Scientific Knowledge

The ACCWM has developed the Taking Caribou of Caribou management plan for the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West, and Bluenose-East barren-ground caribou herds, addressing the needs to: develop a cooperative approach to managing for the herds; protect the habitat in the herds’ range; and make decisions on the shared harvests in an open and fair manner. The plan was developed in consultation with most of the communities that harvest from the three herds. The ultimate goal was to ensure that there are caribou today and for future generations.

The management plan "Taking Care of Caribou" describes principles and goals for managing the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West and Bluenose-East caribou herds.  The management plan also describes current population estimates and trends, information needed to effectively manage the herds and guidelines for determining what management actions should be taken for defined population level thresholds.  "Taking Care of Caribou" is accompanied by two companion documents, a Community Report on information recorded during community meetings ("Engaging Bluenose Caribou Communities") and a Science Report d

In November 2009, the Tłįchǫ Government and ENR submitted the Joint Proposal on Management of Caribou in Wek’èezhìı to the Board, which proposed harvest limitations.  The WRRB considered any restriction of harvest or component of harvest as the establishment of a total allowable harvest (TAH).  The WRRB complied with Section 12.3.10 of the Tłįchǫ Agreement and held a public hearing in Behchokǫ̀, NT in two parts on March 22-26, 2010 and August 5-6, 2010.  This is the final report and reasons for decisions related to the joint proposal for the management of the Bathurst Caribou Herd.