Nunavut responds to growing caribou trade following Baffin hunting ban

The Nunavut government says it is well aware of growing concerns in the Kivalliq region over the number of caribou being sent or sold to people and groups in the Baffin region and itplans to hold meetings in the new year to come up with solutions.

"Our issue right now is we don't know what the level of harvest is," said Mitch Campbell, a governmentbiologist.

"We have been working with the airline companies to try and get their co-operation to try and track the amount of caribou meat that is being moved across but we are still in the discussion phase to see what we can put in place."

Two years ago the Qaminirjuaqherd's population was264,000. Campbell says studies show the herd is in a moderate decline, but the GN needs updated datato gauge the impact of any additional harvesting.

Campbell says everyone wants the issue resolved.

"There is no one else that cares as much about the wildlife as Inuit do," he said. "Because at the end of the day the people care about the wildlife and how much it means to them."

Nunavut'sEnvironment department plans to begin meetings in Kivalliq communities in January.

Rankin Inlet elder Jack Tikiq Kabvitoksays hewants to be a part of them. He says he's worried about the hunting and that the remains of animals are being left on the hunting grounds.

"I don't want to be told'it's too late,'" he said. "We need to better manage the herd and the sooner the better."