Since the early 90’s, harvesting of polar bears in Nunavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and more recently for Nunavik and Nunatsiavut has been closely monitored in order to ensure sustainability of its harvests. In Nunavut, data collected on harvests from each community are compiled to inform Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) levels for each polar bear subpopulation in the subsequent year, based on a flexible quota system.
Harvesters collect a variety of samples from each polar bear, including the lower jaw (teeth provide information on age), a small piece of fat (which can provide insight into prey being consumed), and the bacculum (penis bone) or reproductive tract for proof of sex. These samples contribute to many different research projects, including cooperative studies looking at contaminant levels in global polar bear populations and ongoing studies of polar bear diet and body condition. Work is underway on developing an inventory of archived tissue samples that will support future research projects. Typically, harvest monitoring packages are prepared and distributed to license holders to facilitate the data and sample collection process. Information gained from these sample collections has improved knowledge of polar bear winter range and body condition. Tattoo (and ear tags were applicable) records compiled as part of population surveys and harvested bears have improved understanding of survival and distribution. DNA samples collected have been processed and are contributing to ongoing studies on gene flow and survival rates. A catalog of polar bear fat samples has been assembled for upcoming analysis on contaminants. Skulls may be processed before they are returned to hunters as a keepsake. For each jurisdiction, all this information is annually prepared and shared with Land Claims agreement, Wildlife Management Boards and others. These collaborative efforts inform research professionals, managers, harvesters and interested members of the public on the ecology and health of polar bears, as well as the harvesting practices of Inuit across the Arctic.
Nunavut
In Nunavut, the lower jaw, a small piece of fat and the bacculum (penis bone) or reproductive tract are collected. The teeth in the lower jaw can provide information on the bear’s age, the fat can give insight into what the bear was preying on and the bacculum or reproductive tract are to provide proof of sex. Together, these samples contribute to many different research projects, including cooperative studies looking at contaminant levels in global polar bear populations and ongoing studies of polar bear diet and body condition. Nunavut is also in the process of developing an inventory of archived tissue samples that will support future research projects.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, under the Hunters and Trappers by-laws, submission of harvest information and samples for proof of sex and age, ear tags and tattoos are mandatory samples and submitted to Government of the Northwest Territories staff in each community. Additional voluntary samples are collected annually. These details are outlined in the “tag kits” that accompany the harvest tag. The samples collected are used to look at the bear’s body condition, contaminants, diet, and overall health. These studies are done in collaboration with other researchers. The harvest is reviewed annually to ensure it falls within the quota and the sex ratio is meeting the target 1/3 female.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador harvest monitoring packages are prepared by the Wildlife division and distributed to license holders to facilitate the data and sample collection process. Information gained from these sample collections has improved knowledge of polar bear winter range and body condition.