NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Related to the Consideration to extend the current Beluga Management System until August 31, 2027 (seven-month extension)
Notice is herein provided on October 20, 2026 that the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) and Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board (EMRWB) are holding a written hearing to consider whether to approve the request from Anguvigaq to extend the current Beluga Management System by seven months, until August 31, 2027.
The proposed written hearing to consider whether to approve the co-signed request from co-management partners, Anguvigaq, Makivvik and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), to extend the current Beluga Management System by seven months, until August 31, 2027, in accordance with their authority under s. 5.2.3(a) and 5.2.3(e) of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (“NILCA”) and s.13.2.1(a) and 13.2.1(e) of the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (“EMRLCA”).
This written hearing is being held to gather information and the positions of all relevant parties regarding the proposed extension. The Request for Decision emphasizes that the extension should be granted without changes to the current management system to limit confusion in the region and to focus efforts on preparing harvesters and resource users for the future management system. Co-management partners also intend to use the extended time to develop and submit a Request for Decision and a proposal for a new management system to the Boards, as required in order to launch a larger hearing on the next management system. However, in the event that the extension is granted, the Boards retain the authority to amend aspects of the current Beluga Management System as needed in response to new information, especially where immediate conservation or management responses are required.
A copy of the Request for Decision as submitted by the co-management partners along with additional documents relevant to this issue are available for download from the NMRWB Hearing Registry (below) or may be obtained by requesting copies by contacting the NMRWB using the contact information below.
The following parties have Full Party status at this joint written hearing:
- Makivvik Corporation
- The Cree Nation Government
- Any Anguvigait (LNUK)
- Any Local Cree Trappers Association (“CTA”)
- The Anguvigaq (RNUK)
- The Regional CTA
- Any Nunavik Inuk
- Any Cree of the Eeyou-Istchee
- The Government of Canada
- The Government of Nunavut