BoFEP WORKING GROUPS

Much of the work of BoFEP is carried by   Working Groups
that meet periodically to plan and carry out a variety of activities or projects.
Select one of the following groups for information about its
terms of reference, coordinator, activities and members

Active Working Groups*
 1.   Biosphere Reserve (coordinator - Peter Etheridge)
2.   Corophium and Mudflat Ecology (coordinators - Peter Wells, Diana Hamilton)
3.   Eelgrass (coordinator - Al Hanson)
 4.   Eutrophication and Nutrients (coordinator - Thierry Chopin)
5.   Fundy Informatics Group (coordinators - Peter Wells, Elaine Toms)
6.   Marine Energy (coordinator - Barry Jones)
7.   Minas Basin (coordinators - Anna Redden, Mike Brylinsky)
8.   Outreach (coordinators - Marianne Janowicz, Owen Washburn)
9.   Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems (coordinators - Tony Bowron, Deanne Meadus)
10. Stress and Cumulative Effects (coordinators - Mick Burt, Peter Wells)
11. Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation (Maria-Ines Buzeta)
Dormant Working Groups (coordinators needed)
12. Coastal Development
13. Fish Migration
14. Integrated Coastal Zone Management
15. Integrated Fisheries Management
16. Resource Development
17. Toxic Chemicals and Marine Environmental Quality
 18. Zooplankton

* An active Working Group must meet the following criteria:
                  - have a designated leader/coordinator
                  - have an approved Terms-of-Reference
                  - have a current draft Work Plan

For additional information about participating in any of these
Working Groups please contact the BoFEP Secretariat.

To encourage the active participation by representatives of community groups and other non-governmental organizations in  activities of the BoFEP Working Groups, limited funding is available to help defray travel costs. Prior approval of the Chair of the Working Group is required for such travel support.

For further details contact the
BoFEP Secretariat.

Fundy Informatics Group (FIG) (Active)
 Coordinators (Peter Wells and Elaine Toms)
 Members                                  Activities

Terms of Reference

One of the key objectives defined in the BoFEP Strategic Plan is to "Facilitate scientific information exchange by serving as an informal network for disseminating scientific and other knowledge about the Bay of Fundy and facilitating the timely sharing of information amongst the partners and with other groups and individuals."

To promote and advance this objective the BoFIP Working Group will undertake to:

1. Identify ways to facilitate the dissemination of, and efficient online access to, existing scientific and other information about the Bay of Fundy so that this knowledge is more readily accessible to scientists, environmental and resource managers and decision makers, educators, ENGO's and members of the public.

2. Define the future role of the BoFEP website in making Fundy related information accessible on line.

3. Find effective ways to standardize and synthesize existing specialized bibliographies pertaining to various aspects of the Bay of Fundy and make them readily accessible and searchable online.

4. Oversee and advise on the indexing of all BoFEP publications and the subsequent development of a comprehensive online searchable index.

5. Coordinate and cooperate with the Gulf of Maine Council on similar informatics initiatives involving the greater Gulf of Maine to minimize duplication of effort and ensure that the projects are functionally integrated as much as possible.

6. Assess new initiatives pertaining to the development of digital libraries and advances in informatics that may be relevant to the needs of BoFEP.

7. Identify and network with other partners with similar interests and needs and explore possibilities for the development of mutually beneficial informatics initiatives.

8. Identify potential funding sources and oversee the development of proposals to advance the informatics objectives of the Working Group.

Corophium and Mudflat Ecology Working Group (Active)
Coordinators: (Peter Wells and Diana Hamilton)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

The Corophium Working group has been active since 1987 and now has about 15 members.  The objectives of the Group are: 1) to summarize and make available existing information/knowledge on the biology and ecology of Corophium spp. , especially C. volutator, and its role in the ecology and wildlife biology of the Bay of Fundy mudflats; 2) to identify key research questions and approaches, especially utilizing ecological models; and 3) to facilitate research opportunities and mechanisms for cooperative research.  The Group meets annually,at ACER, Acadia University. Wolfville, and members keep in touch electronically as required. . A computerized bibliography of Corophium literature is maintained and will shortly be on the Web. A BoFEP fact sheet on Corophium in nearing completion. Anyone with an interest in Corophium and its ecology is invited to join.

Eutrophication and Nutrients Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator: (Thierry Chopin)
Members                                             Activities

Terms of Reference

The Nutrification of Coastal Waters Working Group was formed during the BoFEP/FMESP 3rd Bay of Fundy Science Workshop on April 24, 1999, in Sackville, New Brunswick. The present objectives of the group are to:

1) Review and summarize existing information/knowledge on nutrient levels around the Bay of Fundy and their spatial and temporal variations, and on the process of nutrification of coastal waters by the understanding of the fluxes of nutrients from land-based and marine-based sources.

2) Identify reliable bioindicator species of nutrification and ensure that they are included in long-term broad scale monitoring programmes in addition to water samples.

3) Determine the spatial ecosystem support (ecological footprint) required to produce natural resources (ecological goods) and assimilate wastes (ecological services) from anthropogenic activities contributing to the nutrification of coastal waters, and identify its implications for integrated coastal zone management (is the Bay of Fundy reaching the bio-physical and chemical limits of marine ecosystem appropriation due to the ecological constraints of some activities?).

4) Identify, facilitate and/or secure funding/mechanisms for conducting cooperative research on the above mentioned topics/approaches.

5) Identify, facilitate and/or secure funding/mechanisms for conducting cooperative research and development on innovative or underutilized technologies and ecocycling practices, in tune with the processes and functions of ecosystems, for efficient and sustainable use of marine resources by appropriating reduced/synergistic ecological footprints.

6) Interact with the other BoFEP Working Groups and other stakeholders around the Bay of Fundy to sensibilize them to the potential of bio-physical and chemical interventions on nutrification of coastal waters.

7) Disseminate and exchange information/knowledge by having members of the Working Group making presentations at conferences and through publications.

The Working Group will communicate mostly electronically and will have a periodic "formal" meeting at the Annual BoFEP/FMESP Bay of Fundy Science Workshop, at which time objectives may be revised.Anyone with an interest on nutrification of coastal waters is invited to join by contacting:

Coordinator: Dr. Thierry Chopin, Professor and Associate Director of Graduate Studies
University of New Brunswick, Centre for Coastal Studies and Aquaculture
Department of Biology
P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
Phone: (506) 648-5507/5565 Fax: (506) 648-5650 E-mail: tchopin@unbsj.ca

Defining Stress and Cumulative Effects Working Group (Active)
Coordinators: (Mick Burt and Peter Wells)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems (SMARTS) Working Group (Active)
Coordinator:   Tony Bowron
 Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

1. Support and facilitate collaboration, networking and information exchange with respect to:
                A. the distribution, nature and impacts of tidal restrictions, and
                B. the distribution, extent, and ecological status of salt marshes in the Bay of Fundy.

2 Identify, promote and facilitate new research and conservation projects around the Bay of Fundy pertaining to:
                A. the impacts of tidal restrictions on coastal habitats and the potential implications of their removal or modification;
                B. the state of salt marshes, and their enhancement and restoration.

3. Promote and facilitate co-operative research, conservation and educational projects which involve citizens in identifying salt marsh and tidal barriers issues and implementing solutions, including socio-economic considerations and economic valuation.

All interested persons are invited to join by contacting either of the co-ordinators.

Biosphere Reserve Working Group (active)
Coordinator: Peter Etheridge
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Fish Migration Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

During the past 300 years, tidal barriers in the form of dykes, causeways and dams, have been constructed either across or along the tidal portions of many of the rivers flowing to the Bay of Fundy. This Working Group will address issues related to fish migration in association with these barriers and the extent to which they may interfere with access to habitat for spawning, foraging, rearing and wintering.

Short term objectives of the working group are to:

  1. Summarize information on the location and configuration of existing barriers,
  2. Summarize occurrences of fish species occurring within Bay of Fundy rivers, estuaries, and the coastal zone, and
  3. Facilitate research opportunities and mechanisms for cooperative research.

It is anticipated that strong linkages will develop with other BOFEP Working Groups. Particiption is open to all interested individuals.

Resource Development Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Toxic Chemicals and Marine Environmental Quality  Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

This a new Working Group. Its preliminary objectives are : 1) to summarize information and publish original reviews on the fate and effects of chemicals (i.e. ecotoxicology) in the Bay of Fundy and surrounding watersheds; 2) to exchange information on current research and regulatory activities on toxic substances in the context of the Bay of Fundy; and 3) to facilitate research opportunities and mechanisms for cooperative research. Other objectives are possible and suggestions are encouraged from the members. The plan is to meet annually, possibly at Environment Canada, Moncton. Anyone with an interest in ecotoxicology and the Bay of Fundy is invited to join.

Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group (Active)
 Coordinator: (Maria-Ines Buzeta)
Members                                                     Activities

Terms of Reference

  • The geographic focus for the studies will be the Outer Bay of Fundy.
  • The group will initially focus on hard bottom habitats.
  • The overall theme for the group will be to provide Science contributions for Integrated Management of the outer Bay of Fundy. For this purpose, the group would look at:

  • the approaches and methodology for indicating areas of high ecological value,

  • integration of data sources and knowledge,

  • coordination of ongoing and new activities within these themes

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Working Group (dormant)
Coordinators:  
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference
[In preparation]

Coastal Development Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Zooplankton Working Group (dormant)
Coordinator:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Minas Basin Working Group (Active)
Coordinators: (Anna Redden and Mike Brylinsky)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

The Working Group mission is to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Minas Basin and its watershed, and to allow for sustainable resource use by existing and future generations. Its objectives, are:

  • to engage the public in identifying issues and actions pertaining to the sustainability of the Basin's resources and its coastal communities (i.e. encourage active community participation in all aspects of the working group's activities);
  • to facilitate partnerships, collaboration and new funding opportunities among researchers, policy makers, resource managers and community groups  pertaining to any aspect of the sustainable use and management of the Minas Basin.
  • to work towards a multistakeholder-supported, management plan for the Minas Basin, taking into account its natural resources (living and non-living), the needs for conservation and protection, and Canada's long-term commitment to sustainable development;
  • to facilitate coordination of efforts to identify critical habitats and living resources of the Minas Basin (i.e. encourage conservation of the Basin's biodiversity)
  • to identify habitats and species issues for future scientific investigation and research;
  • to enhance access to and interpretation of information on Minas Basin and its natural resources;

Membership on the Minas Basin Working Group remains open to all who agree with the principles of BOFEP and have an interest in the sustainable management of the Minas Basin.

Eelgrass Working Group (Active)
Coordinator: (Al Hanson)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

The goal of this working group is to support and facilitate collaboration, networking, and information exchange regarding eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Bay of Fundy and elsewhere in eastern Canada.

Specific areas of interest of the Eelgrass Working Group include:

  1. The current distribution and abundance of eelgrass.
  2. Trends in eelgrass distribution.
  3. Ecological significance of eelgrass
  4. Identifying reasons for change in eelgrass distribution and abundance.
  5. Methods to reduce negative impacts on eelgrass
  6. Methods of eelgrass restoration

Integrated Fisheries Management Working Group (dormant)
Coordinators:
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference
 [In preparation]

Marine Energy Working Group  (Active)
Coordinators: (Barry Jones)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

    1. To provide a forum for dialogue and to promote networking and collaboration among researchers interested in marine energy in the Bay of Fundy
    2. To keep abreast of the state of marine energy development in the Bay of Fundy
    3. To be cognisant of marine energy technology and its advances relative to adaptation to the Bay of Fundy
    4. To participate in the assessment of the impact of marine energy development on other economic sectors, local coastal communities and the Bay of Fundy ecosystem
    5. To support the sustainability of local coastal communities and the Bay of Fundy ecosystem relative to marine energy development
    6. To promote the harmonious integration of existing marine economic sectors in the Bay Of Fundy with potential marine energy development
    7. To facilitate that the voices of the public and marine stakeholders in regard to marine energy development are heard by regulatory authorities
    8. To identify data gaps and research opportunities relative to potential marine energy development in the Bay of Fundy
    9. To promote projects oriented toward addressing identified data gaps relative to potential marine energy development in the Bay of Fundy
    10. To conduct projects addressing any of these Terms of Reference.
    11. To make known to the public the findings of any of the Working Group’s activities
    12. To act as a sounding board for government, industry and the public on issues of consequence to the Bay of Fundy relative to marine energy development
    13. To contribute to the overhead of BoFEP through the use and support of its services.

Activities: New Brunswick Strategic Environmental Assessment of Tidal Energy Development in the Bay of Fundy - English   français.

Outreach Working Group (active)
Coordinators: (Marianne Janowicz and Owen Washburn)
Members                                                          Activities

Terms of Reference

Purpose: Recognizing that the Bay of Fundy community is dependent upon a healthy ecosystem for the social and economic future of the region, and recognizing that BoFEP has the expertise to assist in maintaining sustainability of the Bay, this Outreach Working Group will raise the profile of BoFEP within the Bay community and specifically in the industry, government and First Nations sectors and encourage involvement in BoFEP so that activities of BoFEP better serve the interests of the communities and sectors and the Bay of Fundy ecosystem.

Working Group Objectives:

  • To develop an approach to industry, government and First Nations and a promotional brochure that informs these sectors of the capacity of BoFEP to assist in their respective sustainability issues and encourages their involvement in BoFEP;
  • To form an industry liaison group which would provide feedback to BoFEP on activities that BoFEP can assist industry with;
  • To identify BoFEP champions who will increase the support for the organization in the First Nations community, in industry and in the upper levels of government;
  • To identify the trends in ecosystem factors in the Bay of Fundy that influence sustainability of the Bay and assess activities that have been undertaken to improve or disrupt ecosystem quality, as a means of developing a report card on the region so that activities can be identified that partners would be interested in participating in;
  • To incorporate into the BoFEP work plan activities identified by industry and of assistance to industry for that sector’s continued sustainable use of the Bay of Fundy;
  • To hold or assist in organizing for other BoFEP working groups, local forums on significant or timely local issues for awareness and education and as a fund raising mechanism.
  • To strengthen the linkage between BoFEP and the Gulf of Maine Council;
  • To work with the BoFEP Finance Working Group to broaden the financial base of the organization by bringing more partners into BoFEP;
  • To be responsible to the Management Committee.

Working Group Structure:

  • The working group will be co-chaired by two members;
  • Working group membership will include two co-chairs, the ex officio chair of BoFEP, the BoFEP Communications Director and other members reflecting a broad range of sectors in the Bay of Fundy;
  • The working group will hold at least one face-to-face meeting of opportunity each year and otherwise communicate by conference call and e-mail.