Restricted beluga hunting areas open around Nunavik
New quota temporarily put in place by Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure food security
Beluga whales swim in the Hudson Strait not far from the Nunavik community of Quaqtaq. This area, along with three others near Nunavik, has been allotted an additional quota for beluga whale harvesting as of Oct. 30. (File photo)
Four restricted areas for hunting beluga whales have been opened beyond the fall harvest in Canada’s eastern Arctic.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is allowing an interim allowable take for the Hudson Strait, North Eastern Hudson Bay, Ungava Bay and Ottawa Islands until Jan. 31, 2020.
This is to ensure the food security of Nunavik communities, according to the DFO.
That interim allowable catch will be factored into the next beluga management plan, so as not to affect the health of the population in the area.
According to the DFO, the following areas remain closed at all times: Eastern Hudson Bay, Mucalic Estuary, Nastapoka Estuary and Petite rivière de la Baleine Estuary (Little Whale River).
Long Island and James Bay remain open for beluga whale harvesting.
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