December 4, 2015 (Iqaluit, Nunavut)
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) confirmed yesterday that a group of narwhal are trapped in the ice outside the community of Pond Inlet. The whales have no prospect for escape and will not survive. It is not yet known how many whales are trapped in the ice. The entrapment occurred naturally during ice formation.
The Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) has developed a harvesting plan to safely conduct a humane and efficient harvest to prevent the narwhal from suffering further. Principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit dictate that Inuit do not let animals suffer. The NWMB and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Hunter Tootoo approved the harvesting plan, in accordance with the terms of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA).
The plan is endorsed by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and the Government of Nunavut.
For more information:
Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
P.O. Box 1379
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Ph: 867-975-7300
