| BAY OF FUNDY ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (BoFEP) & ATLANTIC COASTAL ACTION PROGRAM SAINT JOHN (ACAPSJ)
9th Bay of Fundy Science
Workshop BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
(In alphabetical order by primary author) |
|
Assessment of American eels in Fundy National Park: Evaluation of Approaches for
Surveying Elvers.
1Atlantic Service Centre, Halifax,
NS. (deborah.austin@pc.gc.ca);
2Fundy National Park, Alma, NB.
(daniel.mazerolle@pc.g.ca)
With the drastic decline (99%) of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) in
Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Estuary region and resulting species of special
concern designation by COSEWIC, there has been renewed interested in determining
the status of this species within Atlantic Canada. Of the life-stages found
within Fundy National Park, the glass eel and elver stages are the least
understood. Targeted sampling efforts have been undertaken to estimate the
numbers and timing of the movement of individuals from the marine to freshwater
environments. Since 2008, sampling techniques have included ramp, habitat and
Sheldon traps, and night dip netting with relatively low capture success.
Observations from electrofishing and smolt wheel operation suggests that adult
eels are relatively common in the rivers of Fundy National Park, but the lack of
success in juvenile eel sampling suggests that either the trapping
techniques are ineffective or there are very small numbers of glass eels and
elvers entering our system for some unknown reason. It is not yet understood
whether either of the aforementioned factors or a combination of the two is
responsible for our lack of success. Predation Effects on Juvenile
Invertebrates in Two Rocky Subtidal Communities. 1University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB (betsy.barber@maine.edu); (hhunt@unb.ca ) In marine systems, variability in
recruitment can limit the distribution and abundance of adults. One possible
source of variability is early post-settlement mortality. Predation is
potentially one of the more influential sources of mortality but previous
studies looking at predator influences on juveniles have shown opposing
results. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the
presence of predators on developing invertebrate communities in the rocky
subtidal in the southwest Bay of Fundy. The experiment was carried out using
cobble-filled collectors made of lobster trap wire. Three predator treatments
were set up: the first excluded predators >5 mm, the second allowed complete
access to the collector, and the third was partially covered with mesh to test
for caging artifacts caused by the exclusion treatment. A total of 135
collectors were placed at two sites. Ninety were removed after three months
(July-October 2010), and at one site 45 collectors were removed after 10 months
(July 2010-May 2011). This was done to look at variation in the effect of
predation through time. Invertebrates from each collector are being identified
to the lowest taxonomic level possible and counted. A portion of these
juveniles will be measured for size distributions. Biomass will be estimated
for certain prey species. Multivariate analyses of whole communities within
collectors as well as analyses of individual species will be done to test for
predator effects. Preliminary results will be presented.
The Influence of Tidal Creek Networks on Wetland Vegetation Colonization in a Macro-tidal System Alison Bijman1,2, J. Lundholm1, and T. Bowron2 1Environmental Studies Program & Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. (amjbijman@gmail.com ; jeremy.lundholm@smu.ca), ; 2CBWES Inc., Halifax, NS (cbwetlands@gmail.com )
Six years of research
and experience with restoring Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotia) salt marshes has shown
that salt marsh plant species can colonize readily without planting, if the
barriers to tidal flow are removed and suitable abiotic conditions (i.e.
elevation) are present. However, little is known about the recovery dynamics of
targeted species on a small scale. Reactivated hybrid creek networks are
potentially highly important to the restoration process, as they may represent
the primary transport mechanism for seeds and vegetative material for
re-colonization. However, it is unknown how important creeks are for the actual
colonization of target species (Spartina alterniflora; S. patens; Salicornia
european; Sueda maritima; Atriplex spp.). Utilizing the Cogmagun River salt
marsh restoration site (Hants County), which was restored in 2009, this research
aims to examine if there is a relationship between proximity to creek and
colonization rates of common salt marsh species, as well as if there is a
difference in seedling coverage of salt marsh annuals and other native species
at varying distances from the creek. The results of this research will provide a
fine-scale complement to existing and ongoing macro-scale studies and further
clarify the relationships between abiotic properties of a recently restored
tidal wetland and colonization. Organizational Visibility on the Internet through COINAtlantic Paul Boudreau1, Andrew Sherin2 and Alexi Westcott3 1ACZISC
Secretariat, Halifax, Nova Scotia (coinatlantic@dal.ca);
2 ACZISC
Secretariat, Halifax, Nova Scotia (a.sherin@dal.ca);
In 2002 the University of California at
Berkley estimated there was 167 terabytes (i.e. 1012 bytes) of
information on the World Wide Web. The amount of information had at least
tripled since their initial study in 1999. How does an organization make its
information visible and available to others in this vast expanse? The Atlantic
Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (ACZISC) has been responding to this
challenge for coastal and ocean information since 1992 when it published its
first Database Directory. The ACZISC through its COINAtlantic initiative is now
exploiting the power of the internet search to increase the visibility of an
organization’s information. The COINAtlantic GeoContent Generator is a free,
on-line, and simple-to-use utility that allows users to generate information
about their data, project, organization or publication that is tied
automatically to a geospatial polygon of their choice and published on-line in a
way that will be found quickly by Google. The ACZISC is offering the use of this
tool to any organization along with an initial consultation, training in the use
of the CGG and follow up support. The paper will describe how the CGG can be a
benefit to an organization and how it fits into the broader chain of information
access from provider to user. Ecological Re-engineering of a Freshwater Impoundment for Salt Marsh Restoration in a Hypertidal System Tony M. Bowron1, D. van Proosdij2, J. Lundholm3, N. Neatt1 and J. Graham1, 2
1CBWES Inc., Halifax, NS
(cbwetlands@gmail.com);
Department of Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS.
(dvanproo@smu.ca);
This
paper examined the vegetative, sedimentary, nekton and hydrologic response to
ecological re-engineering of a freshwater impoundment in the Upper Bay of Fundy.
The dyke was breached (2005) in five locations and one channel initiated to
connect the river to the borrow pit behind the dyke. This triggered significant
self-organization within the restoration site. Existing channels (e.g. borrow
pit) were incorporated within the newly excavated and developing creek system,
increasing hydraulic connectivity and fish habitat within the marsh. Vegetation
colonization, primarily by Spartina alterniflora, was rapid with almost
100% coverage by the end of the third year, with high marsh species present in
increasing abundance by year five. The constructed channel experienced
considerable morphological change in response to the increased tidal prism. In
the year immediately following the breach, the surface of the marsh was
unconsolidated and rates of change in surface elevation measured at RSET
stations ranged considerable. By year three the rate of surface elevation change
decreased to a more moderate but variable mean, implying subsurface
consolidation. By year five, more subtle changes continued to be observed in the
habitat structure (primary and secondary channel development, sediment and
elevation) and the biological community (establishment of high marsh vegetation
species, fish densities). This study represents the first comprehensive,
quantitative analysis of ecological response to dyke breaching in a hypertidal
ecosystem. These data will contribute to the development of long-term data sets
of pre- and post-restoration, and reference marsh conditions, and has improved
our ability to design subsequent restoration projects. The International Ocean Institute - Canada: Promoting the Bay of Fundy Michael J.A. Butler 1 and Claudette LeBlanc 2 1 International Ocean Institute - Canada, Halifax, NS (michael.butler@dal.ca); 2 ACZISC Association, Halifax, NS (leblancc@ca.inter.net )
The
International Ocean Institute-Canada is a leading member of the IOI network of
Operational Centres operating worldwide in over 25 countries. IOI-Canada has
been based at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, since being founded
by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese in 1979. Several of IOI-Canada’s initiatives
and activities have contributed to the promotion and a better understanding of
the Bay of Fundy worldwide. IOI-Canada’s
foremost endeavour continues to be the annual 8-week Training Program on Ocean
Governance: Policy, Law and Management, conducted annually at Dalhousie
University since 1981. The alumni of the Training Program now exceed 600 from
over 100 countries. In
recent years, a major component of the Training Program has been a field trip to
the Annapolis Valley area and the adjacent Bay of Fundy. In 2011, the locations
visited included a
sustainable
land-based fish farming operation, a tidal power station, a sewage treatment
operation, the Bear River First Nation, a clam depuration facility, a seaweed
research and production facility, and a salmon aquaculture site. The course
participants also experienced a direct-to-customer fishery and the local lobster
fishery.
Various
aspects of the Bay of Fundy are featured in the presentations by the more than
80 lecturers during the 10-module course. In
addition to the Training Program, a number of events organized by IOI-Canada and
its partners serve to ‘promote’ the Bay of Fundy. These have included the annual
Elisabeth Mann Borgese Ocean Lecture and the Oceans Film Festival. Also the
research programs of the IOI Research Fellows often focus on various aspects of
the Bay. Modeling of Fecal Bacteria in Annapolis Basin Watersheds, Nova Scotia S. Butler 1, T. Webster 1, N. Crowell 1, W. Livingstone 1, G. Rose 2 1 Applied Geomatics Research Group, Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), Nova Scotia Community College, Middleton, NS; (sean.butler, tim.webster, nathan.crowell, william.livingstone)@nscc.ca; 2 Golder Associates Ltd., Mississauga, ON; (Greg_Rose@golder.com )
The contamination of
shellfish harvesting areas by fecal bacteria in the Annapolis Basin is a
recurring problem which has consequences for industry, government, and local
communities. This study contributes to the development of an integrated water
quality forecasting system to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
industry management. The integrated
forecasting framework is composed of a database containing contamination
sources, hydrodynamics of the Annapolis Basin, E.coli loadings and
watershed hydrology scenarios, coupled with environmental conditions of the
region (e.g. temperature, precipitation, evaporation, and ultraviolet light). This research
was concerned with addressing the E.coli loadings and watershed hydrology
scenarios. This involved identifying fecal bacteria sources, modeling the
hydrologic and hydrodynamic characteristics of the watersheds, and determining
the resulting bacteria loadings based on different environmental conditions. The
watershed hydrology and transport of bacteria loadings was developed using the
hydrologic, hydrodynamic and advection dispersion capabilities of the
1-dimensional model, MIKE 11. For a given
set of forecasted environmental conditions, matching scenarios will be extracted
from the database to determine the concentration of E.coli bacteria at
confluence points within the estuary. Loadings at each confluence can then be
modeled using developed estuarine hydrodynamics, which will be used to simulate
the transport, dispersion and spatial extent of E.coli concentrations in
the Basin. Using Acoustic Telemetry to Track the Movements of Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) in a Freshwater and Coastal Zone. Jonathan W. Carr Atlantic Salmon Federation, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, ( jcarr@asf.ca ) Acoustic
telemetry was to assess the pre to post spawning
movements and survival of alewives. A total of
40 alewives were tagged (20 each in 2007 and 2008) after they ascended a
fish ladder at the Magaguadavic River’s head of tide hydroelectric dam. Fish
utilized the lower river reaches and a nearby lake during the spawning period.
Six (2007) and two (2008) alewives are believed to have died during the spawning
period. To return to sea, all fish must pass the hydroelectric dam. Signals from
five (2007) and two (2008) fish were lost near the top of the dam. Nine (2007)
and four (2008) fish passed the dam via the turbines and suffered a mortality
rate of 62%. No alewives used the downstream fish bypass facility in 2007.
However, the bypass efficiency improved to 75% (N=12 fish) in 2008. Improved
downstream fish passage may be due to increased attraction flow into the bypass
facility. Surviving alewives were tracked through the river estuary and up to 28
km through the coastal zone. Temporal and Geographic Trends in Annual Environmental Monitoring Results at Salmon Farms in Southwestern New Brunswick, Bay of Fundy, 2002-2010 B.D. Chang and F.H. Page Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews Biological Station, St. Andrews, NB ( Blythe.Chang@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Fred.Page@dfo-mpo.gc.ca ) Monitoring of sediments under salmon farms in southwestern
New Brunswick (SWNB) was first conducted in 1992 and 1993, and has been
conducted annually since 1995. Sediment sulfide concentrations have been
measured as part of the monitoring program since 2002, and has been the sole
parameter used to rate a farm’s environmental performance since 2006. This study
examined temporal and geographic trends in sediment sulfide concentrations at
salmon farms in SWNB from 2002-2010. There has been a general trend toward
improved ratings over this period, although some of the interannual changes may
be due to some changes to the monitoring protocols during this time. The
implementation in 2006 of a new Aquaculture Bay Management Area framework,
including mandatory fallowing between successive year-classes, together with the
introduction of a performance-based standards approach to determining production
levels, were intended to facilitate improved environmental and fish health
conditions at farms. Maps of the geographic distribution of ratings indicate
that some areas, such as Passamaquoddy Bay and the Letang area, were more likely
to include farms with Anoxic or Hypoxic ratings, while in areas such as Maces
Bay, ratings were mostly Oxic. Integrated Watershed Water Quality Forecasting System for the Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada N. Crowell 1, T. Webster 1, S. Butler 1, W. Livingstone 1, G. Rose 2 1
Applied Geomatics Research Group, Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS), Nova
Scotia Community College, Middleton, NS,
(nathan.crowell,
tim.webster, sean.butler, william.livingstone)@nscc.ca;
Water
quality is important to those living within coastal communities, the shellfish
industry, and regulatory bodies. This work focuses on developing an integrated
forecasting system to predict areas of poor water quality within the Annapolis
Basin as a result of E.coli contamination. Forecast information
will provide the predicted spatial extent, concentration, and source of
contamination. Forecast information will be used to improve the efficiency of
regulatory sampling, reduce unnecessary harvest closures, and aid in municipal
planning by identifying major sources of contamination. Water quality
forecasts are determined by linking dynamic environmental variables (such as
time, temperature, precipitation and ultraviolet light) to a robust database
composed of contamination sources, estuarine hydrodynamics, watershed hydrology,
and E.coli loading scenarios. Loading concentrations and decay rates of
E.coli are calculated for surrounding watersheds, and anthropogenic
sources (municipal wastewater treatment and rural septic systems) using
hydrological, hydrodynamic, and advection dispersion models which incorporate
land cover attributes and flow dynamics. To increase model efficiency, and allow
for real time predictions, a database approach was adopted. A database of
concentration extractions was developed by identifying unique tidal scenarios (n
= 104) to undergo a battery of particle tracking runs (n = 319488) in order to
simulate all possible contamination extents for each source point. Loading
scenarios were developed to account for environmental and seasonal E.coli
concentrations on the watershed level. Future webhosting development will allow
the end-user to rapidly retrieve a contamination extent, concentration, and
source based on current and predicted environmental conditions. Coastal and Ocean Management: User Tasks and Archetypes when Searching for Information Samantha A. Dutka1, Jennifer D. Weldon2, and Elaine G. Toms3
1
iLab, Dalhousie University,
Halifax, NS. (samantha.dutka@dal.ca)
“Environmental wardens” who work in the coastal and ocean management field
(COM) require diverse and vast amounts of data and information to make decisions
due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The information and data
needed to inform decisions is distributed among a variety of different sources.
To help with this issue our research team has completed an exploratory study
whose results will go towards the first steps in designing a system or set of
search tools used by these environmental wardens. We recruited and interviewed
18 knowledge workers from the federal and provincial governments, academic
institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private consulting companies
using a critical incident technique. Interviews were audio recorded and
transcribed verbatim by a third-party. Using thematic coding the research team
identified ten core tasks that were completed over the course of the projects
participants described. We also found that participants could be grouped into
six different archetypes or users. Identification of the tasks that they
regularly complete and user types of a system are critical to the development of
a system/tool(s) to enhance subject specific information retrieval. Based on
this exploratory study we recommend further research including interviews with
other important stakeholders like individuals in communities and community
groups. We also recommend that results from this exploratory study be verified
and validated with a larger sample.
Conceptualizing Knowledge Worker’s Tasks in the Coastal and Ocean Management Field Samantha A. Dutka1 1 iLab, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. (samantha.dutka@dal.ca)
This poster is derived from recommendations of an exploratory study conducted
between May 2010 and August 2011. The exploratory study intended to discover
the information needs of knowledge workers in the coastal and ocean management
domain which is essential in developing tools that these knowledge workers could
potentially use. Eighteen knowledge workers were interviewed during the
exploratory study using the critical incident technique which entailed
questioning participants about one specific project they worked on and the steps
used to complete that project. All interviews were audio recorded and
transcribed professionally. The study identified ten tasks and six archetypes,
or potential user groups of the tool. The poster being presented will
conceptualize and map one of the ten tasks found which includes examining the
components and steps required to complete that task. Possible tools or
applications for this task will be explored for use in domain specific
information retrieval. I am interested in communicating the results of the study
and receiving feedback on the emerging model for one of the tasks and confirming
and expanding on the different user archetypes of a potential tool(s). Informal
feedback and questions are welcomed however an additional opportunity will be
available to part-take in a short demographic survey and drawing exercise taking
no longer than five minutes. Feedback from the conference will be represented in
a major project as a requirement for the Master of Resource and Environmental
Management degree at Dalhousie University.
Monitoring Marine Biodiversity: Testing the Effects of the Substrate of a Site on Recruitment in Cobble-Filled Collectors Lauren Ellis, Rémy Rochette and Heather Hunt University of New Brunswick, Saint John, N.B. (lauren.ellis@unb.ca )
Insufficient resources are allocated to studying marine environments and
associated biodiversity. A biodiversity monitoring tool (hereafter collector)
targeting organisms inhabiting shallow subtidal areas of cobble substrate is
being tested at sites in the southwest Bay of Fundy, Canada, to standardize its
protocol to facilitate monitoring and conservation efforts. The main objective
of this study is to determine if the substrate on which the collector is
deployed affects the community structure or species abundances found inside it,
which in turn will indicate whether future collector deployments should be
preceded by substrate surveys. In July 2009 we deployed 10 collectors at each of
6 different sites (1600-5400m2), 2 in each of 3 geographic areas
(270-1400km2) and recovered these 3 months later; within each area,
the bottom of one site was predominantly cobble while the other was
fine-sediment. The two sites within each area were in close proximity to one
another (240-730m) to keep larval supply as similar as possible. Two of the 3
areas were recently identified by DFO as Ecologically and Biologically
Significant Areas. Preliminary results show that the substrate upon which
collectors were deployed has a pronounced effect on the community structure
found within it, with differences between fine-sediment and hard bottom sites
being related both to what species are present as well as their abundances.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Storm Surge Flooding of Dykelands in the Bay of Fundy M. Fedak1,2, D. van Proosdij1,2 and T. Webster3
1Department of
Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. (mikefedak@gmail.com)
Over the next century, the
upper Bay of Fundy will likely experience an increase in sea level and frequency
of storm events. The predicted 1m sea level rise will place the dyke protected
low lying areas and associated infrastructure at significant risk. The purpose
of this research is to analyze the spatial and temporal variability in storm
surge flooding within dykelands in the upper Bay of Fundy to assist with
planning and emergency management decisions. In addition, we analyze the
relative importance of variables (e.g. type and number of water control
structures, surface roughness, creek networks, subsidence and dyke design, tidal
stage) in determining the rate and extent of coastal flooding within these
regions. TUFLOW, a hydrodynamic model was used with SMS 10.0 and ArcGIS to
simulate flooding parameters over a multi-resolution grid generated from LIDAR
data. Surface roughness was expressed as a Manning’s n coefficient and varied
seasonally depending on vegetation growth. Initial results indicate that
timing with respect to tidal stage (e.g. length of time dyke overtopped) and
internal channel complexity exerted the most influence on the duration, velocity
and extent of the flooding event. Drainage was influenced most strongly by the
spatial arrangement of aboiteaux structures, amount of precipitation, surface
cover and spatial configuration of the dyked marshbody. At the projected rate of
sea level rise, the current elevations of the existing dykes are insufficient to
protect low lying areas behind the dykes including major transportation
corridors, waste water treatment facilities and coastal towns. Time-series of Coastal Zooplankton Abundance from Several Maritime Counties Frederick J. Fife and Kate E. Malone Department of Fisheries and Oceans, St. Andrews Biological Station, St. Andrews, NB. (Jack.Fife@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Bay of Fundy coastal zooplankton
abundance has been estimated from larval herring surveys. Because there are
several types involved, they have been separated into functional & taxonomic
groups for several counties in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that surround the
Bay of Fundy. Time series (1982 – 1998) of the abundance of zooplankton are
presented in a way to allow comparisons between areas. Tidal Creek Hydraulic Geometry for Salt Marsh Restoration in the Upper Bay of Fundy Jennifer Graham1,2,3, D. van Proosdij1,2, J. Lundholm2 and T. Bowron4
1Department of Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. (dvanproo@smu.ca)
Salt marshes around
the world have been seriously impacted by human activities and are in need of
restoration more than ever in our changing climate. Shifts in environmental
regulations, demographic, and economic structure in Nova Scotia have recently
produced opportunities to restore these important habitats. However, successful
restoration requires a better understanding of the characteristics of these
systems than is available in our region at present. This research is intended to
improve our understanding of the geometry of tidal creeks in the Bay of Funny
and their relationship to tidal prism using hydraulic geometry. Initially
formulated in freshwater systems, hydraulic geometry correlates channel geometry
with discharge using a power function and can be applied in tidal scenarios
using tidal prism as a surrogate for discharge. The relationship between tidal
prism and channel geometry has been well established in many parts of the world,
however there is a lack of published exponent values and research on the topic
for macro-tidal estuaries. Using ground surveys and high resolution digital
terrain data for the Avon and Cornwallis estuaries this study provides exponent
values for the region and examines the role of elevation and location in the
tidal frame in channel geometry. Furthermore, the accuracy of the relationship
is tested using representative creeks for the region and a model for salt marsh
restoration in the region is developed.
A Physiographic Classification of the Nova Scotia Coastline M.E. Greenlaw1, A.G. Gromack2, S. Basquill3, D.L. Forbes4, J. Hackett2, A. Lynds5, D. MacKinnon6, R.B. Taylor4, D. Utting7, J. Grant8. 1Science
Branch, Maritimes Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews, NB
(Michelle.Greenlaw@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
Physiographic coastline classifications have been developed at varied scales for
a number of different management purposes. In one of their more common
applications, such classifications have been used for predicting spatial
patterns in biological populations and communities when relevant data are
otherwise absent. A physiographic classification of Nova Scotia’s coastline is
required for the Government of Canada’s Marine Protected Area network planning
process as well as for other coastal management initiatives in Nova Scotia, such
as the Nova Scotia Coastal Strategy. In the coastal zone, existing
classifications are primarily terrestrial and were created using varying
approaches, often for a single or narrow management application. The need for a
new classification of Nova Scotia’s coastline to support a diversity of coastal
management initiatives was recognized by several federal and provincial
departments involved in coastal management. A working group was formed to
develop a new classification, building upon previous work. The working group
includes representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources
Canada, Nova Scotia Environment, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
and Dalhousie University. This classification involved a Delphic approach to
identify regional-scale coastline classes using physical and oceanographic data
including but not limited to: geological character (bedrock, surficial geology),
coastal substrate (intertidal and backshore), shoreline orientation, topography,
tidal range, turbidity and coastal geomorphic features (e.g. sand dunes,
beaches, estuaries, cliffs, etc.). The resulting physiographic classification
defines thirty-one coastline classes along Nova Scotia’s more than 7,500
kilometre-long coast.
Effects of Wharf and Breakwater Construction on Coastal Fish Habitat: Net Loss or Net Gain? Robert Gregory1, Corey Morris2, and Dan Porter3
1Fisheries
and Oceans Canada, Centre of Expertise for Aquatic Habitat Research, St. John's
NL (
Robert.Gregory@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
Construction activities in marine coastal areas (e.g., wharves, breakwaters and
similar facilities) are undertaken to improve access to nearby marine resources
and sea lanes and to protect industrial and personal property onshore. Habitat
quality of coastal fishes is altered both during and following construction of
coastal structures. Despite the need for scientifically defensible approaches,
empirical studies of the ecological impacts of wharfs and breakwaters have been
few and limited in scope. Estimating scientifically defensible gains and losses
due to construction in the face of high natural background variability is a
challenge. Vertical structures, with associated rugosity, are often productive
and are considered desirable features of the coastal environment due to
introduced edge-effects. However, the extent to which wharves and breakwaters
self-compensate is rarely quantified. We are addressing this knowledge
deficiency via a 10-year study (2007-16) of a total of 18 sites (12
wharf-breakwater and 6 control) to quantify the habitat and fish productivity
associated with wharves and breakwater constructions in coastal Newfoundland. In
a three-way DFO collaboration among Small Craft Harbours, Habitat Management,
and Science, we are empirically quantifying changes in habitat, fishes, and
epibenthic macroinvertebrates associated with the wharves and breakwaters using
video imagery and fish density surveys collected by scuba divers along
replicated 100 m transect lines. The objective is to provide proponents with
analytical tools necessary to evaluate potential effects of other such
developments, and assist habitat managers by guiding their mitigation and
compensation decisions. An Overview of Food Habits and Foraging Behaviour of Semipalmated Sandpipers in the Upper Bay of Fundy: Is Corophium Still the Key? Diana J. Hamilton1, Jenna T. Quinn1, Matthew G. Ginn2, and Elizabeth C. MacDonald3
1Mount Allison University, Sackville NB (dhamilton@mta.ca)
(jquinn@mta.ca),
Semipalmated
Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) use the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada, as an
important staging area during their annual fall migration. Their main prey in
this area has historically been thought to be the mudflat-dwelling amphipod
Corophium volutator, and fluctuations in its abundance have raised questions
about the food supply for these birds. We examined diet, prey availability and
quality, and diurnal and nocturnal foraging activities of Semipalmated
Sandpipers feeding on mudflats in this region. Results suggest that birds are
more flexible in behaviour and diet than previously thought. Sandpipers foraged
actively at night by skimming the surface of the mud rather than the typical
daytime pecking and probing. Skimming during the day was limited to situations
where usual prey were absent and replaced by foods that could be obtained using
this behaviour (i.e., ostracods). Isotopic analysis of blood plasma suggests
that diets varied between years and locations. Although Corophium were
always present in the diet, they were not necessarily dominant, and somewhat
tied to availability. Alternate foods such as polychaetes and surface biofilm
were a regular part of the diet. We suggest that biofilm was obtained as
by-catch during skimming; there is no evidence to suggest that birds targeted
it. Biochemical profiles indicate that polychaetes are a suitable alternate
prey, but biofilm and ostracods are inferior. Thus, while the foraging
flexibility observed in migrating Semipalmated Sandpipers suggests they can
respond to a changing prey base, different prey may not be entirely
interchangeable with respect to efficient weight gain and preparation for
migration.
Overview of Contaminants in the Bay of Fundy Gareth Harding Emeritus, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS.
Mankind has been synthesizing and producing chemicals at an ever increasing rate
such that thousands of them are intentionally or inadvertently released to the
environment. Vast numbers of these contaminants enter coastal waters due to
human activities directly through spills or indirectly via runoff or atmospheric
transport. It is difficult to separate which route a contaminant category
follows because it is often a combination of the two and no two contaminant
categories behave the same. Pollutants enter estuarine, coastal and oceanic
waters directly by a number of avenues. This can be as simple as field
fertilizer runoff from agricultural applications resulting in algal blooms
downstream, known as eutrophication. In extreme situations eutrophication
results in deoxygenated coastal waters and can cause massive die-offs of
shellfish and fish. Pesticides sprayed on agricultural fields and forests for
crop protection and wetlands for insect control either enter the hydrological
flow to the coast or are transported atmospherically to coastal waters, either
by direct drift of the spray or re-evaporation and drift. Pesticides that are
applied to finfish aquaculture operations to remove “sea lice” also kill other
crustaceans in the vicinity. The organochlorine and organobromine compounds are
the most notorious of manmade toxic chemicals because they accumulate as they
progress higher up the marine food chain. Mercury also bioaccumulates in the
methylated form and, although occurring naturally, has increased threefold in
the atmosphere due to our combustion of fossil fuels. There is an array of
chemicals, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes
and other hydrocarbons and the most toxic chemicals known, the polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/DFs) that are produced both naturally by fire or
by combustion of fossil fuels. This atmospheric input is inclusive of industrial
activities, municipal and domestic furnaces and transportation, particularly the
automobile because of its prevalence. Science has recently been directed at the
inadvertent addition of cosmetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in
domestic sewage. However, the more troublesome chemicals are still those that
have been created by man as pesticides and for high-pressure industrial use,
particularly the organochlorines, because of their extreme toxicity, persistence
and bioaccumulation in the environment. This is an assessment of known
contaminants in the Bay of Fundy and vicinity. Watershed Health and Monitoring – Turtle Creek Watershed Heather E. Hawker Natural Resource Program Coordinator - City of Moncton – Engineering Department, Moncton New Brunswick The City of Moncton has been managing over 15,000 acres of
forest land since the early 1990’s. The Forestry Program involves management of
various land bases from potable drinking water supplies, community forests,
urban forests, watersheds and reservoir lands. All these areas require a
different management focus depending on goals and objectives set through
sustainable forest management plans. The Turtle Creek Watershed Model has been
used elsewhere in NB and beyond into other Maritime Provinces as a way to
control and monitor the health and condition of the watershed and all resources
surrounding it. Our watershed model involves all landownership within the
designation sharing management strategies/plans identifying water quality as the
main priority before any activity takes place in the watershed. Over 35 water
quality sampling stations are set up throughout the watershed to identify point
and non- point sources of contamination. Also a local citizen community group
was formed involving various government departments/stake holders who meet 2-4
times per year. Managing the forest for timber production alone is a method of
the past. The various partnerships we have increase the awareness of managing
the forest for water quality first along with improving overall forest health.
Results are being seen with this proactive approach to managing all natural
resources within the entire watershed designation without owning all the land. A
sharing of information provides this strategic approach to landscape level
management.
Diurnal and Nocturnal Foraging Behaviours of Staging Semipalmated Sandpipers in the Upper Bay of Fundy Melissa A. Hebert1, Jenna T. Quinn2 and Diana J. Hamilton3
1Mount
Allison University, Sackville, NB.
(mahebert@mta.ca)
Each summer more than 70% of the world’s population of
Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) utilizes upper Bay of Fundy
mudflats as staging grounds; doubling their mass in only two weeks in
preparation for their non-stop flight to South American wintering grounds.
During this period effective foraging is critical to ensure adequate fat
deposition. Diurnal and nocturnal foraging is known to occur in this species,
but little research has been done on how foraging behaviours differ between day
and night. Further, while feeding, Semipalmated Sandpipers typically peck and
probe for invertebrates, primarily the amphipod Corophium volutator.
However, sometimes birds also exhibit a different foraging method, skimming, in
which the bill is run along the surface of the sediment, possibly to obtain
alternate prey items. We used focal observations to compare Semipalmated
Sandpipers foraging both day and night at two mudflats in the upper Bay of Fundy
during summer 2010. We tested whether foraging rates and foraging modes used
differed between day and night, and assessed the effect of a suite of factors
(site, available prey, time of day, distance to shore, and conspecific density)
on sandpiper foraging behaviour. We found that pecking was used primarily during
the day and skimming was only observed at night. Factors such as time, site and
distance from shore were found to be more influential to foraging behaviours
than available prey. These results highlight the fact that nocturnal activities
require further studies and should be considered for the conservation needs of
this species. Factors to Consider in Evaluating the
Management and Conservation Effectiveness of a Whale Sanctuary to Protect and
Conserve P.R. Hinch and E.M. De Santo Halifax, NS Several evaluation frameworks are
available to assess the effectiveness of MPAs. Few if any models have been
specifically designed to evaluate MPA effectiveness (by itself or within a
network) in protecting a migratory marine mammal. This purpose of this paper is
to identify key design factors (criteria and principles) to be used in
protecting a migratory species within the context of a MPA system and to design
an evaluation framework for a MPA that protects a migratory right whale
population. Results indicate that an evaluation of MPA effectiveness for whale
conservation must consider both the value provided by a single MPA and the
contribution of multiple MPAs in a network extending over the species’ migratory
range. Key criteria/principles for individual MPA design include: boundary
definition based on species habitat needs and consideration of socio-economic
and cultural factors; local protection of critical whale habitats against key
known threats; and adaptive ecosystem based management. Individual MPAs must be
appropriately located, sized, spaced and shaped to consider adult migratory
movements, behaviors, habitat needs, distribution, oceanographic conditions, and
physically linked processes to maximize their contribution to a network. A
network must maintain long term habitat protection, include the full range of
significant habitat types to support life stage shifts, and ensure ecological
linkages/connectivity between individual MPAs over large distances. The
evaluation framework was based on the IUCN MPA evaluation model (Hockings et al.
2000) which is comprised of a cyclical six stage management/project cycle
process (i.e. context, planning, inputs/resource allocation, process, outputs
and outcomes). Incorporated into the re-designed framework are relevant
components of other MPA assessment models by Hockings et al. 2000, Stolton et
al. 2003, Corrales 2004, Staub and Hatziolos 2004, Pomeroy et al. 2004, Pomeroy
et al. 2005, Stern 2006, Stolton 2007, IUCN-WCPA 2008, and Brown et al. 2009.
Within the context of a right whale population the evaluation framework defines
biophysical, governance and socio- economic/political objectives, associated
indicators of change, and the status of indicator achievement. With
adjustment/refinement to account for species differences, it is recommended that
this evaluation framework be used as a management tool in assessing the
conservation and management effectiveness of MPAs protecting other migratory
marine species. Further information on the evaluation framework and a case study
evaluation of the Grand Manan Conservation Area is available in the published
document referenced above. Musquash Estuary, Marine Protected Area (MPA) Fish Surveys for the Development of a Biodiversity Baseline. Erinn Ipsen1, David Methven1, Simon Courtenay2 1.
Canadian Rivers Institute, Biology Department, University of New Brunswick Saint
John
Musquash Estuary, established as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2007, is the
first designated MPA in the province of New Brunswick. The main objectives for
this project were to: 1) describe fish species composition and abundance at
three sites within the MPA in relation to both seasonal and habitat differences;
and, 2) make spatial comparisons between the MPA and two estuaries outside the
MPA: Dipper Harbour (Campbell’s Cove) and Saint’s Rest Marsh (Taylor Island,
Irving Nature Park). Sampling occurred twice a month with a beach seine and fyke
net at all five sites, yielding a total of 20 species (>7000 individuals)
between October 2009 and December 2010. Both fishing gears showed high dominance
of a few species; 8 species made up
98% of the beach seine catch and
4
species made up 97% of the fyke net catch. Beach seine
species richness correlated positively (R2=0.52, p<0.01,) with
temperature (ranging -1 - 21°C).
Multivariate analyses (PERMANOVA and ANOSIM in PRIMER) revealed strong seasonal
differences in the fish community of Musquash estuary but
no significant differences among the three sites within months. However,
differences were observed between the fish communities of Musquash estuary and
the two neighbouring estuaries. Dipper Harbour and Saint’s Rest marsh differed
significantly from each other, with Musquash being intermediate and not
significantly different from either site. This pattern suggests an east-west
spatial gradient in the fish community rather than an effect of MPA status. Gaps, Challenges & Opportunities for Researching the Environmental Impacts of Tidal Energy in the Bay of Fundy Lisa Isaacman1 and Anna M. Redden1,2
1Fundy
Energy Research Network, Wolfville, NS. (lisa.isaacman@acadiau.ca)
With
the growing demand for renewable energy, there is increasing interest in tidal
in-stream energy technologies to harness the considerable tidal energy resources
of the Bay of Fundy.
However, there
are still many uncertainties that will need to be addressed regarding the
potential near and far-field effects of tidal in-stream devices on Fundy’s
marine, coastal and estuarine habitats and species. The next few years will see
large-scale demonstration projects in the Minas Passage at the FORCE (Fundy
Ocean Research Centre for Energy) test facility (four technologies) and in
Cobscook Bay, Maine, as well as community-scale projects off Brier Island, Nova
Scotia. With these projects comes a vital opportunity for ground-breaking
research and monitoring to address some of the environmental knowledge gaps.
However, the powerful and dynamic conditions in Fundy and the diversity and
emergent, experimental nature of technology designs pose significant and unique
challenges for research and monitoring that will need to be overcome. In 2010,
the Fundy Energy Research Network (FERN), an independent organization, was
formed to foster collaboration, capacity and information exchange among the
multi-institutional Fundy tidal energy research community to address the
uncertainties and challenges. This presentation will examine the key knowledge
gaps, and challenges and opportunities for research, on the potential
environmental impacts of tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy.
Conservation Implications of Human-Induced Changes to Diadromous Fish Populations in the Avon River, Bay of Fundy Lisa Isaacman1 and Karen Beazley2
1
School for
Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS,
(currently at Fundy Energy Research Network, Wolfville, NS).
(lisa.isaacman@acadiau.ca)
More than a dozen species of diadromous fish visit the tidal river systems in
the Bay of Fundy to spawn, feed or mature, several of which are considered at
risk or in decline, including the endangered Atlantic salmon. Since the 1600s,
diadromous fish dependant on these river systems have been faced with fishing
pressure, pollution, coastal development, stream diversions, hydroelectric
development and dams. In the case of the Avon River (Minas Basin) and many
other systems, few official records have been kept on diadromous fish
populations and little is known about how population numbers and species
diversity have changed over time. To improve knowledge and documentation on
changes in diadromous fish populations in the Avon River in relation to human
disturbances, research was conducted to discover and synthesize accounts from
both scientific and untraditional sources from European settlement to the
present. Using this approach has contributed to our understanding of the: (1)
historic importance of the Avon River for diadromous fish and (2) status and
threats to current populations in the River. Moreover, it provides insights into
the impact human-induced changes in the Avon and other Fundy tidal rivers have
had on the overall status of diadromous fish in the Bay of Fundy and thus help
inform Fundy-wide conservation strategies.
A 20 Year Overview of Gulfwatch - A Contaminants Monitoring Program in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy Utilizing the Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis. S.H. Jones, (1), G.C.H. Harding (2), P. G. Wells (3), and Gulfwatch members. (1) Jackson Estuarine Laboratory,
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.
Gulfwatch, a marine contaminants monitoring program utilizing the blue mussel,
Mytilus edulis, was started in 1991 by the GOMC (Gulf of Maine Council on the
Marine Environment), and has been run formerly since 1993. It is a trace
chemical monitoring program, measuring organic and inorganic chemicals in the
tissues of mussels collected once a year at up to 56 sites around the Gulf of
Maine and Bay of Fundy, from Cape Sable Island to Cape Cod. With 18 years of
data, it is now possible to conduct reliable and informative spatial and
temporal trend analyses of the chemicals of interest (the EPA standard list).
This poster describes the program; some of the more interesting findings, such
as those of PCBs, and DDT and its residues, that are still in the coastal
ecosystem; results of a recent program review that strongly supported continuing
the program; and future needs. Despite its success and many publications (the
data and data reports are on the Council’s website at
www.gulfofmaine.org, and the data are key to the Council’s ESIP program),
Gulfwatch is threatened with closure due to funding shortages, bringing to an
end the only international contaminants program of its kind in the Gulf of Maine
and Bay of Fundy. Winter Population Dynamics of Corophium volutator on Mudflats of the Upper Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada. Kelan G. Kennedy1, Myriam Barbeau1, and David Drolet2
1University
of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB. (p51zq@unb.ca;
mbarbeau@unb.ca)
Corophium volutator
is a dominant macro-invertebrate found in the ecologically important mudflats in
the Upper Bay of Fundy. C. volutator has been extensively studied during
the summer, but few focused on winter. Two mudflats were sampled over two
consecutive winters (2009-2010 and 2010-2011) to characterize the changes in
C. volutator population structure. C. volutator densities declined
linearly but with important spatial and temporal variation. Declines in density
will be correlated to abiotic stresses of ice disturbance, ice scour, and
temperature, which were measured concurrently. We also measured the vertical
distribution of C. volutator in the mud (to a depth of 5.0 cm) and found
that approximately 80% of amphipods were located within the first 1.5 cm of
sediment, and this was unaffected by temperature. Knowing where in the mud C.
volutator is located, allows us to infer that C. volutator is exposed
to harsh conditions of mud temperature, ice scour, and ice cover. We also
measured the ability of C. volutator to survive cold stresses at two
temperatures, and different durations of stress (between 0 and 14 days). We
found a significant decline in survivorship as the experiment progressed. This
study demonstrates the C. volutator is exposed to severe conditions
during the winter but generally manages to survive well through physiological
adaptations. Using OBIS for the Bay of Fundy: a Web Portal for Marine Biogeography Data. Mary Kennedy and Claude Nozères OBIS Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth,NS (OBISCanada@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS)
is an evolving strategic alliance of people and organizations sharing a vision
to make marine biogeographic data, from all over the world, freely available
over the World Wide Web. OBIS brings together isolated
datasets, helping to produce a more comprehensive portrait of life in oceans.
Species distribution records are explored using the comprehensive search and
browsing tools on the OBIS web portal, with examples shown of data searches for
the Bay of Fundy region. Searched records can be downloaded by the user.
Guidelines are presented on how to participate in OBIS through the contribution
of datasets.
The Influence of Drainage Network and Morphological Features on the Vegetation Recovery Pattern of a Macro-tidal Wetland Restoration Project Ben Lemieux1,2,4, D. van Proosdij1,2, J. Lundholm3 and T. Bowron4
1Department of Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. (dvanproo@smu.ca)
This research
examines the role that surface morphology and drainage networks have on the
natural recovery of marsh vegetation within a macro-tidal restoration site.
Previous works examining salt marsh vegetation recovery have shown that projects
are most successful when: (1) there is no restriction on the dispersal ability
of target species near the restoration site, and, (2) there is a disturbance to
remove non-target species within the restoration area. Restoration of tidal flow
to a 13 ha section of fallow agricultural dykeland along the St. Croix River
(Hants County, NS) was undertaken in 2009. Rod Surface-Elevation Table
measurements showed increase in the sediment surface of up 23 cm one year
following restoration. The high rate of sediment deposition resulted in the
creation of a mudflat conditions over much of the site. High resolution,
low-altitude geo-referenced aerial photography was employed to better understand
factors influencing vegetation recovery and surface changes. Preliminary
hydrogeomorphic analysis showed the reactivation of old agricultural ditches
into the new drainage network. The vegetation survey showed the colonization of
wetland species, such as Polygonum hydropiper and Scirpus validus,
representing a change of vegetation dominance from pasture grasses to wetland
species within the first year of restoration. Preliminary image classification
of the orthophotos showed that exposed mud exceeded vegetated patches during the
first growing season and that colonization of wetland species has primarily
occurred near secondary drainage channels. These results suggest colonization
occurred following the return of tidal waters and sediment deposition. The Key Elements of Ecosystem-Based Management and an Assessment of their Application in 3 Fisheries in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Rachel D. Long1, Tony Charles2, and Robert L. Stephenson3
1
MSc in Applied Sciences
Candidate,
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax,
NS. (rachel.long@smu.ca)
Over
the last decade Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) has gained popularity in the
fisheries sector. The lack of consensus on a single definition of EBM has
resulted in no universal application framework, inhibiting its implementation.
The immense number and variation of key elements associated with EBM makes it
difficult to recognize where EBM is being utilized and a list of the essential
ingredients of EBM is vital to assess its successful application on the ground.
My research compiles and compares the frequency of the key elements of EBM from
a variety of published sources, across various disciplines. This is used to
develop a list of the minimum core elements that must be applied for EBM to be
fully implemented. This set of key elements is used to assess the degree and
method by which EBM is currently being applied in the soft-shell clam, lobster
and groundfish fisheries in the Bay of Fundy in both southwest New Brunswick and
southwest Nova Scotia. Face to face surveys will be conducted with industry
representatives to determine which key elements of EBM are being implemented at
the ground level, along with an analysis between these coexisting fisheries.
Multiple parties (industry, community, government and academic) will be
interviewed within a single fishery accompanied by local technical and
government reports to compare the perspectives of EBM and get a well rounded, in
depth view of the EBM process in the area.
Small Craft Harbours, a Boon or a Bane for Coastal Marine Ecosystems? Some Preliminary Observations. Steve Macdonald1, Steve Tang2 and Herb Herunter1.
1Fisheries
and Oceans Canada at the Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research, West
Vancouver, B.C.
(steve.macdonald@dfo-mpo.gc.ca;
herb.herunter@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Canada has 1155 small craft
harbour (SCH) facilities that provide secure moorage for both the fishing and
recreational industries. The presence of a SCH, with structures such as docks,
breakwaters, wharfs and dredged basins, represents an alteration in aquatic
habitat relative to pre-harbour conditions. Docks and wharfs alter light
attenuation but create substrate in the upper portion of the water column.
Breakwaters alter water circulation patterns and benthic substrate composition.
Dredging changes depth profiles and disturbs benthic communities. Vessel
concentration creates hotspots for contaminants making SCH’s a high priority
environmental risk among a plethora of federal sites. In an effort to
better understand coastal ecosystem processes in the face of development, a DFO
collaborative research program was developed in conjunction with Science, Small
Craft Harbours (SCH) and the Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement Branch (OHEB).
Rubble mound and floating breakwaters in three harbours were sampled with
quadrats and settling plates distributed at protected and exposed locations.
Soft-bottom communities were sampled inside and outside of the harbour with a
Ponar grab with a portion of the sample taken to estimate levels of benthic
contamination. Preliminary analysis indicates that quadrats were more effective
than settling plates as a method to discriminate community structure among
factors (harbour, breakwater type, exposure) but further analysis awaits greater
taxonomic resolution. Cowichan Harbour had the fewest contaminants having
levels similar to all of the reference conditions regardless of which harbour’s
reference site was examined. Both Lund and Port Hardy had detectable levels of
several metals but Lund had higher levels of PAH’s and Port Hardy had higher
hydrocarbons. In the future additional harbours will be incorporated into the
experimental design and the influence of harbour structures on water circulation
and benthic light levels will be examined. Awareness, Use, and Influence of Coastal and Marine Environmental Information: Case Studies of Governmental and Intergovernmental Organizations B.H. MacDonald1, P.G. Wells2, S.S. Soomai1, D.M. Cossarini1, R.E. Cordes3, G.R.G. Hutton1, C.E. Delany1, & E.M. De Santo4
1School for Information
Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS (bertrum.macdonald@dal.ca;
suzuette.soomai@dal.ca;
danielle.cossarini@dal.ca;
greg.hutton@dal.ca;
cdelany@dal.ca) This poster presents results
from five case studies completed by the Environmental
Information Use and Influence research initiative that assess
the use and influence of marine
environmental information produced by governmental and
intergovernmental organizations focused on
environmental protection. An
underlying hypothesis of our research is that many of the problems currently
facing the marine environment and its living resources could be mitigated or
solved by better use of existing information, especially information published
as grey literature (i.e., publications
not controlled by commercial publishers) by such
organizations. Our research centres on information produced as scientific grey
literature and its potential use and influence in policy making contexts. Our
case studies examined information life cycles of publications of
the
Provincial Oceans Network, Government of
Nova Scotia; Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment;
United Nations (UN) Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine
Environmental Protection (GESAMP); and the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization/Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism. Our research asked: What
are the pathways of scientific information from its production to use in policy
decisions on marine environmental issues? Results
from a suite of research methodologies (citation analysis, content analysis,
surveys and interviews)
applied to the case studies have enhanced understanding of the production,
diffusion, and use of information in scientific and public sector settings. In
spite of increasing application of information technologies and methods of
distribution, challenges to effective use of information in policy and decision
making remain. Awareness remains a major barrier to
effective and widespread communication and use of scientific information. State the Gulf of Maine Report Melanie MacLean Oceans and Coastal Management Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth NS.
The
Gulf of Maine is a dynamic, changing ecosystem. Bordered by the northeastern
United States and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, the Gulf of Maine is one of
the largest semi-enclosed coastal seas in North America. It is recognized as one
of the world’s richest marine ecosystems with various marine and estuarine
habitats, such as salt marshes, seagrass beds, tidal mud flats, underwater rocky
outcrops, and kelp beds. Over 10 million people live in the Gulf of Maine
watershed. Along its western and northern shores lie the cities and towns of
coastal Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The
Gulf has supported a long tradition of fishing, marine transportation, coastal
development, and recreation, and continues to be a valuable resource for the
people who live and work in the region. On 9 June 2010, the Gulf of Maine
Council on the Marine Environment launched the State of the Gulf of Maine
Report. The report is a living, web-based document that has been written as a
series of issue or theme papers and is available at
www.gulfofmaine.org/stateofthegulf. The main objective of the State of the
Gulf of Maine is to inform decision makers on the main issues affecting the
Gulf. The aim is to provide the information in a form that is easily accessible
and readable, without compromising scientific validity. It is currently being
used to inform future action planning of the Gulf of Maine Council. It is hoped
that the report will be used on an ongoing basis by a wider audience to inform
government policy decisions, assist in municipal planning, and provide material
for education and outreach for conservation of the Gulf. The reporting framework
is the driving forces-pressure-state-impacts-response (DPSIR) framework, which
makes the linkages between the environment and socio-economic factors. It also
lends itself most easily to reporting on an issue-by-issue basis, so that the
pressures, state, impacts and responses are described for each issue in turn.
Seven priority areas have been identified for the report, including: climate
change; fisheries and aquaculture; coastal development; aquatic habitats;
eutrophication; contaminants and biodiversity. The report also documents some of
the emerging issues facing the region. This paper will provide an overview of
some of the findings of the report, based on the issue papers that have been
developed so far, including Climate Change and its Effects on Humans, Climate
Change and its Effects on Ecosystems, Coastal Ecosystems and Habitats, Marine
Invasive Species and Emerging Issues. Determination of Escherichia coli Decay Rates for Application in a Water Quality Forecast Model for the Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada. Shalon O. MacLellan1, 2, J. Rand1, T. Webster2, A. Redden1, M. Brylinsky1 and N. Crowell2
1
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. (Jennie.Rand@acadiau.ca
, Anna.Redden@acadiau.ca ,
Mike.Brylinsky@acadiau.ca)
Fecal pollution
in shellfish growing waters is a worldwide problem posing both health and
economic risks to the people and communities involved in the consumption and
harvesting of these shellfish. In the Annapolis Basin of Nova Scotia, where the
shellfishery is largely a contributing factor to the local economy, hydrodynamic
software and a particle tracking module are being used to develop a water
quality forecast to model E. coli distribution within the basin. This
type of modelling may lead to more efficient closures and openings of shellfish
areas after waste water treatment over-flows and heavy river run-off due to rain
events, saving both time and resources within the shellfish industry.As part of
this water quality forecast, the decay of E. coli bacteria was studied in
relation to solar UVA radiation and dynamic water salinities such as those near
the end of waste water treatment pipes and salinity gradients that occur in
tidal estuaries such as the Annapolis Basin. Water samples of known E. coli
concentrations were irradiated within a UVA photo-reactor to mimic solar
radiation, exposed to water of differing salinities as well as a combination UVA
and salinity variables in a synergistic fashion. Preliminary laboratory analysis
suggests that E. coli bacteria decay rates increase with respect to
increasing UVA doses. To relate laboratory results to real-world scenarios, UV
meter readings and GIS tools will be used to link appropriate decay rates with
local UV weather forecasts, this will then be applied to the particle tracking
module being used for the water quality forecast.
Movement, Behaviour and Diet of Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) Tagged with Acoustic Transmitters in the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy Montana F. McLean1, M.J.W. Stokesbury1 and M.J. Dadswell1 1Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada (105829m@acadiau.ca; Michael.stokesbury@acadiau.ca; mike.dadswell@acadiau.ca ) Little is known about the movement and
behaviour of Atlantic sturgeon in the marine environment, particularly in the
Bay of Fundy. To address this knowledge gap, in 2010 we deployed 30 uniquely
coded acoustic transmitting tags in sturgeon from the seasonal mixed stock
feeding aggregation in the Minas Basin. Hydroacoustic receivers were placed at
strategic locations inside the Minas Basin, and in the Minas Passage which
connects the Minas Basin to the rest of the Bay of Fundy. Twenty-eight of 30
tagged sturgeon in 2010 were detected either in the Minas Basin or moving
through the Minas Passage. In May of 2011, 15 VR2W (Vemco ltd.) receivers were
situated in a VPS (Vemco Positioning System) array at Kingsport Beach. The
mudflats of Kingsport are known for frequent visits by sturgeon and we propose
this is for feeding purposes. The overlapping detection ranges of these
receivers will allow for the identification of exact locations over time, so
that movement patterns can be estimated and visualized. Through the examination
of tagging data (spatial distribution, depth and temperature) as well as stomach
analysis using gastric lavage, we will attempt to define critical feeding areas
and environmental preferences of sturgeon in the Minas Basin. Thus far, 36
additional tags have been deployed in 2011 and the efforts are ongoing. Data
collected by the VPS has been downloaded three times since deployment.
Currently, 6 2010 and 10 2011 tagged sturgeon have been detected within the
boundaries of the array. Science-based Guidelines for Marine Protected Areas and MPA Networks in Canada Rodrigo Menafra Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Halifax, NS (marine@cpawsns.org )
Global ocean health is in decline due to a variety of human activities such as
fishing, shipping, and off shore oil and gas exploration and production. The
impacts of these activities, including declines in fish stocks, pollution, and
invasive species, are being compounded by the multiple manifestations of climate
change and ocean acidification. These pressures on ocean ecosystems are evident
in Canada. Sustaining ocean health requires ecosystem-based approaches to
management. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a central tool in an
ecosystem-based approach. Canada is currently developing a bioregional network
approach to MPA establishment. There is great hope that, done well, this new
approach will help Canada expand effectively and efficiently its protection of
marine ecosystems, which currently amounts to less than 1% of our national ocean
territory. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) convened an
independent scientific team from academic institutions across Canada to develop
a set of guidelines. The approach is based on scientific understanding of marine
ecosystems and of human interactions with them, integrating knowledge from the
biophysical and social sciences. The resulting report is the first, independent,
scientifically-based set of guidelines for the selection, design and
implementation of Canada’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).Given that the
necessary legislative tools are currently in place, Canada has the opportunity
and the responsibility to take a leadership role in marine stewardship and
protection. These guidelines have been prepared with the goal of helping to
realize this responsibility.
An Ecological Risk Assessment of Mercury and DDT for the Bay of Fundy Angella Mercer and Karen A. Kidd Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB. (kiddk@unbsj.ca)(amercer1@unbsj.ca)
Mercury (Hg) and the pesticide DDT are persistent pollutants that concentrate
through food webs to concentrations that can affect the health of fish-eating
fish, birds and mammals. Although studies have shown that Hg and DDT are
present in biota living in the Bay of Fundy, it is not clear whether the
concentrations represent a risk to their health. For this reason, an ecological
risk assessment was done using the data available for several species of
invertebrates, fish, birds, and marine mammals. Mercury and total DDT
concentrations were compiled and compared against chronic lab toxicity data to
calculate Risk Quotients (RQs; < 1.0 low or no risk, > 1.0 possible risk) or
against Canadian Tissue Residue Guidelines (TRG) for the protection of
fish-eating wildlife. The RQs for DDT indicated that the fish-eating birds
(e.g. cormorants, greater yellowlegs) may be at risk. In addition,
concentrations of DDT in mussels and some fish species (e.g. cod, mackerel)
exceeded the TRG (0.014 ug/g ww), but not concentrations that may affect the
health of the fish themselves (0.6 ug/g ww). More Hg data were available for
Bay of Fundy species. The RQs and TRG (0.033 ug/g ww) suggest that fish-eaters
were also at risk from Hg toxicity, and some fish (tuna, swordfish, shark) had
Hg concentrations above a level believed to be protective of their health (0.2
ug/g ww). However, most data used for this assessment are from the 1970s and
1980s and would likely not reflect the current exposure for fish-eating
wildlife. For this reason, there is a need for a current assessment of
pollutants in wildlife living in the Bay of Fundy. Small-scale Movements of Tomcod, Microgadus tomcod, at Musquash, a Marine Protected Area in the Bay of Fundy Canada. Ingeborg
M. Mulder1 David A. Methven2 Jonathan W. Carr3
Microgadus tomcod
is an anadromous species, one of several numerically abundant demersal fishes
that occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Fundy and the Musquash Marine
Protected Area, located ca. 20 km southwest of the city of Saint John, NB.
Its dominance and wide variety of prey items indicate that this species is a
key predator and important in dynamics of energy flow. The primary objective of
this study is to determine the extent of tomcod movements within the Musquash
MPA. This will be done by tracking 17 sonically tagged tomcod throughout the
estuary, over two months during summer. Hence, it should be possible to
determine the proportion of tagged tomcod that remain in the MPA and the
proportion that move outside the MPA. A second objective is to determine if
tomcod move with the incoming and outgoing tides and whether tomcod show
evidence of diel movements.
Fourteen hydrophones were deployed in the MPA. Conditions
in the Musquash Estuary are less than ideal. Consequently an important first
step of this study was to determine the distance over which the sonic tags can
be detected by the hydrophones. Range testing in the upper estuary identified a
detection radius of 200 m whereas hydrophones deployed between the headlands
were found to have a detection radius of 300 m.
All the fish (> 17 cm) have been sonically tagged. Tomcod recovered quickly and
looked healthy after surgery. The movements of all tomcod will now be followed
by stationary receivers in addition to active tracking. Rocky Breakwaters do not Offer the Same Quality of Habitat for Benthic Intertidal Biota as Natural Rocky Environments Jordan Musetta-Lambert1, Elise Keppel2, Ricardo Scrosati2, Marc Skinner 1, Paul MacDonald3 and Simon Courtenay1
1Fisheries
and Oceans Canada at the Canadian Rivers Institute
Department of
Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB (jordanmusetta@gmail.com;
simon.courtenay@dfo-mpo.gc.ca )
Present policy
regards construction of rocky breakwaters as destroying habitat for coastal
biota and this triggers a requirement for compensation. Furthermore,
construction of breakwaters and coastal armoring is expected to increase as
numbers of people living along coasts increase, sea levels rise, and severe
meteorological events become more frequent. Yet there is very little
information available on whether such anthropogenic structures really do reduce
habitat for plants and animals or, in fact, present new or different habitat.
During Summer 2010 we quantified the abundance of intertidal macro-algae and
macro-invertebrates living on 18 established breakwaters and 30 nearby, natural,
rocky areas between Pleasant Bay, NS, and Petit-Cap, NB, in the southern Gulf of
St. Lawrence. Preliminary analyses of data indicate greater species richness
and overall abundance of biota on wave-sheltered than on wave-exposed areas for
both breakwaters and natural rocky shores. The relatively low richness and
abundance found on exposed surfaces was similar between breakwaters and natural
areas. However, in sheltered areas, breakwaters had significantly lower species
richness and overall abundance than natural rocky areas. Multivariate analyses
are underway to explore which species are driving community differences between
habitats. The benthic biota represent only one aspect of habitat productivity
and other studies will be required to examine fish and highly mobile
invertebrates such as lobster and crab. However, based on our data for benthic
intertidal biota, the present study suggests that breakwaters do not offer the
same quality of habitat as natural rocky shores.
Considerations in the Use of High Resolution, Low-altitude Aerial Photography for Coastal Wetland Restoration Nancy Neatt1, B. Lemieux1,2, G. Baker3, D. van Proosdij2 and T. Bowron1
1CBWES
Inc., Halifax, NS (cbwetlands@gmail.com)
Effective
assessment of the success of a coastal wetland restoration project requires a
solid pre- and post-restoration monitoring program and comparison to a reference
condition. Low-altitude aerial photography (helium balloon and camera system)
can provide high resolution digital imagery to track changes in landscape level
morphological conditions and vegetative re-colonization.
The current practice
of surveying vegetation at specific points along a transect is time consuming
and fails to capture change that occurs in areas outside of these specific
points. This is very important when trying to capture change overtime at a
restored wetland site and aerial photography is not available at the temporal
scale needed for change. Another alternative would be low-altitude plane
flights, but this option can be cost prohibitive and they are unable to detect
adequate sub-meter accuracy. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the
benefits and challenges of using low-altitude aerial photography within salt
marsh restoration projects in Nova Scotia.
Intertidal Energy and Sedimentation in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada Casey O’Laughlin1,2 and Danika van Proosdij1,2
1Department of
Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. (dvanproo@smu.ca)
Renewed interest in
tidal power research and the potential installation of generators in the Bay of
Fundy has developed a need for localized, high-resolution studies of estuarine
processes and the far-field effects of energy extraction. The purpose of this
research is to improve our understanding of the natural variability in energy in
the Upper Bay of Fundy through investigation of hydrodynamic and sedimentary
processes over spring-neap tidal cycles. Studies were conducted within a
confined terminal creek (2009) and an exposed salt marsh and mudflat (2010) over
a range of tidal conditions. Field measurements of current velocity and
suspended sediment concentration were made using Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters
(ADV), an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and optical backscatter
sensors (OBS). ADV data indicate that in a confined tidal creek, tides that
surpassed bankfull level showed a generally even distribution of tidal energy,
while tides that remained below bankfull showed strong flood dominance. Maximum
current velocities ranged from 10 cm/s to 20 cm/s in the creek thalweg, and up
to 30 cm/s on the creek bank. The exposed site showed marginally slower
velocity, consistently between 5 and 15 cm/s, with minimal variation over flood
and ebb phases. More sediment was deposited within the tidal creek during
spring and transitional tides; however neap tides were found to contribute the
most material to the surface at the exposed salt marsh and mudflat site. These
data will be applied to sediment transport models being developed to assess the
potential far-field environmental effects of tidal power activities.
A Bay of Fundy Salt Marsh Restoration at Aulac, NB – The First Year Jeff Ollerhead Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB. (jollerhead@mta.ca)
The
purpose of this presentation is to report on the progress of a salt marsh
restoration at a site near Aulac, NB in the Cumberland Basin. Cumberland Basin
is a 118 km2 turbid estuary with a semi-diurnal tidal range of 10 to
13 m. The fetch ranges from 5 to 20 km and the water has a high suspended
sediment concentration (mean > 300 mg/L). The project was designed in
2009-2010 and implemented in 2010. Three openings were cut in an existing dyke
at the site in October 2010. As a result of this action, two different
agricultural fields are now being regularly flooded with salt water from the
Bay. Field data were collected prior to construction for a number of
environmental variables (e.g., existing vegetation) and marker horizons were
installed. Since the openings were constructed, they have been mapped using
ground-based laser scanning (LiDAR), flows through one of the openings were
measured using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), and water levels
both inside and outside of the restoration cells have been measured. In the
summer of 2011, sediment deposition over the marker horizons was measured for
the first time using cryogenic coring. Measured sediment depth and spatial
patterns were then compared to predicted sediment depth and spatial patterns
from the design process. Finally, the initial success of the project is
assessed.
An Investigation of Cyanobacteria Dynamics in Two Prominent New Brunswick Lakes, Lake Utopia and Chamcook Lake Agata Pawlowski1 and Rebecca Mersereau2 1Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc., Blacks
Harbour, NB. (agata.ecw@nb.aibn.com) Lake Utopia and Chamcook
Lake, located in Southwest New Brunswick, are traditionally known for high water
quality. Both these lakes are widely used for recreation and the latter as a
drinking water supply. Recently, they have exhibited blooms of toxic-producing
cyanobacteria,
Microcystis aeruginosa and Gloeotrichia
echinulata species respectively. While the phenomena of
eutrophication is well studied, unpredicted
blooms of cyanobacteria continue to precipitate concern across the globe due to
uncertain implications for human and aquatic health, potential loss of
recreation opportunities, and reduced tourism and property values. The
differential capacity to utilize nutrients of the aforementioned cyanobacteria
species has necessitated an investigation into the environmental conditions
promoting their growth. The purpose of the present study is to
investigate the conditions contributing to the
identified blooms. A comprehensive lake survey is being conducted during the
summer of 2011 on the aforementioned lakes as well as Digdeguash Lake, which is
located in the same region but is not known to exhibit blooms. Parameters being
investigated include those pertaining to water quality, sediment chemistry and
phytoplankton. Additional information on each lake is also being compiled,
including details on land use, topography and historical water quality data. All
the information gathered will be used towards a comparative analysis across the
three lakes to facilitate identification of trends that correspond with the
proliferation of cyanobacteria. The study will also culminate in recommendations
for improved monitoring of lakes to better predict the onset of blooms and
highlight the importance of proactive management. Climatic Change Adaptation Measures for Greater Moncton Area, New Brunswick, Canada Jacques Paynter AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, A division of AMEC Americas Limited, Fredericton, NB
The
Greater Moncton Area is a highly urbanized area situated on the Petitcodiac
Estuary that discharges into the Bay of Fundy - home to the highest tides in the
world with a tidal range of over 14 m. The purpose of this project is to
provide the Greater Moncton Area with a flood risk assessment based on impacts
of climate change, to identify vulnerable infrastructure and to recommend
adaptation measures. The primary flooding risk for the project area results from
extreme high water levels in the estuary, which is a combined result of six
components: (1) tide; (2) storm surge; (3) freshwater flow; (4) global sea level
rise due to climate change; (5) land subsidence, and (6) a unique bathymetrical
and hydrological environment. To determine the total flooding risk, AMEC
developed a unique methodology specific to the region which addressed how the
parameters are affected by climate change, their dependence on each other, and
the timing and coincidence of the underlying processes. The project involved
climatic projections for predetermined planning horizons, evaluation of total
water levels consisting of the six components and inundation mapping, assessment
of infrastructure at risk and recommendations for adaptation measures, as well
as recommendations on how climate change adaptation can be incorporated into
municipal governance processes. An Overview of the DFO/Fishermen and Scientists Research Society Lobster Collector Project Tricia Pearo1and John Tremblay2 1Fishermen
and Scientists Research Society For the past four years the collaborative lobster collector project between DFO and the FSRS has worked towards getting an estimate of the number of lobster young-of-the-year (YOY) that have settled to the ocean floor each year. The post-larvae and later stages (YOY plus juveniles that settled in previous years) are sampled with collectors that mimic their natural nursery habitat---wire mesh traps filled with rocks that are deployed on the ocean bottom. Annual estimates of the abundance of lobster YOY will help fisheries science achieve several goals. Chief among these is:
The longer the time series of
annual YOY estimates, the greater the potential for scientists to achieve these
goals. Conservation Biology and Ecology of Cusk, Brosme brosme, in the Bay of Fundy and Scotian Shelf Dean P. Pelletier1 and D.A. Methven2
1Department
of Biology University of New Brunswick Saint John
(c2186@unb.ca)
Research vessel survey data collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in
the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy regions (1970-2010) were analyzed to
determine if cusk (Brosme brosme) population size, total length, and
overall distribution continued to decline, showed an increase or showed no
change since 2001 when this species was last evaluated by COSEWIC (Committee on
the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada). It was found that cusk population
size declined by 96.2% since 1970 but did not show a significant decline post
2001 (2002-2010). Average length of cusk decreased approximately 11 cm
(63.6-52.4 cm) between 1970 and 2010, but there was no significant change post
2001. The proportion of sites in which cusk were caught has declined from 17%
in the 1970s to 3% in post 2001 data. Cusk is now primarily found in deep
waters at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy near Georges Bank and also near the
Grand Manan Bank off southwest New Brunswick. Due to insignificant declines
post 2001, it appears that cusk population size, total length, and distribution
have stabilized since 2001 at historic lows in the Scotian Shelf and Bay of
Fundy. Effects of Saltwater Exposure on Juvenile Shortnose Sturgeon. Faith M. Penny1 and J.D. Kieffer2
1University
of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB.
(faith.penny@unb.ca) As
adults, shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) migrate throughout
much of the lower Saint John River (SJR) and surrounding estuary to forage and
reproduce. Due to the river’s connectivity with the Bay of Fundy, SJR shortnose
routinely experience large, fluctuations in salinity, yet very little is known
on how (or if) juveniles cope with the associated osmoregulatory challenges. The
objective of this study was to assess the acute effects of saltwater exposure in
juvenile shortnose sturgeon. In three laboratory experiments, juvenile shortnose
sturgeon were exposed to either full or half-strength seawater for up to 24
hours. First, oxygen consumption rates were used to estimate metabolic costs.
Second, blood samples were analyzed for the stress hormone cortisol, as well as
various measures of osmoregulatory status, oxygen carrying capacity and energy
use. Finally, critical swimming speed tests will be used to determine whether
salinity affects performance ability. These experiments integrate haematological
(cortisol and other blood parameters) metabolic (oxygen consumption) and
performance (critical swimming) responses to a range of salinities that could be
encountered in nature.
Shorezone Characterization for Climate Change Adaptation in the Bay of Fundy Barbara Pietersma1,2 and Danika van Proosdij1
1Dept of
Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS
(barbara.pietersma@SMU.CA)
Human settlement in
environments as dynamic as the coastal zone will inevitably lead to conflict
between the natural variability of the coastal environment and the economic,
social and cultural activities taking place within it. In order to mitigate
potential negative impacts (e.g. loss of life and infrastructure), managers and
planners need to better understand coastal processes and dynamics. This
requires up to date shore zone characterization including built structures and a
solid understanding of the boundaries of coastal processes and historical rates
of coastal change. A dynamic segmentation model was developed within ArcGIS to
delineate and characterize the backshore, foreshore and nearshore zones within
the Southern Bight of the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, Canada. This was populated
with data collected during shoreline surveys using a YUMA tablet and any
available aerial imagery for the region. Segments were catalogued using a
customized decision key to characterize the shoreline. Areas of the coast were
assessed for shoreline stability and presence or absence of a cliff
(consolidated and unconsolidated). Due to the extensive foreshore areas of
saltmarsh that occurred seaward of the MHW line traditionally used to define the
shoreline, the edge of marsh was used to delineate shoreline change over time.
These data were merged with a LiDAR elevation survey and surficial geology to
provide a comprehensive overview of coastal characteristics to serve as the
foundation for coastal vulnerability assessments.
Sedimentary Dynamics within a Hypertidal Salt Marsh and Tidal Creek System
Emma Poirier1,2,
Danika van Proosdij1,2 and Casey O’Laughlin1,2 1Department
of Geography, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax NS
(emmpoirier@hotmail.com) A resurgence of interest in
tidal power development has raised the question regarding the consequences of
removing energy from the tidal environment, particularly far field changes in
sedimentation. The purpose of this honour’s research was to measure flow
velocity, suspended sediment concentration and deposition, including the amount
transported and deposited in flocculated form; and compare the results within a
tidal creek and adjacent salt marsh in the Upper Bay of Fundy. Flow velocity and
suspended sediment concentration were measured with Acoustic Doppler
Velocimeters co-located with OBS (marsh) and an Acoustic Doppler Current
Profiler with an RBR (creek). Sediment deposition was measured with surface
mounted sediment traps. Disaggregated grain size analysis was performed on the
Coulter Multisizertm 3 grain size spectra to determine the amount
deposited in flocculated form. All data were collected during spring tides, in
the creek and on the marsh simultaneously to compare with distance to creek.
Previous research has shown that spring tides result in more deposition than
neap tides in this area; flocculation of sediments and inundation time were
anticipated to be the reason for this. Also anticipated was that there would be
more deposition in the creek than on the marsh likely associated with higher
flocculation in the creek; and that higher suspended sediment availability and
longer inundation times would result in more deposition. The results of this
research will provide empirical data for sediment transport models currently
being developed in the region to assess the potential effects of energy
extraction due to tidal power.
Restoring Fish Passage to the Moose River Through the Removal of the Clementsport Dam Monik Richard1, Andy Sharpe2 1Clean Annapolis
River Project, Annapolis Royal, NS, (
monikrichard@annapolisriver.ca
)
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