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Science Response 2010/011

Evaluation of narwhal with respect to making a CITES non-detriment finding

Context

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally-binding multilateral environmental agreement that aims to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of species in the wild. Canada is a Party to CITES and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the lead for related aquatic issues.

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros)is listed on Appendix-II of CITES. As is required under the Convention, an export permit shall only be granted when the Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. This determination is referred to as a non-detriment finding (NDF). On October 14, 2010 at the request of the DFO CITES Management Authority, the CITES Scientific Authority and other relevant scientific experts evaluated the sustainability of narwhal harvests with respect to making a CITES NDF. The Scientific Authority will consider this advice in the issuance of an NDF for narwhals harvested in Canadian waters in 2010.

Based on the information available, conservation concerns were identified for three narwhal management units: Admiralty Inlet, Northern Hudson Bay, and East Baffin Island. Owing to the paucity of data available for the Parry Channel, Jones Sound, and Smith Sound management unit, the sustainability of current harvest levels cannot be verified. There are no apparent conservation concerns at the present time for the Somerset Island and Eclipse Sound management units.

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