SMaRTS Working Group promoting saltmarsh session - A request has been made to the organizers of the upcoming BoFEP workshop (Oct. 25-27 in St. Andrews NB) to have one or two (depending on interest) sessions organized by the SMaRTS (Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems) Working Group. Presentations on salt marsh research, restoration, monitoring, etc. would be welcome. The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to April 30, 2006 so we encourage members of this group to attend and present their research. Details of the workshop and instructions for abstract submission can be found at http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm

Fundy Issue number 27 entitled "Parlous POPs: Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Bay of Fundy" is just being printed and will be available for distribution shortly. A copy will also soon be posted on the BoFEP Website.

The following publications can be downloaded from the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/publications.htm

Firm hopes turbines will drive Bay of Fundy tidal power. A Windsor company wants to harness the Bay of Fundy’s immense tidal power to generate electricity. ATEC Power Inc. has reached an agreement with an American company, UEK Corp., to use its tidal turbine technology to build and use these underwater turbines in Atlantic Canada. -Article in Halifax Chronicle Herald, March 24, 2006 by Judy Myrden, Business Reporter. For complete story go to: http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/492121.html

1. BoFEP 7^th Science Workshop update

The upcoming BoFEP Science Workshop (October 25-27^th at the Fairmont Algonquin, St. Andrews NB) is shaping up to be a well-attended, informative and stimulating event. Gerhard Pohle of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (the host organization for the workshop) and his program committee have done an excellent job in putting together a first class workshop focused on the theme "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy - Gulf of Maine". Oral presentations have been grouped into 12 diverse sessions and an array of informative posters will also be on display. Many students have submitted excellent paper and poster abstracts, so once again, competition for the coveted student awards should be intense! The schedule of sessions, information for presenters and forms for registration and accommodation are all available on the BoFEP website at www.bofep.org/workshop2006.html . If you haven't yet registered yet, you should do so without delay …… especially if you need accommodation in St. Andrews. If you have any questions about the workshop send them along to workshop@bofep.org . Hope to see you all in St. Andrews!!!

 

2. BoFEP Annual General Meeting

The 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership will be held in conjunction with the 7^th BoFEP Science Workshop in St. Andrews, NB. The AGM will take place from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 25^th at a venue to be announced later. All BoFEP members and any other interested individuals are invited/encouraged/urged to attend. Student members (and prospective ones) are particularly welcome to participate. A formal announcement and agenda for the meeting will be circulated later. Anyone who would like to raise particular issues at the AGM should contact the BoFEP Chair at chair@bofep.org . An election of members of the BoFEP Steering Committee will also take place at the AGM. If you are interested in re-offering or standing for nomination on this Committee you should contact the Chair well in advance. A list of the current members of the Steering committee (as well as of the 8-member Management Committee) can be found on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/steering.html. Information about the makeup and responsibilities of both these committees can be found at: http://www.bofep.org/constitu.htm .

 

3. Index of BoFEP publications now available

A "Cumulative Index to BoFEP Publications" is now available on CD. It comprises a comprehensive author and subject index in addition to the complete text (in PDF format) of the Proceedings of the first 6 BoFEP Science Workshops, the first 27 Fundy Issues fact sheets and the Bay of Fundy Coastal Forum. The CD also includes a gallery of candid photographs taken at the 6^th Bay of Fundy Workshop in 2004. The index, methodically prepared by Susan Rolston and Peter Wells, is an invaluable tool for readily accessing the wealth of information archived in the rapidly growing stack of BoFEP publications. Copies of the index are available from communications@bofep.org or from Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) Secretariat, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6

The editors encourage you to use this CD to access the information on the activities, initiatives and research of individuals, community groups and researchers working on Bay of Fundy marine ecosystem processes and concerns. They welcome comments (communications@bofep.org) on the content and usefulness of the cumulative index and its presentation, and suggestions on how to improve access to this information. The index will eventually be available on the BoFEP website.

 

4. New chair for Eelgrass Working Group

Al Hanson of CWS in Sackville, NB has stepped down as Chair/Coordinator of the Eelgrass Working Group. BoFEP extends warmest thanks to Al for his efforts in setting up the group and guiding it through its formative years, including organizing a very successful workshop. Herb Vandermuelen of DFO, Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth NS has graciously agreed to assume the role of Working Group Chair. The goal of this working group is to support and facilitate collaboration, networking, and information exchange about eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Bay of Fundy and elsewhere in eastern Canada. Specific interests of the Working Group include:

• The current distribution and abundance of eelgrass.
• Trends in eelgrass distribution.
• Ecological significance of eelgrass
• Identifying reasons for change in eelgrass distribution and abundance.
• Methods to reduce negative impacts on eelgrass
• Methods of eelgrass restoration

5. In-kind contributions to BoFEP

BoFEP normally operates on a surprisingly small cash budget provided largely by a limited number of mostly governmental sponsors, the most notable of which over the years has been Environment Canada. However, BoFEP's remarkable record of achievement has largely been possible because of the ongoing provision of an immense amount of in-kind support by a wide range of governmental, private, academic and organizational contributors in the form of supplies, work/meeting space, equipment use, expertise, services, person-hours and assorted external contracts.

 

It is very important that BoFEP keep a reasonably accurate accounting of the value of this in-kind support that is being leveraged as a result of the much smaller infusion of actual cash. Such information is invaluable in bolstering proposals for additional financial support from existing and new funders. The Management Committee and Treasurer have wrestled with this question for some time and have finally developed a standard procedure for in-kind contributors to have their donations formally recorded. An appropriate form can now be downloaded from the BoFEP website in either Word or PDF formats at www.bofep.org/bofep_forms.htm . Completed form can be submitted either quarterly or at the end of a fiscal year. Coordinators and members of active Working Groups should provide a record of their participation in the group's meetings and other relevant activities. Likewise, members of the Steering and Management Committees and any other BoFEP members acting on the organization's behalf should submit a form periodically. The estimation of in-kind value reported is based on each contributor's own best judgment. Please download a form template and complete and submit a copy periodically to the Treasurer.

6. Thesis on potential Conservation Areas in the Bay of Fundy

BoFEP member Victoria Sheppard has given permission to post a copy of her December 2004 MES Thesis "Developing a Strategic Framework for National Marine Conservation Area Establishment in the Bay of Fundy" on the BoFEP Website at www.bofep.org/publications.htm .

Abstract: One of Canada's options for conservation using the marine reserve approach is Parks Canada's National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) program. Parks Canada has divided Canada's oceans and Great Lakes into twenty-nine distinct marine regions, of which the Bay of Fundy is one. With its high level of unique biological diversity and human activity, the Bay of Fundy may be a good candidate site for pursuing NMCA establishment in the near future. However, it is critical not to base NMCA establishment decisions solely on a biophysical foundation without considering the social condition and interests of the region. This study explores the potential for NMCA establishment in the Bay of Fundy by examining the current views of various members of the broadly defined Bay of Fundy community. Qualitative research, in the form of interviews, was conducted around the Bay of Fundy perimeter to answer two primary research questions: where in the Bay of Fundy would the community be most supportive of pursuing talks on this idea; and what process of engagement would the be most appropriate to pursue to increase the likelihood of success?

The research identified the St. Mary's Bay/Brier Island region, on the Nova Scotia side of the outer Bay of Fundy, as being the location with the highest likelihood of success in the Bay. Especially when compared to the New Brunswick side of the outer Bay and the inner Bay of Fundy, there is considerable opportunity in the St. Mary's Bay/Brier Island region to pursue further discussions on NMCA establishment in the region. This study also resulted in a possible framework for NMCA establishment in the Bay of Fundy. The results highlight important initial steps that might be taken in order to optimize the chance of success. These steps include: recognizing lessons learned and the damage of past mistakes; building trust; finding non-governmental project leaders from the local community; ensuring early involvement and commitment from all partners and stakeholder groups; establishing a non-governmental secretariat to guide the project; developing a broad education campaign to generate public support; and the securing of funds and other resources.

7. Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate (MAARS)

The Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate (MAARS) is an aquatic resources and oceans management collaborative partnership of the communities of Mi'Kmaq, Malicite and Passamaquoddy Aboriginal Peoples who continue to reside on traditional ancestral homeland territories throughout the Maritime Region on the East Coast, including around the Bay of Fundy. MAARS was launched in January of 2005 as part of a multi-year Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management (AAROM) program by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Based in Truro, NS, MAARS will help aboriginal communities chart a course for viable economic growth in the fisheries, acquire aquatic resources knowledge, promote a sustainable aquatic and oceans living environment, and create a climate for effective and direct participatory involvement in decision making. MAARS publishes a quarterly communiqué "Voice of the Ocean" that provides information about the organization and its activities. This newsletter (along with a great deal of other information) is also available on the organization's website at http://www.mapcmaars.ca/ .

 

8. Larry Hildebrand interviewed on coastal management

Long-time BoFEP supporter Larry Hildebrand of Environment Canada in Dartmouth is featured (along with a flattering photo!) in an extensive interview in the Summer 2006 edition of the Gulf of Maine Times. Entitled "Building a case for sound coastal management - at home and abroad", the interview by GOM Editor Andi Rierden explores some of Larry's articulate and carefully though out insights on this important topic. She began by asking him: "Are we better prepared to handle development pressures in the Bay of Fundy?" He responded: "We're certainly better prepared than we were 30 years ago, but not to the fullest extent that we need to be. The problem is, we're caught in a cycle of just reacting. A development comes along, like an LNG, and we go ‘oh dear, got to get the data together, start a campaign, find out who’s against it and who’s for it.’ Instead, we need to look at these projects in advance of them coming along and decide, for instance, that for the Bay of Fundy, given its natural capital, its uses and the vision we have for it, would LNG tankers coming through be appropriate or not? And that’s not for one group to say. It needs to be a collective decision among government, researchers and the community and we're simply not there yet. It’s really hard in coastal and ocean management to get people to pay attention when there isn't a crisis or obvious problem. Yet that’s the best time to do the planning."

 

Larry also recognized BoFEP's recent efforts in this regard by adding: "Research in the Minas Basin being done though the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership is a good start in moving toward a coastal management plan for the Bay". The text of the complete interview can be found at: http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/summer2006/editorsnotes.html

9. DFO cold water coral conservation plan

The final version of the Coral Conservation Plan for the Maritimes Region (2006-2010) is available from the ESSIM Planning Office and online http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/322312.pdf. Contact Heather Breeze if you would like a hard copy (breezeh@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca) (tel: 902-426-9851).

 

The document notes that "while Atlantic Canadian corals have been known to scientists since the late 1800s, concern about their status and vulnerabilities to human impacts have only come to attention of the public in the last ten years. This concern has fostered a renewed interest in scientific research on corals." It also points out that "two major groups of corals – about 25 to 30 species in total – occur or are thought to occur in the waters off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. At least two or three of those species occur off the southwest coast of New Brunswick in the Bay of Fundy and further directed research may find other species. The species found in the Bay of Fundy are soft coral species, which are considered to be less sensitive than other corals. For that reason, the plan focuses on the corals found off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, including the deep basins of the Gulf of Maine."

 

10. Long distance tracking of Bay of Fundy Shearwaters

Laurie Murison of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station reports that this summer a team of researchers attached satellite transmitters to the backs of 6 Greater Shearwaters. These seabirds have subsequently departed the Bay on their long, arduous migration to their breeding islands in the South Atlantic. Anyone interested can follow the birds' slow progress by regularly checking the website:

http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?project_id=176 . The movements of the individual birds are updated regularly on the map and the site provides information about actual distances flown as well as straight-line distance from the start point. There is also information about the project, the individual birds (including their names) and the project sponsors.

 

11. Oilspill Response Workshop

The NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society "3rd Workshop on Oil Spill Response" will be held 12-13 October 2006 at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For more information visit: http://www.nato.int/ccms/2006/060530e.htm

 

12. Aquaculture Workshop

The Workshop "Aquaculture Canada 2006" will be held 19-22 November 2006 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The theme is "Culturing Quality and Confidence". For more information visit: http://www.aquacultureassociation.ca/AC06/index.html

Best student papers (oral presentation)

Best student posters

Chair – Barry Jones,

Vice Chair - Peter Wells

Secretary - Anna Redden

Treasurer – Patricia Hinch

At large - Peter Fenety

At large - Marianne Janowicz

At large – Owen Washburn

 

Ex Officio members (non voting)

Past Chair - Graham Daborn

Guest member at large - Hugh Akagi

Communications coordinator- Jon Percy

Secretariat - Leanna McDonald

4. Harry Thurston Lecture on Salt Marshes:

The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) invites the public to attend "A Place Between The Tides: A Naturalist's Reflections on the Salt Marsh", a public lecture by Harry Thurston, winner of the 2005 Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award. The lecture is free of charge and is part of a larger workshop the EAC is hosting on salt marsh restoration (for more information on the worskhop visit www.ecologyaction.ca ). This event is cosponsored by the Gulf of Maine Council and Environmental Progammes, Dalhousie University

This lecture will take place January 31st, 7:30-8:30pm, McCain Scotiabank Auditorium (Room 256, Arts and Social Science Building), Dalhousie University. For more information contact the EAC at 442-5046 or saltmarsh@ecologyaction.ca

5. Fishermen and Scientists Research Society

a) Conference and Workshop

The Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS) will be holding its 14^th Annual Conference on February 16-17, 2007 at the Best Western Glengarry Hotel in Truro, NS. The Conference will be preceded on February 15^th by the joint FSRS - Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation Lobster Science Workshop. The Lobster workshop will explore the relationship of various lobster recruitment and ventless trap projects and the advantages of different methodologies, and will also continue the cross-border information sharing and collaboration initiated through previous workshops. The 14^th Annula Conference will include workshops on a wide variety of topics, from juvenile haddock habitat use to artificial lobster habitat, cod tagging, temperature monitoring on lobster traps, and inshore ecosystem research, as well as a poster/information displays session. For more information and to register contact:

pmdservices@eastlkink.ca visit: www.fsrs.ns.ca or phone 902-876-1320

 

b) Overview of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society

Established in January 1994, the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS) is a non-profit organization which is an active partnership between fishermen and scientists. The FSRS was developed with the overall objectives to promote effective communication between fishermen, scientists and the general public, and to establish and maintain a network of fishermen and scientists capable of conducting collaborative research and collecting information relevant and necessary to the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries. The current membership consists of 380 members, including 253 fishermen members and 127 scientists/other members. Scientist members have come from both the government (e.g. Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and academic communities, as well as from the private sector.

• To establish and maintain a network of fishing industry personnel to collect information, for use by members of the FSRS, relevant to the long-term sustainability of the marine fishing industry in the Atlantic Region.

To facilitate and promote effective communication between fishermen, scientists, and the general public.

To participate, as appropriate, in research projects of other agencies and institutions which require the collection of information relevant to fisheries and marine environmental monitoring.

To generate revenue, where possible, from activities related to information gathering, sample collection, and environmental monitoring to promote the continuation of the FSRS.

To analyze and disseminate information generated through the activities of the FSRS.

To facilitate the provision of training to members of the FSRS as may be necessary or desirable in the carrying out of the objectives of the FSRS.

To avoid, by action or inaction on the part of the FSRS, the perception that the FSRS is a lobby group representing the interests of either the fishing industry or the scientific community over that of the long-term sustainability of the fishery as a whole.

6. New RARGOM Website

The Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM) has a new Web Site that is hosted by the University of New Hampshire. NH. Visit it at www.rargom.org . It provides information regarding upcoming regional events, funding opportunities, directories, regional research and reports from all of the RARGOM theme sessions. RARGOM was founded in 1991 as an association of institutions that are actively involved in research, management and stewardship activities related to the Gulf of Maine and its watershed. It is an advocate for regional research and stewardship of the Gulf of Maine. Its basic missions are to facilitate a coherent program of regional research, promote scientific quality and encourage regional coordination and collaboration among researchers and environmental decision-makers residing at its member institutions.

7. Benthic Ecology Meeting in Atlanta

The 2007 Benthic Ecology Meeting will convene this March 21st -25^th, 2007 at the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta to learn the newest developments in marine and benthic ecology and related fields (and explore Atlanta!). We anticipate a diverse audience of students and researchers from around the United States that will create an engaging scientific and social atmosphere. Plus, the weather should be pretty good! We hope you’ll join us. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is Jan 26, 2007.

For further information contact: benthicecologymeetings@biology.gatech.edu.

or visit: http://www.biology.gatech.edu/bem2007/ for on line registration, abstract submission and information about accommodations.

 

8. Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability - Website/Newsletter

The Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability (SGSL) has recently given their Website a new look. To check it out go to: http://www.coalition-sgsl.ca

The winter issue of the SGSL Newsletter can be downloaded at:

http://www.coalition-sgsl.ca/webcura/files/newsletter.pdf

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9. The Joggins Fossil Cliffs Project

The residents of Joggins had long recognized that the development of a strategy to manage and promote the world famous fossil cliffs as an educational and tourism attraction was the key to realizing the potential of both the site’s and the community's future. They set out to seek a partner who shared their vision and approached the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) to assist them to build on this idea. Their efforts have finally paid off, with the Federal and Provincial governments contributing almost $7 million towards the construction of the Joggins Cliffs Interpretive Centre. The 13,000 square foot centre, which will comprise exhibition space, gift shop, café, multi purpose room and lab, is scheduled for completion in late summer. In addition, the partners have recently completed a detailed proposal to UNESCO to have the Joggins Fossil Cliffs designated a World Heritage Site. For more information about these exciting developments visit: http://www.creda.net/~jfcliffs/vision.htm

 

10. Right Whales Linger in Bay of Fundy

A fisherman and whale-watcher says he has the answer to the question that's stumping the experts -- why at least two dozen right whales are still [Mid November] in the Bay of Fundy. "There's not enough food," said Harold Theriault, a lobster fisherman for more than 35 years who owns Petit Passage Whale Watch. For the last 12 years, Theriault, also the Liberal MLA for Digby-Annapolis, has operated a whale-watching business with his wife and three sons. The family business covers the Digby Neck, George's Bank and Brown's Bank areas in search of the endangered right whales of which only about 350 still exist.

One of the right whales' food sources is krill, a reddish, shrimp-like invertebrate. Theriault says the organism has become extremely scarce in the Digby Neck area. "It used to be a few years ago that you would see the krill all over the surface of the water," he said. "It would gather all over the bottom of the boat. Now, if you go out, you can barely see it. It's as though it's gone. "What used to be normal was to see 125 to 130 whales a season. Now, we're lucky to see half that." He thinks the department of fisheries and oceans should do an intensive study to find out why the right whale's food stocks have been depleted and seek ways in which they can be brought back to acceptable levels. He's convinced the right whales remaining in the Bay of Fundy are making a last ditch effort to fatten up before migrating south for the winter. "I don't think they¹re gluttonous mammals. They're there trying to build up 18 inches of fat, and they won¹t migrate south until that happens."

Christopher Taggart is a fisheries oceanography professor at Dalhousie University and an expert on right whales. He said it is extremely rare to see whales in the Bay of Fundy at this time of year; he could cite fewer than 10 documented cases. But Taggart would not say the whales are staying to continue feeding. Taggart says typically 20 to 100 right whales congregate in the Grand Manan Basin, which includes waters off the coast of Digby, in July, August, and September. There, they feed off a particular plankton, copepod Calanus finmarchicus, rich in fat, and found between 120 and 180 metres below the surface. The whales quickly accumulate the fat they need for their migration. They also feed on surface plankton. Taggart said no research supports Theriault's food shortage hypothesis, but the professor called the question intriguing. "There is no evidence yet that suggests anything about the quality or quantity of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus or the krill," he said. "But he is asking a very good question." Taggart says many factors influence the right whales' migration pattern including light, temperature, and food.

The Council invites eligible organizations to apply for funding made available through a US Congressional appropriation administered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work toward these goals. Online applications are preferred, please submit them at: www.gulfofmaine.org/actionplan/grant/apply/overview.php

1. Barry Jones steps down as BoFEP Chair
In a June 6^th e-letter to the BoFEP Management and Steering Committees Barry Jones announced his resignation as Chair of BoFEP effective immediately. He noted "I have served as Chair for almost three years, and been with BoFEP on its executive since its inception over a dozen years ago. Though I have very much enjoyed my time with BoFEP, my heart is no longer in it; there is no longer any "fire in the belly" which BoFEP needs at this time in its development." He goes on to explain that "Although it may seem as such, this is not a hasty decision. I have recently come to the conclusion that I want to spend my time more involved with my family, my friends, my home and my little farm."

Barry offered to continue to assist the BoFEP Executive as needed, in particular "I will stay on the Finance Committee to assist the Treasurer in managing current and future funding possibilities, and in particular, the 2007-08 Environment Canada funding application. In spite of our recent past disappointments with EC funding, I still have hopes that this year will be more successful." He concluded by expressing "My thanks for your past support, and good luck."

According to the BoFEP Constitution the Vice Chair, Peter Wells, automatically assumes the role in an acting capacity until confirmed or replaced by the Steering Committee at a meeting called for this purpose. Peter has agreed to accept this challenge and is actively involved in pushing forward with a number of BoFEP initiatives.

In an e-letter to the BoFEP Management and Steering Committees on June 18^th , Peter expressed appreciation to Barry for his efforts on behalf of BoFEP. "I would like to thank Barry for his long and outstanding service to BoFEP as Treasurer, Chair, and continuing member of the Finance committee. His many day to day contributions to the running of BoFEP over the past few years as Treasurer and Chair, conducted with great skill and humour, have been and are greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Management Committee and all his friends in BoFEP, I wish Barry all the best and every success in his future endeavours.

2. BoFEP Steering Committee meeting planned
As a result of budget restrictions eliminating funds available for travel, the BoFEP Steering Committee has not met for an unacceptably long time. A number of important issues (funding, programs, new initiatives, next steps, AGM planning etc.) need to be considered by the SC without further delay. Therefore, there will be a SC meeting on Wednesday, July 25^th, 11 am – 4 pm. (the date most convenient for the majority of committee members). To accommodate both NS and NB members the meeting will be held at a central location; namely, the Board Room of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Sackville, NB. As there are no funds to reimburse travel costs, members will have to make an effort to carpool as much as possible.

3. BoFEP funding/activity update
The acting Chair of BoFEP notes that the BoFEP-EC application is steadily moving through EC and may be successful this year. As well, the Strategic Development and Funding Committee has been very active in developing ideas and actions for more diversified funding, and in making presentations on our behalf to potential funders. This extra effort by Marianne Janowicz, Owen Washburn, Hugh Akagi, Peter Fenety and others is very much appreciated. We remain optimistic that the current funding challenges will be met and overcome, with everyone contributing whenever and wherever they can to BoFEPs funding envelope and its programs. BoFEP continues to operate, thanks to the hospitality and patience of ACER (site of our Secretariat) and the continued work of Jon Percy on the web site, newsletter and fact sheets on important issues confronting the Bay of Fundy.

4. BoFEP 7^th Science Workshop Proceedings available
The Proceedings of the 7^th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop held in St. Andrews, NB in October 2006 is now available for download in PDF format on the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/bofep_workshops.htm. A gallery of photographs taken at the workshop is also available for download. The site also features a brief overview of the workshop and information about the winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award and the award recipients for the best papers and posters presented by students. CD copies of the 2006 Workshop Proceedings are being prepared by Bounty Print, along with a report cover with a CD sleeve (budgetary restrictions preclude the possibility of a paper version of the Proceedings at this time). The CDs will be sent to all those who participated in the workshop as soon as they are available. Sue Rolston deserves a very special thank-you for her dedicated effort to complete the Proceedings in a timely manner.

5. BoFEP 8^th Science Workshop in Spring 2009
The 8^th BoFEP workshop to be hosted by the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research in Wolfville, NS has, for a number of reasons, been rescheduled from the autumn of 2008 to May 26-29, 2008. The theme for the Workshop is "Resource Development and Its Implications in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine".

Session topics currently being considered include the following:

• Fisheries, coastal and offshore
• Aquaculture
• Mining, coastal and land-based
• Resource development and sustainability of coastal communities
• Tidal power
• Oil and gas
• Watershed issues
• Cross-border issues
• Impacts on coastal wildlife
• Environmental monitoring and indicators
• Education and public awareness
• Information and knowledge integration
• First Nations and community-based programs

Suggestions for other session topics are always welcome and can be sent to communications@bofep.org

6. Report on GOMCME-BoFEP Cooperation Agreement available.
Pat Hinch, BoFEP's principal liaison to the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has prepared a three-year summary report of progress under the 2004 - 2007 GOMC-BOFEP Cooperation Agreement. This agreement provided funding for a variety of innovative projects in the Fundy Region, including:

• Mapping persistent features in SW New Brunswick for use in habitat and diversity conservation.
• Developing an information and knowledge repository for Fundy
• Preparing historical digital mosaics of changes in the intertidal habitats of Minas Basin
• Evaluation of salt marsh habitat around the Annapolis Basin
• Measuring vegetation distribution and production in relation to hydrology in a recovering salt marsh.
• Development of a Fundy tidal barriers GIS database

A copy of the full summary report is available online at: www.bofep.org/gomcme_bofep_agreement.htm

7. New BoFEP - GOMCME Agreement signed
Pat Hinch also reports that the GOMCME has recently signed an agreement entitled "Statement of Support for the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership". A firm "pat" on the back to Pat for her dedicated efforts in working closely with the Council to achieve this agreement. This agreement states that:

1. Advice on ecosystem science issues – The Council will work closely with BoFEP in identifying and pursuing priority ecosystem science issues.
2. Stewardship of the Bay - The Council will work in close partnership with BoFEP to enhance local stewardship of the Bay of Fundy by facilitating regional communication and cooperation about the Bay’s ecological resources; and
3. Social well-being and economic sustainability of the Bay’s coastal communities – The Council will work with BoFEP, local communities and others to ensure the Bay’s communities are vibrant and have marine-dependent industries that are healthy and globally competitive.

Signed this 14 day of June 2007
Byron James, Council Chairman
NB Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture"
A copy of the full agreement is available on the BoFEP website at:   www.bofep.org/GOMCME_support.htm

8. EAC announces return of "Coastlines"
The Coastal Issues Committee of the Ecology Action Centre is pleased to announce the return of "Coastlines". This popular natural history column about beaches and the critters that love them will appear monthly in weekly and biweekly papers around the province. You can also read past and current Coastlines articles at:  www.ecologyactioncentre/coastlines

9. Salt Marsh Workshop Proceedings available
The Coastal Issues Committee (CIC) of the Ecology Action Centre is please to announce the release of two workshop reports. 

A Summary of "Six Years in the Mud" and the full workshop report of "Changing Climate, Changing Coasts" are available in downloadable form from the Ecology Action Centre’s Website: http://www.ecologyaction.ca/coastal_issues/coastal_publications.shtm

If you would like the full workshop proceedings (interactive CD) for "Six Years in the Mud" contact the Coastal Coordinator coastal@ecologyaction.ca or call 902-442-5046.

10. Nature Canada Conference " Time and Tide"
A reminder that the Nature Canada Conference and Annual General Meeting is being held at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS from August 1-5, 2007. This conference will bring together naturalists from all across Canada and features a wide range of speaker presentations and field trips with an upper Bay of Fundy focus as well as a goodly round of social events with a Maritime flavour. Nature Nova Scotia is organizing the conference, with assistance from the Blomidon Naturalists Society and other naturalist groups. Details about the Conference program as well as the registration forms are available online at the conference Website: www.nature2007.ca .

11. Whites Point Quarry hearing winds up.
The public hearing portion the joint Federal-Provincial Environmental Impact Assessment on the controversial proposal for a mega quarry at Whites Point on Digby Neck came to end on Saturday, June 30^th. The 13-day review hearing at the Digby Pines Hotel featured a plethora of passionate presentations by those for and against the quarry (overwhelmingly weighted in favour of the latter group) as well as by dozens of scientists and other experts commenting on various details of the proposal. Transcripts of all the presentations made at the hearings, as well as written submissions, can be viewed on the Canadian Environmental Agency Website at: http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/hearings_e.htm

The Public Registry for the EIA closed on Friday July 13^th and no new information will be accepted for consideration. The three-member panel has 90 days from the Registry closure to submit its report and recommendations to the Federal Minister of the Environment and the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Labour.

Jon Percy's presentation to the review panel can be downloaded at:
http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/001/WP-1784-055.pdf

and an opinion piece based on this presentation entitled "Whites Point Quarry Hearings - Shed a tiny tear for Bilcon!" can be viewed at:
www.bofep.org/jons_blog.htm .

12. Resource guide for sustainable tourism available
The "Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism in Down East Maine and
Southwest New Brunswick" covers the marine environment, water conservation,
building design, energy conservation, air pollution prevention, ecological
landscaping, waste management and recycling, green purchasing and
information on certification and membership programs. The guide, which includes
several case studies, is available at:
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/coastcom/sustour.htm.

13. Whale protection paper by the late Ransom Myers
A paper by Ransom Myers et al entitled "Saving endangered whales at no
cost", published in Current Biology Vol 17 No 1, concludes that right whales
as well as fishermen in the American side of the Gulf of Maine would benefit
from seasonal closures and lobster trap limits at or below Canadian levels.
http://myweb.dal.ca/bworm/#_Publications.

14. NB climate change action plan available
The New Brunswick climate change action plan 2007-2012 focuses on actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions; adaptation strategies to address the economic, social and environmental effects of the Province's changing climate; and engagement with communities and individuals to implement adaptation and GHG-reduction efforts. The Plan also includes actions in renewable energy and efficiency; transportation; waste reduction and diversion; industrial sources; adaptation; and implementation and accountability. A copy of the plan is available at:
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0369/0015/0001-e.asp.

15. EIA guidelines for NB oil refinery available
The final guidelines for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed construction and operation of an oil refinery and related facilities and infrastructure in east Saint John (Red Head area), New Brunswick are now available at: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0377/0002/0029-e.pdf.

16. Right Whale Website launched
Moira (Moe) Brown, with the New England Aquarium and the Canadian Whale Institute
recently announced the launch of a Canadian bilingual Website for right whales. This website was made possible with funds from the Habitat Stewardship Program of Environment Canada, New England Aquarium and Canadian Whale Institute. You can access the site through:
www.rightwhale.ca
www.baleinenoire.ca
www.baleinefranche.ca
It is also accessible through the new Canadian Whale Institute Website:
www.canadianwhales.org

D. ADMINISTRIVIA

Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly to all registered members of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of others who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also find the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org .

1. BoFEP Annual General Meeting
The BoFEP Annual General Meeting will be held during the last two weeks in November in Sackville New Brunswick, most likely at the CWS offices. The BoFEP Steering Committee will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Annual General Meeting will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You will be notified shortly of the precise date and location. We are also planning a short informative speaker program before the AGM and final details will also be announced soon. It is important that as many members of BoFEP as possible participate in this AGM so that we can establish the general orientation and program activities of BoFEP during the coming year. The Sackville location was selected to facilitate participation by members from both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

2. BoFEP Receives Funding from EC
The BoFEP Management Committee was pleased to learn in mid August that Environment Canada would be providing financial support for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Hopefully, this will permit many of the working groups to pursue some of their activities that were put on hold as a result of funding delays. A full report of the BoFEP budget and an update on the current financial situation will be presented to members at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

3. Article on Climate Change in Bay of Fundy
BoFEP's Communications Coordinator Jon Percy has an overview article on climate change and the Bay of Fundy in the September issue of "Éléments", the online environmental magazine of the New Brunswick Environmental Network. The article entitled "A Rising Tide of Change" is one of several in the theme issue "Our Endangered Coasts: The Effects of Climate Change". All of the articles can be found on the NBEN Website at: http://www.elements.nb.ca/theme/theme.htm  

4. Concern about Industrialization of Bay of Fundy
The August 2^nd edition of Steve Hawboldt's environmental column in the Annapolis County Spectator focused on BoFEP and its efforts in the face of industrialization of the Bay of Fundy. He began "at a press conference held last week on environmental concerns in Nova Scotia, Peter Wells, Acting Chair of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP), talked about the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy. This is an apt description of what is happening ton the Bay of Fundy". He goes on to note that, "BoFEP is a well respected network of academic and government scientists, community organizations and others who are concerned about the Bay of Fundy. They have sponsored several workshops and other events on environmental issues facing the Bay. When one looks at the range of projects being developed or proposed around the Bay, it is easy to see why some within the BoFEP network might be concerned about the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy". The column describes some of the activities currently threatening the health of the Bay and concludes "Wells put it quite simply, knowledge about the stresses facing the Bay is critical to using these vast resources in a sustainable way. This work is critical for we are witnessing the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy". The complete column can be read as a PDF file at:
http://www.bofep.org/PDFfiles/industrializationBoF.pdf  

5. New Fundy Biosphere Reserve Designated by UNESCO
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve is finally a reality! It is one of twenty-three new sites in 18 countries that was recently added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that aim to promote solutions to reconcile biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use. The new Fundy Reserve is located on the New Brunswick side of the upper bay. Some of the earliest colonial settlements in North America occurred in this region. Artifacts from previous aboriginal generations that inhabited this Bay of Fundy region date back more than 6,000 years. The total area is 432,000 hectares, of which 9,940 hectares of estuarine coastal habitat, with a very diverse topography, which ranges from towering cliffs to broad sweeping salt marshes at the head of the bay. The stakeholder group called 'Fundy Biosphere Regional Network' is providing innovative practices for sustainable development. Congratulations to the dedicated team who spent years carefully creating the successful submission. For more information visit the UNESCO Website at:
http://www.unesco.org/mab/BRs/new_BRs2007.shtml

6. Fundy Tidal Power Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association provides detailed information about the Fundy Tidal Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment on its Website below.
"Nova Scotia has committed to generate almost 20 per cent of the province’s electricity through renewable energy by 2013. The Nova Scotia Department of Energy has commissioned the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association (OEER) to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process to help answer these questions. The SEA is an environmental assessment process carried out before decisions have to be made about specific projects. It involves the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the general public, and will result in recommendations to the provincial government on whether, where and how to develop tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. At the same time, the Province of New Brunswick will be carrying out its own tidal energy SEA, and OEER will collaborate with the New Brunswick Department of Energy to share information and ideas."
Issues of the Fundy SEA Newsletter "Currents" can also be accessed on this Website:
http://www.offshoreenergyresearch.ca/Portals/0/SEA%20Newsletter%20July_D4.pdf

7. Report from Ecosystem Indicators Partnership Meeting Available
The Gulf of Maine Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) and Climate Change Network held a joint meeting on 11 June 2007 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. ESIP is a committee of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment responsible for developing indicators for the Gulf of Maine and integrating regional data for a new Web-based reporting system for marine ecosystem monitoring. Activities of ESIP initially center on convening regional practitioners in six indicator areas: coastal development, contaminants and pathogens, eutrophication, aquatic habitat, fisheries and aquaculture, and climate change. Two presentations from the June meeting and a summary of the ESIP portion of the meeting are available on the ESIP Webpage at: http://gulfofmaine.org/esip/index.php

8. New e-newsletter on Ecosystem-based Management in GOM
A new email newsletter is being launched to share news, analysis and points of view about ecosystem-based management in the Gulf of Maine. To subscribe (free) or to contribute information, email Peter Taylor at gulfofmaine@ecosystembasedmanagement.net.  

9. New Report on Morphodynamics of Avon River Estuary
Researchers at St. Mary's University in Halifax have just (September 30^th) released a report entitled "The Intertidal Morphodynamics of the of the Avon River Estuary. The report, prepared for the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works, was authored by by Danika van Proosdij of the Department of Geography and Greg Baker of the Maritime Provinces Spatial Analysis Research Centre (MP_SpARC) at the University. The 186 page report concludes (amongst other things) that: "The river has likely now achieved a new equilibrium state and any modifications to the system (e.g. construction or modification of tidal barriers) will likely disrupt the equilibrium with no guarantee as to how the system might respond. The risk to the causeway from storm surges or wave effects is low due to the presence of the salt marsh, which acts as a natural form of coastal defense. However, with the approach of the Saros Tides [~18 year tidal cycle] in 2012-13, the risk will increase and should be assessed further. Additionally, there is a greater risk to the causeway from freshwater flooding, depending on the timing of the storm relative to high tide. Additional research and high resolution data, particularly lidar and high resolution satellite imagery as well as modern measures of the sediment dynamics of the system will be required before any predictions can be made regarding the impacts of modifying the existing causeway and identifying specific areas at risk from flooding."

10. EIA Panel Recommends Against Whites Point Quarry
The Panel reviewing the proposed Whites Point Mega-Quarry on Digby Neck has come out very strongly against proceeding with the project. They state that "the Project is likely to cause adverse environmental effects that, in the opinion of the panel, cannot be justified in the circumstances". Encouragingly the panel also "recommends a moratorium on new approvals for [quarry] development along the North Mountain until the Province of Nova Scotia has thoroughly reviewed this type of initiative within the context of a comprehensive coastal zone management policy". Of even wider import is the panels welcome recommendation that "the Province of Nova Scotia develop and implement a comprehensive coastal zone management policy or plan for the Province". This is something that BoFEP and many other groups have been advocating for a long time. Hopefully, this will stimulate the Province to finally deal seriously and competently with this important issue. While the Provincial Government will be making the final decision, it appears that this report will be virtually impossible for a minority government to ignore. The Executive Summary (pdf format 416kb) of the panel report is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Website at:
http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/summary_e.pdf  
A copy of the full report (pdf format 4.1 MB) is available on the NS Department of Environment and Labour Website at:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ea/whitespointquarry/WhitesPointQuarryFinalReport.pdf  

11. Fact Sheets on NB Watersheds Available
The New Brunswick Environment Department has prepared a series of ten informative fact sheets (in PowerPoint and PDF formats) about various watersheds in the Province, including the Saint John, the St. Croix and the Petitcodiac. Each fact sheet provides information about the watershed location, physical setting and climate, fish community, land use, geology as well as various water quality indicators and details about community involvement in stewardship of the watershed. The fact sheets can be downloaded at:
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0013/index-e.asp

12. Report on Sustainable Coastal Tourism in NS
A report entitled "Nova Scotia Strategy for Sustainable Coastal Tourism Development" includes recommendations that are grouped under Leadership, Product and Experience Development, Economic Viability, and Conservation and Stewardship. The goal of the Strategy is to protect Nova Scotia's natural, cultural, social and built coastal tourism assets while enhancing their tourism potential. For more information visit the NS Vision for Tourism Website at:
http://www.nstourismvision.com/vision/coastalstrategy.php

13. NB Climate Action Fund RFP
The deadline for submitting project proposals to the New Brunswick Climate Action Fund for funding this fiscal year is November 2^nd , 2007. The New Brunswick Climate Action Fund (EcoTrust) provides financial support for eligible projects that support the emissions reduction objectives outlined in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan. The $34 million provided by the Government of Canada's EcoTrust is to be distributed over a three-year period. Projects must result in greenhouse gas and related air emissions reductions and/or avoidance of future emissions in support of the New Brunswick Climate Action Plan. Fund objectives and application forms can be found at::
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/index-e.asp

14. Comments Invited on Report on NB Fisheries Renewal
The deadline for submission of comments on the NB Fisheries Stakeholder Action Group reports is November 9^th , 2007. The reports, which form part of the Fisheries Renewal Framework for New Brunswick, include reports on marketing, harvesting, processing and governance and recommend strategies and priorities for securing the viability and sustainability of New Brunswick's fishing and seafood processing industry. "These reports reflect the views of many knowledgeable industry stakeholders, who generously devoted numerous hours to participate in this important process of renewal." The various reports can be viewed at:
http://www.gnb.ca/9999/0003-e.asp

15. Salt Marsh Restoration and Sea-level Rise
The Coastal Wetlands Institute and the Rural and Small Town Programme at Mount Alison University have released a report on salt marshes in relation to sea-level change. Entitled "Examining Community Adaptive Capacity to Address Climate Change, Sea-level Rise and Salt Marsh Restoration in Maritime Canada", the report was prepared for the Canadian Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program. It focuses on the ecological, economic, social and policy conditions under which a community might employ dyke removal and salt marsh restoration as an adaptive response to future climate change and sea level rise. The full report can be found at:
http://www.mta.ca/rstp/CCIAP_Project_A1106_Final_Report1.pdf

16. Report on Sustainable Lobster Fishery in Maritimes
The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) of Canada has released its report entitled "Sustainability Framework for Atlantic Lobster, 2007". The report proposes directions and options to minimize risk and to enhance the sustainability of the fishery. The FRCC believes that it is very important for the industry to adjust and control fishing effort to maintain balance with the available resource. Many factors – higher fishing costs, larger vessels, etc. - have exacerbated the pressure for additional landings and are becoming threats to sustainability of the lobster fishery. The report can be found on the FRCC Website at:
http://www.frcc-ccrh.ca/NEWSREL/2007/releaseE.htm

17. New Website Features Fundy Park Hiking Trails
A new Website may be of interest to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those visiting Fundy National Park. Self-styled SherpaJeff (Jeff and Donna Gray of Fredericton) has created a fascinating website about the Park and its trails. He writes, "Although I have hiked and geocached on many trails in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, I have an affinity for a couple of areas: Fundy National Park (I have hiked every inch of trail there); Cape Chignecto and Kenomee Canyon. Please enjoy the photo gallery, which includes many photos from these areas. I would also be glad to share any insights I have with you. Review some of the essays included in the "On the Trail " section where I have attempted to include useful information. I have added a NEW Geocaching section in "On The Trail" where I will continue to build information on this fun outdoor activity." The site also includes a collection of links to Fundy-related hiking, other regional parks and trail organizations. Check it out at: http://www.sherpajeff.com/index.cfm

18. Joggins Fossil Site visited by UNESCO team
The Halifax Chronicle Herald reports that a team of field advisors from UNESCO visited the world famous fossil cliffs and surrounding area for 6 days recently as part of the ongoing application process for having the site designated as a World Heritage Site. The team was tight-lipped about their recommendations that will be included in a report to UNESCO that should be available ton the public next May. UNESCO will consider these recommendations and a final decision will be made at a meeting to be held in Quebec next July. Various levels of government have already committed about 9 million dollars for the design and construction of an interpretation centre that should be ready for opening in December. The complete story can be found online at:
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/973905.html  

D. ADMINISTRIVIA
Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly to all registered members of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of others who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .