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Contacts BoFEP Communications If you would like to post an item
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~ FUNDY
TIDINGS ~
June 2013~ Summer Issue | |
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HEADLINES:
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1. Fundy Ecological Health Index Project BoFEP believes that the development of an environmental health index (EHI) or report card would be an effective way to determine and communicate information about the Bay of Fundy’s ecosystem health. With support from Environment Canada, BoFEP has undertaken a project to determine the feasibility of producing this EHI.
The first part of the project focused on researching marine report cards and EHIs used by various organizations around the globe. A summary of seven of these EHIs was then written and shared with invitees to the workshop.
The second part of the project was to conduct a workshop entitled "Finding an Ecological Health Index for the Bay of Fundy" on April 3, 2013 at the Saint Andrews Biological Station Conference Centre. The object of the workshop was to gather input on the development of a Bay of Fundy EHI from individuals knowledgeable about the culture, ecology, and economy of the Bay of Fundy. During the workshop, the attendees discussed four main questions:
Workshop participants recommended that as a test case, the methodology of the Ocean Health Index (OHI) be used to develop an OHI score for the Southwest New Brunswick Bay of Fundy Marine Planning Area. Summary report on workshop.
BoFEP anticipates continuing with this EHI project and would be interested in hearing from any partners who might be interested in collaborating on the project. Expressions of interest can be sent to: mjanowicz@hotmail.com.
2. BoFEP Workshop - call for session proposals The 10th BoFEP Fundy Science Workshop 2014 will be held concurrently with the Coastal Zone Canada 2014 Conference from June 15-19, 2014 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax , Nova Scotia. The theme of the BoFEP workshop will be: “Sustaining the Bay of Fundy: Linking Science, Communication, Policy and Community Action”.
The Program Committee is now seeking proposals for ‘Special Sessions’ to
be a part of the conference. We challenge you to show your creativity by
proposing inspiring and invigorating events that get participants thinking
and contributing. Besides the more common panel discussions or paper
presentations, how about some more stimulating and interactive events like
hosting a debate, learning or networking events, training sessions, a
field trip or a tour, or even putting on a theatrical or other cultural
event. Interaction and creativity are encouraged.
Please read and complete the session proposal submission form. Proposals are due by August 9, 2013 via email to czcadmin@dal.ca. The primary contact listed in your proposal will be informed of the Program Committee’s decision by September 9, 2013. If successful, you will be asked to develop a full and detailed proposal for December 2013.
Other sources of conference information: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/341341039256773 Twitter: https://twitter.com/CZC2014 Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Coastal-Zone-Canada-Association-CZCA-4758133 Lanyrd: http://lanyrd.com/2014/czc2014/
3. Municipal Climate Change Workshops a Success Under the 2010-2014 Gas Tax Agreement and the Municipal Funding Agreement, NS municipalities are required by December 31, 2013, to complete Municipal Climate Change Action Plans (MCCAP). Funded by Environment Canada, BoFEP and Anne Warburton of Elemental Sustainability, hosted two workshops in February 2013, to assist municipalities in the initial stages of climate change action planning. A workshop at Bible Hill was held on February 7th, and another in Annapolis Royal on February 13th. There were thirty-two and eighteen registrants, respectively. Participants were primarily municipal and elected staff. More summary. Final report. Workshop presentations.
4. Become a BoFEP Partner and Supporter The Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) is a widely dispersed "Virtual Institute" open to all interested citizens and groups who share its vision for protecting, conserving and sustainably using the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. As a non-profit, volunteer organization, we rely upon the generous in-kind and financial support of individuals and organizations to operate our core activities and programs. We offer a range of donor categories suitable for both individuals and organizations. Download 2013 donor form.
5. BoFEP Intern to Focus on Science Translation BoFEP has been successful in obtaining funds for an intern under Environment Canada's Science Horizons Youth Intern Program. The successful candidate will be announced shortly. The intern will be responsible for researching and preparing articles suitable for the general public on various environmental projects undertaken by BoFEP in recent years for publication in local media in communities around the Bay of Fundy.
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B. Partners and other
organizations: 1. What is the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group? The Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) is a program administered by The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM). The primary focus of MCG is education, research and fostering partnerships with stakeholders in relation to The Bay of Fundy Watershed. MCG is also working on projects that deal with Youth Mentorship/Capacity Building, Communications, Aquatic Resource Management, Ecosystem Health Assessment, Species at Risk and Habitat Restoration. The MCG is guided by a group of First Nation Communities that have an interest in the protection and restoration in the Bay of Fundy Watershed. Currently, these Communities include:
Complete article. For more information contact: knelson@mikmawconservation.ca 1-877-892-2424
2. GOMCME Partners with RBC to Conserve Water The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment recently announced that it is entering into a new partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada and their Blue Water Project. Launched in 2007, the RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year global charitable commitment of $50 million to help provide access to drinkable, swimmable, fishable water, now and for future generations. RBC notified the GOMCME that its $100,000 proposal to support five habitat restoration projects in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, New Hampshire and Maine was approved. RBC's confidence in the Gulf of Maine Council will enable it to continue its formative work in restoring degraded habitats around the Gulf.
3. Collaborative Lobster Science Workshop The Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS) and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) held their bi-annual Collaborative Lobster Science Workshop on February 19, 2013 in Truro, Nova Scotia. The theme of this year’s workshop was Promoting International Collaboration. The goal of the workshop was to gain a better understanding of the different types of research taking place on both sides of the border and to identify opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Attended by more than 120 fishermen and scientists from both Canada and the US, the workshop included a diverse series of presentation, dealing with everything from determining age of lobster, size at maturity, larval production and settlement and lobster moult and quality, to alternative baits and efforts to address growing concerns about derelict fishing gear. Summary and pictures. Copies of presentations ….. to be posted.
4. Report on NS Aquaculture Reform East Coast Environmental Law has released the report “Aquaculture Reform in Nova Scotia: Overview of the Regulatory Framework and Considerations for Regulatory Reform” by Lisa J. Mitchell. The report highlights the need for regulation of the aquaculture industry to ensure that it operates sustainably, especially where the government supports industry growth. The report notes that "Aquaculture ... has the potential to engender substantive economic growth while at the same time inflicting significant environmental harm." The Report identifies seven specific areas of consideration in the context of strengthening provincial regulation to make the industry more environmentally sustainable. Copy of report.
5. Atlantic Salmon Blog The staff of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) now have a regular blog on the ASF website to share with viewers their ongoing experiences and work in a wide range of field activities, with the goal of unraveling the mysteries of Atlantic salmon migration, population dynamics and restoration. ASF blog.
6. IJC Public Meeting on St. Croix River Watershed The International Joint Commission’s (IJC) International St. Croix River Watershed Board will hold its annual St. Croix public meeting on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 7pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 9, 43 Queen Street West, St. Stephen, NB. This will be an opportunity to meet IJC Commissioner Mr. Rich Moy and St. Croix Board Co-Chairs Colonel Charles Samaris and Mr. Bill Appleby. Invited guest speaker Jonathan Carr, fisheries biologist of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, will provide an informational presentation on “Restoration of alewife (gaspereau) in Maine and New Brunswick rivers”. There will also be time for public comments and questions on the St. Croix River. Everyone welcome. For more information contact: Nadine MacKay Tel: (902) 426-2234 Email: nadine.mackay@ec.ga.ca
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Fundy/GOM and
other News:
1. Report on Closed-containment Salmon Aquaculture A March 2013 report entitled “Closed Containment Salmon Aquaculture” by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans addresses the use of closed containment salmon farming and ocean-based ‘open’ net pens in Canada. Among its recommendations:
2. Salmon Wars Escalating in NS and NB An article entitled "Gloves Come Off in Salmon Wars" examines how an original vision of sustainable aquaculture has turned into an industry where growth is paramount, and large impacts on the environment have led to a need to rethink its future. It notes that "It’s open season on open-pen salmon farming these days, with groups previously reluctant to criticize the industry going public with their concerns in a big way." Views expressed include those of Sue Scott of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and Matt Abbott of the Atlantic Coalition for Aquaculture Reform. Complete article.
3. Aquaculture Company Convicted of Illegal Pesticides Use Kelly Cove Salmon, the "growout" subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture, was found guilty in April 2013 of two charges of using illegal pesticides that killed lobsters near their operation in the Bay of Fundy about 3 years ago. CBC News reports that "Environment Canada found the dead lobsters had been exposed to cypermethrin, an agricultural pesticide that's illegal for marine use in Canada. Environment Canada found the dead lobsters had been exposed to cypermethrin, an agricultural pesticide that's illegal for marine use in Canada." The company has been ordered to pay $500,000 after pleading guilty to the two charges. CBC News report. Official court documents.
4. Hearing for Tidal Power Tariff in September The Halifax Chronicle Herald reports that the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will hold a hearing, starting Sept. 16, at its downtown Halifax office, to help set a feed-in tariff for tidal turbines. The tariff is the price that developers will be paid for the electricity generated by their in-stream devices while the technology is in the developmental stage. Full article.
5. Regulations to Permit Bigger Tidal Power Units without EIA? Among the many proposed changes to regulations pertaining to the Canadian Environmental Act described in the Canada Gazette is the following related to In Stream Tidal Energy. "The entry for tidal power generating facilities would be amended to include a threshold of 50 MW for in-stream facilities. The current threshold of 5 MW would be retained for other types of tidal power generating facilities, such as tidal barrage facilities." [Schedule to the regulations #3]. This represents a major increase in the size of tidal power units that could be installed without requiring any sort of Federal Environmental Impact Assessment. It has been noted that in some cases, such as the proposed Digby gut site, the proposed threshold exceeds the total available energy in the system. In other words, a project that would harness 100% of the energy could proceed without a Federal Environmental Assessment. It also likely excludes most foreseeable tidal power projects from environmental assessment. Such large-scale weakening of Federal Environmental Legislation clearly has serious implications for the protection of the coastal marine environment adjacent to proposed tidal power sites. The draft Regulations Amending the Regulations Designating Physical Activities are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Web site. The draft Regulations were available in Canada Gazette, Part I for a 30 day consultation period ending on May 20, 2013.
6. Right Whales in Fundy Recovering? An article in the June 7th Halifax Chronicle Herald suggests that the population of Right Whales in the Bay of Fundy may finally be on the rise. The Canadian Whale Institute reports that more than 500 of the animals are now summering in the Bay, up from the estimates of 300-350 individuals only a decade ago. Part of this recovery may be attributable to the shift in the shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy to avoid areas where whales concentrate. Full article.
7. Protests Over Blocked Fish Passage on Avon River In May a small group of protesters drew attention to the ongoing controversy over the blockage of passage of spawning fish (particularly gaspereau) up the Avon River by the floodgates in the causeway at Windsor NS. The Chronicle Herald reports that "The people who are concerned about the fish say since there is no good science to determine how many fish should be allowed to get upriver, the gates should be opened when the fish begin the swim upstream. Chronicle Herald article CBC News Report
An Avon River commercial fisherman also says that the closed gates are a risk to fish and need to be opened on a more regular basis to avoid the fish kills that occur. In another Chronicle Herald article he states that "Right now we have no fish ladders, we have no passage at all, unless they open those iron gates. If the gates are closed, nothing can get through." He suggests that a fish ladder might allow more of the fish to enter the river to spawn. Chronicle Herald article
8. Presentation on MPA Planning in the Bay of Fundy A comprehensive online audio and PowerPoint presentation entitled "Marine Protected Area Network Planning in the Bay of Fundy Scotian Shelf" given in May 2013 by Maxine Westhead, Section Head, Protected Areas and Conservation Planning, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is now available online on vimeo.com. Run presentation.
9. New Brunswick Geography Portal An article entitled “GeoNB - The ‘All Things Geographic’ place for New Brunswick data” is the second that describes in more detail this web-based portal to data about the province's geography. “Created by Service New Brunswick, GeoNB is a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) that uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to provide an efficient, collaborative and open data-sharing environment with key partners and users across the province.” [source: esri.ca]. GeoNB currently includes a wide variety of data sets for the entire province including digital topographic layers, orthophotos, property maps and much more. Complete article. Previous article.
10. Cuts and Closures at Canada’s Federal Libraries On May 20, 2013 Save Ocean Science (SOS) published a short article by John Dupuis entitled "The Canadian War on Science: A long, unexaggerated, devastating chronological indictment", detailing the cuts and closures at Canada’s federal libraries across Canada, including the DFO library in St. Andrews. It is yet another disconcerting chapter in the continuing saga of the federal government's relentless assault on science in general and that pertaining to the environment in particular.
11. Public meeting in Wolfville on Fracking. There will be a community meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 pm, in the Wolfville Farmer's Market Community Room to discuss shale gas fracking in the region. Barb Harris, author of the recently released report, "Out of Control: Nova Scotia's Experience with Fracking for Shale Gas", will discuss what actually happened with Triangle Petroleum's shale gas project in Hants County, what was planned for East Kings, and potential impacts on the area. The report is based on previously unreleased information from government and industry documents. The event is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Fracking Resource and Action Coalition. full report and report summary .
12. Growing Opposition to Fracking in NS On April 22 at 7pm, at the Kennetcook Fire Hall, Nova Scotia Fracking Resource and Action Centre NOFRAC released a report which follows the activities of Triangle Petroleum as their fracking exploration project proceeded from 2007 to the present. Members of the steering committee of NOFRAC were joined by more than one hundred members of the Kennetcook, Noel and Hants County residents to learn about the contents of the report. NOFRAC believes that Nova Scotia should ban the development of shale gas and hydraulic fracturing, or, at the very least, enact a moratorium on shale gas development and hydraulic fracturing for hydrocarbons for a minimum of 10 years. Complete report.
13. Colchester Nixes Fracking Water in its Sewer System On May 18th, the Chronicle Herald reported that the Municipality of Colchester County will not allow treated fracking wastewater to be disposed of in its sewer system, and ultimately into the bay of Fundy. The wastewater, now being held in lagoons in Debert, was generated during exploratory drilling in Hants County between 2005 and 2007. Full article. Copy of county decision
14. Accounts of Saxby Gale of 1869 The April 2013 issue of the Gulf of Maine Times contains a couple of short excerpts from first hand accounts about the Saxby Gale of October 1869 that battered the coastline all around the Bay of Fundy. The storm overtopped dykes and flooded farmlands, particularly in the Tantramar region. Excerpts.
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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/whatnew.htm.
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