Appendix A Status Table Subpopulation Population Estimate ±2 SE or 95% CI Year of Population estimate Status Observed/ Historical trend Local and/or TEK assessment Baffin Bay 2, reduced decline stable 167 Davis Strait 2, not reduced increase increased 73 Foxe Basin 2, /2010 not reduced stable n/a 107 Gulf of Boothia 1, not reduced stable increasing 60 Kane Basin reduced decline n/a 6 Lancaster Sound 2, not reduced stable n/a 84 M'Clintock Channel reduced likely increase n/a 3 Northern Beaufort not reduced stable increasing 28 Sea Norwegian Bay Data deficient Data deficient n/a 2 Southern Beaufort Sea 1, reduced likely decline moving 34 Southern Hudson Bay (ON), (James Bay) 2005 not reduced stable n/a 55 Viscount Melville Data deficient Data deficient increasing 5 Western Hudson reduced decline increased 27 bay Historical annual removals (5 yr mean) Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 18

19 Appendix B Baffin Bay Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History A 1989 subpopulation estimate of bears was based on mark-recapture data in which the capture effort was restricted to shore-fast ice and the floe edge off northeast Baffin Island. However, Inuit knowledge indicated that an unknown proportion of the subpopulation is typically offshore during the spring and was unavailable for capture. A second study ( ) was carried out during September and October, when all polar bears were on land and estimated the number of polar bears in BB at 2,074 ± 226 (SE). The 2004 abundance estimate is less than 1,600 bears based on simulations using vital rates from the capture study and new information pooled from Canadian and Greenland harvest records. New estimate available for consultation???? Current Status: 2,074 bears (1997) Science - decline IQ - stable current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix C Davis Strait Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The initial subpopulation estimate of 900 bears for DS was based on an estimated correction from the original mark-recapture calculation of 726 bears which was felt to be too low. In 1993, the estimate was again increased to 1,400 bears and to 1,650 in These increases were to account for the bias as a result of springtime sampling, the fact that the existing harvest appeared to be sustainable and not having negative effects on the age structure, and traditional knowledge which suggested that more bears were being seen over the last 20 years. The most recent inventory of this subpopulation was completed in 2007; the new subpopulation estimate is 2,158. Current Status: 2,158 bears (2007) Science - increase IQ - increase current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 19

20 Appendix D Southern Hudson Bay Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The initial estimate of population numbers came from a three-year ( ) mark-recapture study, conducted mainly in the Ontario portion of the subpopulation. This study and the more recent telemetry data have documented seasonal fidelity to the Ontario coast during the ice-free season, and some intermixing with the Western Hudson Bay and Foxe Basin subpopulations during winter months. In 1988, a population-modeling workshop suggested an increase in the calculated subpopulation estimate from 900 to 1,000 bears because portions of the eastern and western coastal areas were not included in the area during original sampling. Additionally, the area away from the coast may have been under-sampled due to difficulties in locating polar bears inland (i.e., below tree line). Thus, some classes of bears, especially pregnant females, were believed to be under-sampled. A new analysis of the capture data produced an estimate for the study area of 634 ( % CI) and for , 673 ( , 95% CI) (Obbard 2008). An additional analysis (Mh Chao implementation of a closed mark-recapture model) of bears in the Akimiski Island area, which is currently included in the geographic designation of the SH, resulted in additional polar bears. In addition, there are some areas where bears are unsafe to capture. As a result, the abundance estimate for the area currently defined SH subpopulation is approximately 900. Current Status: 900 bears (2005) Science - stable IQ - increasing current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix E Western Hudson Bay Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History Sub population was estimated at 1194 in 1987, 935 in Before 1998 the subpopulation had apparently remained indicating that, prior to the onset of a decline brought about by the negative effects of climate warming, the annual harvest of approximately 50 bears had been sustainable. New paper, Stephen??? Current Status: 935 bears (2004) Science - decline IQ - increase current TAH - Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 20

21 Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix F Foxe Basin Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History A total subpopulation estimate of 2,119 was developed in 1996 using mark-recapture analysis based on tetracycline biomarkers. IQ suggests the subpopulation of polar bears has increased (GN consultations in villages in Foxe Basin ); the subpopulation estimate was increased to 2,300 bears in The aerial surveys produced a new population estimate of Current Status: 2572 bears Science - stable IQ - stable current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix G Gulf of Boothia Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History Based on IQ, recognition of sampling deficiencies, and polar bear densities in other areas, an interim subpopulation estimate of 900 was established in the 1990s. After a mark-recapture survey in spring 2000 the subpopulation was estimated to number 1,592. Current Status: 1592 bears (2000) Science - stable IQ - increasing current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix H M Clintock Channel Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History An estimate of 900 bears was derived from a 6-year study in the mid 1970s. Following the completion of a mark-recapture inventory in spring 2000, the subpopulation was estimated to number 284. A moratorium was put in place followed by significantly reduced harvest that is in place today. Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 21

22 Current Status: 284 bears (2000) Science likely increase IQ - increase current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix I Lancaster Sound Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The subpopulation estimate of 2,541 is based on an analysis of both historical and current markrecapture data to This estimate is considerably larger than a previous estimate of 1,675 that included Norwegian Bay. Current Status: 2541 bears (1998) Science - stable IQ n/a current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix J Kane Basin Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The size of the subpopulation was estimated to be 164 in Taylor et al. (2008a) suggested that KB might act as a sink because of unsustainable rates of harvest, relatively unproductive habitat, and lack of genetic differentiation with Baffin Bay. Current Status: 164 bears (1997) survey underway Science - decline IQ - stable current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Brief History The current estimate is 190. Appendix K Norwegian Bay Sub Population Status and Objective Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 22

23 Current Status: 190 bears (1998) Science data deficient IQ n/a current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix L Viscount Melville Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The current subpopulation estimate of 161 was based on a mark recapture survey completed in Current Status: 161 bears (1992) Science data deficient IQ - increasing current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Appendix M Northern Beaufort Sub Population Status and Objective Brief History The 1998 subpopulation estimate was1200 bears. A 2006 mark-recapture survey suggested that the size of the NB subpopulation has remained stable at approximately 980 bears. Current Status: 980 bears (2006) Science - stable IQ - increasing current TAH - Sub Population Objective: to increase, hold stable, decrease??? Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 23

24 Appendix N Flexible Quota System Rationale and Administration of the Flexible Quota System The following points are for discussion and reflect current practice. This section will be rewritten after community input. INTRODUCTION The flexible quota system for polar bears assumes that the annual maximum sustainable yield of males and females for a given population has been divided between the communities that share that population. Each community receives its share of the maximum sustainable harvest of males and females as an annual baseline allocation. For polar bears, the maximum harvest that can be sustained is realized when the harvest is 2 males for every female. However, not every community can harvest exactly 2 males per female every year. In some years, the full allocation may not be taken. In other years the kill may exceed the annual base allocation of males or females. The flexible quota calculation takes into account: 1) Any credits from previous years when not all the bears were harvested, 2) The total number of males killed or removed from the population, and; 3) The total number of females killed or removed from the population. ADMINISTRATION / ACCOUNTING The flexible quota system is nothing more than system for administering the portion of the total population maximum sustainable yield that has been allocated to a given community. First the sustainable yield of males and females for a given population must be identified. Next the total sustainable yield must be divided among the communities that share a given population. Then the base annual allocation for each community is established and the flexible quota system is used to adjust the TAH as required to keep the kill within sustainable limits. Simulation modelling has shown that, for polar bear populations about twice as many males as females can be harvested. The sustainable number of females is defined as the number that can be removed without causing a decline in the number of females in the population. However, it is different for the males. Because the males do not produce the cubs, twice as many can be taken. A 2M:1F harvest sex ratio does reduce the number of males in the population to about 70% of the number that would be present if the harvest was unselective. The mean age of the males in the population is also reduced by about 2 years. However, this has the effect of focusing the harvest on younger males in the more abundant age classes. We assume that the females can still find mates and that younger bears mate just as successfully as older bears. The available data support this. There is no evidence of diminished reproduction, even in populations where it is clear that over-harvesting has depleted the males. Males are reproductively mature by the time they are 4-5 years old, and on average females are only available to mate every two years because of extended parental care. The annual base allocation value is an annual allotment that does not vary. However, if a community over-harvests either males or females in a given year, that over-harvest must be compensated for by reducing the annual actual allocation. The actual allocation is reduced two Draft Nunavut Polar Bear Management Plan, January 16, 2014 Page 24