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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of BoFEP or its partners. |
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~ FUNDY
TIDINGS ~
December 2013 ~ Winter Issue | |
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HEADLINES:
B. Partners and other organizations: C. Fundy/GOM and other News: | |
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1. BoFEP Announces New Ocean Health Project BoFEP is happy to announce a brand new project, beginning in January 2014! With the support of DFO and Environment Canada, BoFEP will be applying the Ocean Health Index OHI to the Bay of Fundy. BoFEP will use the OHI to examine key indicators through a pilot project in the Bay of Fundy Marine Resources Planning Area, along the coast between Saint John and the US border. This pilot project will help inform management decisions, direct research priorities, track conservation goals and fill in important data gaps for communities and government agencies. Project Press Release.
2. Register Soon for the 10th BoFEP Science Workshop (2014) The 10th BoFEP Fundy Science Workshop 2014 will be held concurrently with the Coastal Zone Canada 2014 Conference “Our Coasts: Legacies & Futures” 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”. Abstracts are invited for inclusion in traditional paper and poster sessions, using the online abstract submission system. The deadline for submission is December 16th, 2013. Relevant links are as follows: Description of 10th BoFEP Science Workshop Abstract Submission Information Download the CZC 2014 Conference Poster in PDF Format Registration, Travel and Detailed Workshop Information Note that the on-line registration system for CZC2014 is in final testing before launch. Sometime in mid December you will be able to register for the conference and all of the field trips from one site. Best of all, if you register early, you will get a discount and pay only the "Super Saver" rate until February 28, 2014.
3. Reminder - Deadline for Abstract for BoFEP Workshop December 16th Abstract submissions for the 2014 BoFEP Fundy Science Workshop, Sustaining the Bay of Fundy: Linking Science, Communication, Policy and Community Action, are due 16 December 2013. Oral and poster abstracts are invited on the key topics and should be submitted using the online abstract system for Coastal Zone Canada 2014. After you have created your user profile and moved to the “Create Abstract” form you can indicate that you are submitting an abstract for the Workshop and select from Workshop session options. We look forward to welcoming you in Halifax for another successful BoFEP Fundy Science Workshop! | |
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B. Partners and other
organizations: 1. Fundy North Fishermen's Association The Fundy North Fishermen’s Association represents small-scale commercial fishermen from St. Martin’s to St. Stephen including the communities of Deer Island and Campobello Island. Its members fish for lobsters, scallops, groundfish, herring, shrimp, shad, gaspereau and eels. The multispecies nature of these fishing livelihoods allows fishermen to work within a dynamic marine ecosystem; harvesting the species that are abundant and giving a rest to species that are scarce. For over 25 years, Fundy North has had a strong community ethic and has worked tirelessly to preserve the fishing livelihood for the next generations. Association's Fall 2013 Newsletter.
2. New Issue of MAARS Journal Available The Summer/ Fall 2013 Edition of the Journal Mawqatmuti'kw (We All Live Together) is now available. This issue includes the articles “Fish Deformities In Alberta” and “Budget Cuts Whitefish” among others. The journal is published jointly by IKANAWTIKET Environmental Incorporated and the Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate. Download PDF copy.
3. New Fundy Tidal Power Facebook Page A new Fundy Tidal Power Facebook page is now online to promote discussion about the impacts of ongoing tidal developments in the Bay. This page is about the developments around tidal power in Nova Scotia, specifically focussed on the sensitive ecosystem of the area and the way developers are dealing with it, or not dealing with it, as may be the case. This site is advocating for the protection of our marine environments, specifically the responsible & sustainable development of tidal power in Nova Scotia, however, not the industrial application of units as proposed in the Upper Bay of Fundy. Visit page.
4. Parks Canada Recognizes Historical Significance of SABS In November Parks Canada unveiled two Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaques recognizing Canada’s Marine Biological Stations as an event of national historic significance. Special ceremonies were held at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and the St. Andrews Biological Station in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq stated that “Our Government is proud to welcome the Marine Biological Stations to the family of national historic designations, These institutions are recognized nationally and internationally for their contributions to marine science. We can take great pride in their more than 100 years of achievements, and through this commemoration, help ensure that Canadians of today and tomorrow get a sense of their immense contribution to Canada.” News Release. Backgrounder.
5. Sea Farmers 2014 Conference in Halifax The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia will hold its annual Sea Farmers Conference on January 30 & 31, 2014 at the Delta Halifax Hotel. This year's conference, "Raising the Bar for Responsible Growth", will take an in-depth look at codes of practice from other countries and industries, and how they have effected business operations, stakeholder relations, market access and overall industry growth. More information.
6. Website Focuses on Adapting to Climate Change The Northeast Climate Change Adaptation Website is part of the national StormSmart Coasts Network. The website provides information on how coastal communities from the Bay of Fundy to Long Island Sound are adapting land use laws, policies, programs, and infrastructure to changing environmental conditions, including a number of case studies. Visit website.
7. NS Energy Research and Development Conference in 2014 The Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA), in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, will host the 6th bi-annual Research & Development Conference at the Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre May 21st and 22nd, 2014. The objective is to inspire, learn and collaborate with stimulating and important discussions about the R&D challenges and opportunities in Nova Scotia’s Offshore Energy Sector. More information.
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Fundy/GOM and
other News:
1. Aerial Views of the Valley and Fundy Coast Local geographer Paul Illsley has recorded some stunning low altitude aerial images of many places in Kings County (including some Fundy coastal sites) using a remoter controlled quadcopter. You can view these images on Paul's Website.
2. Paper on MPA Planning in NS "Considerations for Marine Protected Area network planning on the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia with a focus on the identification of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas. By Gromack, A., and Allard, K. Research Document - 2013/066. Abstract. Download PDF Document (37 pages; 291K)
3. Papers on BoF salmon migration A couple of interesting papers out of the St. Andrews Biological Station dealing with salmon migration, including the endangered inner Bay of Fundy stocks.
4. Advisory Report on Inner BoF Salmon Important Marine and Estuarine Habitat of Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon. Science Advisory Report 2013/054. This Science Advisory Report is from the November 21-22, 2012, review of the Identification of Important Marine and Estuarine Habitat for Inner Bay of Fundy Salmon. Summary. Download Complete PDF Report. (27 pages; 943K)
5. Save salmon - Fish More Striped Bass? The Atlantic Salmon Federation suggests that Mark Hambrook makes a compelling case for expanding the recreational fishery for striped bass in New Brunswick, in order to return Atlantic salmon to healthy numbers. Striped bass are eating large numbers of smolt leaving the Miramichi. View article.
6. Do Mussels Reduce Organic Waste from Fish Farms? Review of the Organic Extractive Component of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in Southwest New Brunswick with Emphasis on the Blue Mussel. This Science Advisory Report is from the October 3-5, 2012, Review of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in Southwest New Brunswick. This review of the feasibility of using mussels to remove organic particulate material generated by salmon farms notes that: " it has not been clearly demonstrated that there is a net ecological benefit from the shellfish component of IMTA for reducing benthic organic enrichment to the benthos under the site, as the bulk of the organic load is believed to be comprised of larger particles outside the selection range of the filter feeders." View complete PDF document (16 pages; 330K)
7. The Hidden Costs of Farmed Salmon An opinion column by Alex Mifflin in the Huffington Post (Oct. 14, 2013) entitled "We Are What We Eat: The Hidden Cost of Eating Farmed Salmon" raises some interesting points about consumers buying farmed salmon. Read article.
8. Concerns Over Farmed Salmon Escaping into Fundy The Atlantic Salmon Federation ASF reports that more than 80 salmon escapees have been counted at the ASF-run fishway of the Magaguadavic River in southwest New Brunswick. This is raising alarms, as undoubtedly they are entering other rivers along the Bay of Fundy and Maine coasts. More details. There is also a video in which ASF's Jonathan Carr shows viewers the situation arising at the Magaguadavic fishway. View video. ASF is very much concerned with the high numbers of escaped farm salmon that are heading for rivers of southwest NB, and probably adjacent Maine. If these fish mate with wild populations, they reduce greatly the ability of the progeny to be successful. Read more.
9. Marine Plants Assessment in BoF Information to Support Assessment of Stock Status of Commercially Harvested Species of Marine Plants in Nova Scotia: Irish Moss, Rockweed and Kelp. By H. Vandermeulen. Research Document - 2013/042. Abstract - A literature review was performed which included examining over 200 publications relevant to the harvest of marine plants in Nova Scotia. The seaweeds included Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and kelps. The history of each harvest is presented along with an analysis of the harvest methods, timing and intensity of the harvests, and standing stocks. Environmental effects on the standing stocks were also examined. One of the guiding principles of the assessment was the preservation of the habitat value of the seaweeds on bay-wide scales in the face of harvest pressure. View complete PDF document (56 pages; 584K)
10. Fishing the Old Way - With Weirs In an article entitled “Stakes, nets and brush: Building livelihoods in the tide” Sadie Beaton reports on Bay of Fundy herring weir fishing. The article is part the Atlantic Canadian Fisheries Blog called “Small Scales” produced by the Ecology Action Centre. Read complete article.
11. Advisory Report on BoF Sturgeon Evaluation of Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) from the Bay of Fundy Population to Inform a CITES Non-Detriment Finding. Science Advisory Report 2013/047. This Science Advisory Report is from the January 17, 2013 National Peer Review on the Evaluation of the Saint John River population of Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) to Inform a CITES Non-Detriment Finding. Summary only. Download complete PDF report. (9 pages; 153K)
12. New Article on Right Whales in Fundy There is a new journal entry available on the Ecosystem Indictors Partnership ESIP webpage. The current entry focuses on changes in the Right Whale population of the Bay of Fundy. For those of you visiting ESIP's webpage for the first time since the redesign, look under the "Monthly Journal" tab or use the direct link . Be sure to check it out!
13. GOM Fish Stocks Shifting North? A new report “Preparing for Emerging Fisheries: An Overview of Mid-Atlantic Stocks on the Move” from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute provides an overview of fish stocks managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission that have shown a northward shift of the population center. Potential opportunities and limitations for emerging fisheries within the Gulf of Maine are highlighted. Full Report in PDF Format.
14. Paper on Warming of the Gulf of Maine? Meteorological, Sea Ice and Physical Oceanographic Conditions on the Scotian Shelf and in the Gulf of Maine during 2012. By D. Hebert, R. Pettipas, D. Brickman, and M. Dever. Research Document - 2013/058. Partial abstract: "A composite index consisting of ocean temperatures from surface to bottom across the region indicated that 2012 was the warmest of 43 years, with an averaged normalized anomaly of +2.8 SD relative to the 1981-2010 period." View complete PDF document. (51 pages; 7472K).
15. Study of Future of Tidal Power in NS The Halifax Chronicle Herald reported that an offshore energy research group is commissioning a study on the economic value of developing a tidal power industry in Nova Scotia. The nonprofit Offshore Energy Research Association announced that it's seeking expressions of interest for the project. There is massive potential for Nova Scotians in all sectors to develop the tidal energy industry. Full Story
16. German Company Consider Fundy Tidal Project The Chronicle Herald reported that A German company with a 90-year history in the marine industry is eyeing a tidal turbine project in the Bay of Fundy.Schottel GmbH has been developing its tidal energy technology, which involves multiple small turbines mounted on a vertical platform, for about 21/2 years. Full Story
17. Digby Neck Tidal Power Test in 2015 The Chronicle Herald reports that Fundy Tidal Inc. of Digby has its financing in order and announced that it hopes to have its first test machine operating by 2015 in Grand Passage on Digby Neck. Full Story. Also: New Turbine Technology to be Tested in Joint Project. Also: Digby Group Unites Tidal Forces.
18. Fundy Tidal Power by 2015? The Chronicle Herald reports that Fundy Tidal Inc. has inked a deal with partners that could see the company begin harnessing tidal currents and converting it into electricity as early as 2015. Full Story
19. Lagoon-style Tidal Facility Proposed for Scotts Bay The Chronicle herald reports that an American tidal power company is proposing a $3-billion lagoon-style tidal facility in Scots Bay. Halcyon Tidal Power is seeking an exclusive marine lease to build a 1,100-megawatt tidal barrage, or dam-like structure, which would stretch 10 kilometres from Cape Split to Baxters Harbour.The project in Scots Bay is a commercial-scale tidal range project using a tidal lagoon structure. Full Story | |
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