Proceedings of the RAP meeting on Baffin Bay and Hudson Bay narwhal

DFO presented background information on the Resource Assessment Process, describing the nature of the RAP, the roles of DFO and other RAP participants, and the resulting products of the RAP. [...] It was indicated that the format of the final version of the Stock Status Reports was subject to change to more closely resemble the national standard; the basic text as presented would remain the same, apart from revisions to reflect changes discussed and agreed to in the meeting. [...] A proposed schedule of the regional process for the approval and release of Stock Status Reports and Proceedings was introduced for examination (Annex 3) and for discussion after the review of the Stock Status Reports. [...] Change in Stock Size It was reported that the Scientific Working Group of the Canada- Greenland Commission had concluded that the Baffin Bay narwhal stock was likely not currently subject to over-exploitation based on current levels of harvest and their widespread distribution. [...] Outlook The view of the Canada/Greenland Scientific Working Group on the outlook of the narwhal population was summarized.