Science Advisory Report 2012/028
Abundance and total allowable landed catch for the Northern Hudson Bay narwhal population
Summary
- Visual aerial surveys were conducted in August 2011 to estimate abundance of the Northern Hudson Bay narwhal population.
- Based on traditional ecological knowledge and the advice of local people, the 2011 surveys were expanded to include areas not previously surveyed.
- Adjusting the surface-visible estimate for submerged whales and whales missed by observers produced a population estimate of 12,485 narwhals (95% confidence interval 7,515 – 20,743).
- Based on the 2011 Northern Hudson Bay narwhal survey results, the estimated Potential Biological Removal for this population is 201 narwhals. The Potential Biological Removal was adjusted for hunting losses resulting in a Total Allowable Landed Catch for this population of 157 narwhals.
- Harvests at the levels of 2010 and 2011 are below the updated Total Allowable Landed Catch for this population and therefore can be considered sustainable.
This Science Advisory Report is from the May 10-11, 2012 zonal peer review of the Stock Identification, Abundance, Hunt Sustainability, and Tracking and Movements of Canadian Narwhal. Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Advisory Schedule.
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