NAIN, N.L. - The NunatuKavut Community Council is suspending any hunting of the George River caribou herd in western Labrador in an effort to help sustain the herd's rapidly declining population.

The herd numbered over 800,000 animals 20 years ago, but has dropped to less than 30,000, prompting calls from various groups for a temporary halt of all hunting activity.

The Nunatsiavut government, which represents the Inuit-Metis of southern Labrador, has called on its members not to participate in this year's hunt and has asked the province to put further conservation measures in place.

Vice-president of the council, Jim Holwell, says this will be the first time in 40 years that he won't be able to hunt caribou, but he says steps have to be taken to help protect what is left of the George River caribou.

Nunatsiavut government is also asking other aboriginal groups to suspend their harvest of the herd.

(VOCM)

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