An independent report released Thursday supports the scientific methods and findings of the Northwest Territories government, which says caribou numbers are declining.

The report, produced by the Alberta Research Council for the N.W.T. government, concludes that the government's scientific survey of caribou herds was sound and "consistent with current practice," according to a release issued Thursday afternoon.

The report, prepared by three research scientists with the Alberta council, also says existing data supports the claim that the territory's Bathurst and Bluenose caribou herds are shrinking in number.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Miltenberger requested the independent review in January 2008 after big-game outfitters disputed the government's caribou numbers.

"This independent report verifies that our approach to collecting and interpreting data is sound," Miltenberger stated in the release.

"It also confirms what we heard at the N.W.T. Caribou Summit and from traditional users — that most barren-ground caribou herds in the N.W.T. are in decline."

Released in 2006, the government's caribou study showed caribou populations were shrinking. The Bathurst herd, the largest in the territory, dropped by 74 per cent between 1986 and 2006, according to the government numbers.

In addition to confirming the N.W.T. government's caribou survey, The Alberta Research Council report made nine recommendations to improve caribou research and management.

The recommendations include:

• Boosting caribou collaring efforts for all caribou herds in the territory.
• Creating a regular, standardized caribou monitoring program.
• Putting all survey reports to internal or external peer reviews.
• Publicly reporting survey and research results immediately.
• Developing a territory-wide approach to the government's caribou research program.