Scientists Worried About Caribou Habitat

Scientists Worried About Caribou Habitat

Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 14:53

A caribou watchdog group says it is growing increasingly concerned about what effect industrial activity is having on herds in northern Canada, including Saskatchewan’s Athabasca region.

The inter-jurisdictional Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board recently held a meeting in Rankin Inlet about the issue, and published a list of proposals.

Board executive member Ross Thompson says low-flying aircraft and mining exploration pose serious risks to caribou during calving season.

Thompson hopes to make contact with industry players sometime this summer to get their thoughts on the subject.

He says his group isn’t calling for an outright ban of industrial activity in the North, only a recognition that something needs to be done.