Resource+management2

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Scientific theory of how to set quotas – Formerly biologists believe bears could be harvested safely at a maximum of 5% (spread across age and sex classes); more recent studies indicate that under __optimum__ conditions less than 1.6% of total female population can be harvested.
 * Two part process: technical and political components
 * Boardman asks “who decides and who should decide?” (p.306): Self-regulation by aboriginals based on traditional knowledge versus state regulation based on scientific knowledge (see discussion, p.319: “western science differs from Aboriginal science and indigenous knowledge”)
 * Inclusion of VALUES in ecosystem management
 * Harvesting quotas based //sustained yield management//

Interestingly enough, Inuit estimates of Polar Bears indicates a completely opposite population scenario then that of the governments and scientists alike. The management of Polar Bears as a resource includes the conflicting views and values, and data of the parties involved. The "North" vs the "South" value sets and management of the Polar Bears differ. This only includes Government Bureaucratic differences. The Inuit have a valid stake hold and say in the resources management. The local based approach of Natives seems to yield a better representation of populations that need to be managed. The Inuit are very much interested in the species survival and should have the final say of the resources management.

Perhaps, if we could communicate with the bears like this sled dog, then we could hear the Bears position on its own management.