WWF condemned Nunavut and the Canadian government earlier for maintaining a poplar bear hunt quota of 105 bears. Estimates show the Baffin Bay sub-population, one of the most fragile, has dropped from 2,100 in 1997 to about 1,500. Greenland's quota for its own hunters is 68. Together with Nunavut's 105 bears, this is nearly three times the sustainable harvest.

Scientists and environmental officials urge Nunavut to reduce its quota to 64 bears or less. Tribal elders insist the number of polar bears is actually rising but experts say bears are being pushed ashore as a result of melting sea ice and hunger.

Government has deferred their decision but the low reproductive rate of polar bears could mean a lengthy recovery from over harvesting.

The meeting is the first of three key steps called for by WWF-Canada in a letter sent to the Environment Minister. WWF also demanded an immediate stop of polar bear harvesting and development of a Conservation Action Plan.