Drastic Decline in George River Caribou Herd

[Peter Emberley]

The latest survey of the George River caribou herd, conducted last month, has resulted in confirmation that the herd continues to decline significantly. Biologists with this province and Quebec conducted a photo census and documented 14,200 animals, down from 27,600 in 2012. Numbers have dropped 98 per cent in the past 20 years.

Investigations continue to look at causes of high adult mortalities and the low number of caribou surviving beyond six months of age. Both provinces have started discussions on the development of a joint management plan in collaboration with groups including Aboriginal governments and organizations.

In the last budget, government put aside $975,000 over three years to fund a scientific monitoring and research program for the George River caribou herd.

VOCM News

[Robert Sullivan]

This is terrible news.  Hopefully both the Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec governments, as well as abroriginal groups, will finally give this major issue the attention it deserves.  It shouldn't matter what your "rights" are; a total hunting ban is required, and stricter laws should be legislated to hand down jail time for offenders. 

Additionally, every measure must be taken to ensure that Quebec are following the same regulations.  It really makes you wonder how there can be a hunting ban in place for Newfoundlanders and Labordorians, but when you turn on Wild TV, you see a Quebec outfitters still offering caribou hunts to their clients.

[Peter Emberley]

Your right Robert, it's enough to make you sick. I can remember when there was 750,000 animals in that herd. Some sad. Hopefully something will happen to bring them back.