Abstract

ABSTRACT


Topic: Governance, management and attitudes


Assessing Moose Populations in Nunatsiavut: Aerial Surveys and Inuit Knowledge in Co-management Decision-making

Monica Engel1, Aaron Dale2, James Williamson2, Frank Phillips3

  1. Torngat Secretariat, 19 Burnwood Drive, Torngat Secretariat, CA
  2. Torngat Secretariat
  3. Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-management Board

Abstract
Background: Moose (Alces alces) is a relatively recent arrival in Labrador, expanding from Quebec in the 1950s. Inuit Knowledge indicates that moose densities in Nunatsiavut have increased in recent decades. Following the decline and subsequent harvest ban of the George River caribou herd, moose have become an essential food source, enhancing food security for Inuit communities. However, limited data on moose abundance and population dynamics have resulted in conservation harvest regulations since 2011. Objectives: This study aimed to assess moose populations in Nunatsiavut to inform sustainable harvest management. The Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board initiated this research to fill knowledge gaps by integrating Inuit Knowledge and scientific monitoring approaches. Methods: Between 2019 and 2025, aerial surveys were conducted in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area (LISA), focusing on Moose Management Areas (MMAs) 88 (Backway), 89 (Rigolet), 91 (Hopedale), and 92 (Nain). Population surveys were performed from 2019 to 2023, followed by classification surveys in 2024 and 2025. MMAs were stratified into high-density, low-density, and non-habitat zones using land cover and landform data alongside Inuit Knowledge. A stratified random block survey, based on the Gasaway method, was employed to concentrate efforts on suitable moose habitats. The survey design was refined using local knowledge to enhance detection in this low-density region. Results: A total of 144 moose were observed across all surveys, including 37 males, 70 females, and 35 calves. The most successful survey years were 2019, 2023, and 2025, with 21, 41, and 37 moose observations, respectively. The highest density of sightings occurred in MMA 92 (Nain), surveyed in both 2019 and 2023. Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive baseline assessment of moose populations in Nunatsiavut, integrating scientific and Inuit Knowledge. The results for each MMA support informed management decisions, ensuring sustainable moose harvests that balance ecological conservation with Inuit subsistence needs.