Newfoundland and Labrador Murre Conservation Fund

* Applications are due November 1, 2012 *

Fund Goals and Objectives

To direct a portion of the revenues derived from the sale of the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp toward conservation activities that will enhance Murre management and protection, to help ensure a sustainable Murre population.

Background

Murre hunting is a traditional activity and part of the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. During the 1970s and 1980s, it became apparent to resource users and government that the Murre harvest was unsustainable and efforts were needed to regulate it. Thus, in 1993, the Canadian Wildlife Service set bag limits and season length for Murre, as it does for all other hunted migratory game birds in Canada. Beginning in 2001, Murre hunters were required to purchase a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit. The permit, which includes the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, is a direct way for all hunters to contribute funds to assist in conserving populations of migratory game birds, including Murre, in Newfoundland and Labrador. To dispense these funds, the Murre Conservation Fund was created and is currently managed by Wildlife Habitat Canada and Bird Studies Canada (Newfoundland), in consultation with the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Division of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Results Supported by the Fund

The Murre Conservation Fund encourages the conservation of Murre as functioning components of ecosystems, and recognizes their contribution toward the biological diversity of native species and habitats in Newfoundland and Labrador. The priorities of the Murre Conservation Fund are to fund projects that support conservation and management of Murre populations and their habitat, as well as projects that introduce the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to the conservation, management, and sustainable harvest of Murre. This includes:

• Assessments of Murre breeding populations, productivity, survival, harvests, and other mortality factors;
• Facilitation of Murre hunting stewardship and conservation to ensure populations are sustained;
• Activities and events that focus on the long-term conservation of high quality Murre habitat, particularly that which is vulnerable.

For more information and to apply, read the Project Eligibility Guidelines and Application Form.

To learn about previously-supported initiatives, visit the Wildlife Habitat Canada website.