NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Consideration of Approval for the Assessment of Three Migratory Bat Species as an Endangered Species Under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Notice is provided on February 2, 2024, that the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board (“EMRWB”) will be conducting a Written Public Hearing to consider the approval for the Assessment of the Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus), Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis), and Silver-haired Bat (Lasiurus noctivagans) as Endangered Species Under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The hearing will be held from February 2nd – March 1st, 2024. The [...]

EMRWB & NMRWB Approve the QC-EMR-NMR Polar Bear Management Plan On December 14, 2022, the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board and the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board jointly approved the Quebec-EMR-NMR Polar Bear Management Plan. Overview of the QC-EMR-NMR Polar Bear Management Plan: - The goal of the Plan is to maintain healthy polar bear populations which remain an important component of the local ecosystem and which will be available for use by current and future generations in a way that respects and embodies the rights, culture, and traditions of the Nunavik Inuit and the Crees of Eeyou Istchee.- The Plan [...]

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS – Lesser Yellowlegs, Red-necked Phalarope & Short-eared Owl This October, the EMRWB is launching three public hearings regarding species at risk in the Eeyou Marine Region: 1) October 18, 2022 - EMRWB Written Public Hearing Notice: For Consideration of the Request Submitted by the Government of Canada Concerning the Listing of the Lesser Yellowlegs as “Threatened” Under the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) Click Here for the Full Posting 2) October 19, 2022 - NMRWB-EMRWB Joint Written Public Hearing Notice: For Consideration of the Request Submitted by the Government of Canada Concerning the Management Plan [...]

Welcome to our new Chairperson Fred Tomatuk! The Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board (EMRWB) would like you to help us welcome our new Chairperson, Fred Tomatuk ! Fred joined the EMRWB as a member in 2017 and was recently nominated by his fellow members as the new Chair to replace outgoing Chairperson, Gordon Blackned. Fred’s nomination was accepted by the Governments of Canada and Nunavut and he began his 4-year term as EMRWB Chairperson in June, 2022. Fred Tomatuk is from the Cree Nation of Eastmain and was born at Conn River. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience [...]

Thank You for Your Time as Chair Gordon! Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board (EMRWB) members and staff would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Gordon Blackned for his work and dedication as EMRWB Chairperson for the past four years. Gordon’s term as Chair ended this summer. Gordon was appointed by the GCC(EI) as a new member to the Board in December 2016, and was nominated as Chair in 2018, serving the EMRWB for almost 7 years in total and being the longest-standing member to date. The Wildlife Board has achieved many milestones during Gordon’s tenure, including the Grand [...]

National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition! Did you know that National Geographic is planning an expedition in Nunavik, Hudson Bay and James Bay this summer? The goal is to explore and document these unique underwater ecosystems to generate scientific support for marine protections. Two documentary films will be produced to highlight the regions’ ecological and cultural diversity, with the goal of informing the need for additional marine protections. These documentaries will serve to amplify the voices of Indigenous community members and leaders about their vision and efforts toward marine protections and stewardship. The vessel is expected to be in the EMR [...]

National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition to James Bay, Hudson Bay, and Nunatsiavut! The National Geographic Pristine Seas will be launching a two-month expedition to priority marine conservation sites in Canada, including the EMR! The expedition's purpose is to explore the biodiversity of the region and create documentary films to support Indigenous-led marine conservation. Click the link for more info and follow National Geographic Pristine Seas on Instagram or Twitter for updates!

Requesting Public Comment on the Management Plan for the Red-necked Phalarope in Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has proposed a Management Plan for the red-necked phalarope in Canada and is inviting comments from the public. We welcome comments that provide new biological, ecological, or other information which could improve the management plan for the red-necked phalarope. You are invited to provide your comments to ec.cwsqcconsultations.ec@canada.ca by April 20, 2022. Click here to see the fact sheet for an overview of the document. You can see the whole document online by clicking here. ECCC will consider all comments and produce [...]

Virtual Event: Protecting Biodiversity and Indigenous Culture in Coastal Zone of Eeyou Istchee - February 10, 12 pm (EST) Join Nature Canada and the Cree Nation Government as they share a story of hope, a story of a government with a clear vision — a vision of #Indigenous-led conservation that offers us a path also towards reconciliation with each other and the land. Join at: https://bit.ly/3u9LdZq

The Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board is accepting applications to our Research Fund. The deadline for spring funding applications is February 10! Our Research Fund is open to applications year-round. For more information about the EMRWB Research Fund and how to apply, visit our website https://www.emrwb.ca/guidelines/.