The human dimensions of Newfoundland and Labrador's murre hunt: a social-ecological study

Abstract

A human dimensions approach to wildlife management was used to solicit murre hunter and stakeholder perspectives, attitudes, and recommendations for current Common Murre (Uria aalge) and Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) harvest management practices in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). NL is the only jurisdiction that administers a legal, non-Indigenous murre hunt in North America. The overarching goals of this study were formulated to help inform potential changes for upcoming murre hunting seasons. A qualitative approach was utilized by conducting one-on-one interviews designed to collect hunter and stakeholder input on current murre harvest regulations and practices, provincial murre population status, alternative management strategies, the social and cultural significance of the murre hunt, the perceived extent and impact of illegal harvesting, and hunters’ participation in the CWS National Harvest Survey. Results indicated that over-harvesting, lack of enforcement, illegal activity, limited access to population data, species harassment, and lack of community engagement were frequently reported hunter concerns. Interview analyses conclude that hunter input provides valuable local knowledge for resource managers to inform future harvest seasons. However, it also indicated a strong desire for more mechanisms for harvester feedback and input to secure the delivery of apt environmental policies.