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~ FUNDY
TIDINGS ~
March 2017 ~ Winter Issue | |
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HEADLINES:
B. Partners and other organizations: C. Fundy/GOM and other News: | |
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1. BoFEP Steering Committee Meeting There will be a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership on: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Canadian Wildlife Service Office 17 Waterfowl Lane, Sackville, NB
Agenda 1pm: Welcome and introductions by Chairperson 1:15: Reports: Treasurer’s Report-detailed financial statement Communications Report Report from the Coordinator--Projects submitted Ocean Literacy – Terms of reference Report on activity of the informatics/eiui wg Activities related to NS Fish Kills 2:00: BoFEP Committees 2:45: 2018 BoFEP Science Workshop 3:00: Other business and Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie U. “A study of marine litter along Nova Scotia coastlines” 3:45: Closing Remarks
Members of the Steering Committee and BoFEP members/partners are invited to attend. For additional information contact: mjanowicz@hotmail.com
2. Ecological Risk Assessment Report for Fundy: DDT and Hg The final report, "Ecological Risk Assessment for the Bay of Fundy: DDT and Mercury", is now available on the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) website. The Bay of Fundy supports a high diversity of marine life and is an ecologically and economically critical resource for the region. Despite its importance, little is known about whether contaminants are currently threatening the species that inhabit the Bay. Both DDT and the organic form of mercury concentrate through aquatic food webs to levels that can cause health problems for fish eaters or the fish themselves. This report provides an overview on these two contaminants of concern, reviews the concentrations of DDT and Hg that have been measured in wildlife in the Bay of Fundy, and assesses whether these levels may be posing a risk to these species.
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B. Partners and other
organizations: 1. Undergrad Field Course in GOM Intertidal Ecology The Eagle Hill Institute in Steuben Maine will be hosting a five day Undergraduate Field Studies Program entitled "Marine Intertidal Community Ecology" on May 21-27, 2017. The course will be taught at an introductory level by Thomas Trott, Associate Professor of Biology at Suffolk University, and will be suitable for undergrads, teachers and novices. More information about Eagle Hill Programs.
2. Impact of Causeway Opening on Mudflats A paper entitled "Short-Term Response of a Downstream Marine System to the Partial Opening of a Tidal-River Causeway" by Travis G. Gerwing, Diana J. Hamilton, Myriam A. Barbeau, Katy Haralampides & Gordon Yamazaki has recently been published in the journal Estuaries and Coasts. May 2017, Volume 40, Issue 3, pp 717–725
3. ACCESS 2017 Conference in Montreal The Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society will hold its 2017 conference at McGill University in Montreal May 17 -19, 2017. On March 18th there will be a special Symposium on Sustainability of Coastal Ecosystem Services under Environmental Change. Deadline for abstracts is April 21st. More details and registration.
4. NS-NB Wildlife Corridor Expanded Under the saucy headline "Moose sex corridor for endangered population expands to 1,200 hectares" CBC News reports that the Nature Conservancy of Canada has added a large tract of land to its protected areas portfolio. The conservation area on the Chignecto Peninsula connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia allow wildlife populations, including Moose, lynx and bobcat, to freely move between the two provinces.
5. GOMRI Newsletter The winter 2016 issue of Tidings, the newsletter of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, features articles on coastal communities and their preparation for sea level rise, aquaculture opportunities in Maine, and other Gulf of Maine research news.
6. Thesis on Tidal Energy Development A Master of Marine Management (Dalhousie University) thesis by Patricia Rae Hinch entitled "Tidal Energy Development: Developing a conceptual framework for the integration of environmental and socio-economic impact information for management decisions, with particular reference to the lobster fishery in the upper Bay of Fundy." may deserve another look as tidal power development in the Bay of Fundy ramps up. Although produced in 2008, this comprehensive paper (158 pages) provides an excellent summary of key issues, potential impacts and also presents a few ideas which might help the argument on both sides of the ongoing debate, especially as the research, discussion and recommendations presented are based on a balanced consideration of social, economic and environmental concerns. Complete Hinch Paper. PDF format 1.8 MB
7. Student Ocean Conference in Halifax in September Sustainable Oceans is an annual student oceans conference led by the Master of Marine Management Students of the Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University. The 2017 conference will take place in Halifax on September 21st & 22nd. The overarching theme for this year is “Seeing Blue: Envisioning Our Future Oceans” with three subthemes: Collaboration: innovative approaches to collective participation; Communication: effective ocean education and literacy towards a sustainable future; Creativity: pioneering programs that take a creative approach for a brighter oceans vision. Deadline for abstracts April 10, 2017. More information and registration.
8. Reducing Conflict Between Wildlife and Renewable Energy World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada has developed a new tool to build habitat protection into the renewable-energy development process, so that conflicts with wildlife can be prevented before significant investments are considered. Renewables for Nature, an interactive digital tool, makes it easy to identify areas where renewable-energy potential is high and conflict with nature is comparatively low.
9. Committee Report on Wild Atlantic Salmon On Jan. 30 the House of
Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans released a report "Wild
Atlantic Salmon in Atlantic Canada" that looks at ways to restore wild
Atlantic Salmon, and the issues faced by the species.
Overview by Atlantic Salmon Federation.
10. FSRS Newsletter Available Online The winter 2016 newsletter, Hook Line and Thinker, of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society is now available online. It includes updates on the Society activities, an overview of the Big Moon Kinetic Keel project for capturing tidal energy, the Oceanadapt website about tracking fish populations as climate changes, and a listing of upcoming events.
11. Bay of Fundy Water Protectors The Bay of Fundy Water Protectors is an online group that serves as discussion forum for water issues globally and the Bay of Fundy in particular. Their goal is to communicate and network all things related to the health and safety of the Bay of Fundy. Visit their facebook page.
12. DFO Ocean Plan Progress Report for East Coast The Maritimes Region released its Regional Oceans Plan in 2014, which outlines the approach and actions that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is taking to support oceans and coastal management in the Maritimes Region. DFO committed to communicating progress on the implementation of the plan on a regular basis with other parts of DFO and with other government departments and stakeholders. DFO recently published a Progress Report covering the status and achievements over the past two years under our Implementation Priorities. REGIONAL OCEANS PLAN SCOTIAN SHELF/ATLANTIC COAST/BAY OF FUNDY Progress Report 2014-2016
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| C.
Fundy/GOM and
other News:
1. Land-based Fish Farm Gets Financial Support An innovative Nova Scotia land-based fish farm has been thrown a financial lifeline while it seeks restructuring to avoid bankruptcy. Canaqua Seafoods Ltd. grows fish on land in a unique system of tanks filled with seawater that filters naturally into inland wells from the Bay of Fundy. This is a much more environmentally friendly operation than the open pen fish farms that are promoted and heavily subsidized by the NB and NS provincial governments. The company was incorporated in West Advocate Harbour in 2006, a site chosen for its superior geological and hydrological properties required to produce sustainable land based seafood, utilizing seawater and freshwater from biosecure wells. It is the largest operating land-based, closed containment marine aquaculture system on the North American east coast. To date, the company has built up it's capacity to produce 250 metric tons of market Atlantic salmon, Atlantic halibut and Arctic charr annually.
2. Endangered Inner Fundy Salmon Population Tracked After releasing 130 inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon into the Petitcodiac tributaries in October, the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program is now tracking the progress of the spawning process of the fish. Full CBC News Report
3. Sea lice Outbreak in NB - a Near Disaster It is only now becoming apparent how close New Brunswick came to an environmental disaster last summer as a result of an outbreak of sea lice at an open-pen salmon farm in Passamaquoddy Bay. CBC News reports that " Documents filed with New Brunswick's Court of Queen's Bench reveal an environmental disaster was only narrowly averted last summer in the Bay of Fundy. The incident is tied to an outbreak of sea lice at aquaculture sites managed by the Gray Group, which had slipped into receivership owing millions of dollars to creditors. More than 250,000 salmon died from the fast-growing infestation before contractors managed to gain the upper hand. An additional 284,000 salmon were pre-emptively killed to contain the spread." Articles describing this serious issue include: Salmon farms have near disaster from sea lice outbreak (CBC News) Salmon farms receiver feared 'environmental disaster' from sea lice outbreak (CBC News)
Half a million fish die as company goes belly up (CBC News video
interview with Neville Crabbe of the Atlantic Salmon federation 9:50 mins)
4. Rebuild of Dam a Threat to Atlantic Salmon? In January the Atlantic Salmon Federation published an opinion piece on the affect a rebuild of the Mactaquac Dam would have on New Brunswick's Saint John River salmon: Mactaquac rebuild threatens salmon population . The most massive dam in Canada's Maritime Provinces will remain in place for several decades more, until 2068. The NB Salmon Council had submitted a brief that the river should be returned to its natural state. CBC News also has a video interview (9:58 mins) with representatives of Friends of Mactaquac Lake and the New Brunswick Salmon Council about the decision to restore the dam.
5. Bridge Over Petitcodiac River Welcomed The Announcement of the replacement of the gates on NB's Petitcodiac River by a bridge is welcome news to environmental groups, but conservationists say the wild salmon run in this river needs extra help. Petitcodiac Bridge Huge Step But Salmon Need More (CBC News). Petitcodiac River bridge construction begins in spring CBC News) Petitcodiac River changing faster than expected (CBC News)
6. TVO Video on Fundy Salmon Recovery Efforts The Bay of Fundy Biosphere Reserve episode of the Striking Balance documentary video series is now available online from TV Ontario. This episode features predominantly the work of Fundy National Park and the Fort Folly First Nation Habitat Recovery on Atlantic Salmon recovery in the first half (~30min) with some wonderful historical and current footage and a nice piece at the end on the newer multi-partner collaborative sea-cage project. Watch video (51:59 mins).
7. NS Retirement Home for Captive Whales? A U.S.-based non-profit group is looking to build the world's first retirement facility for captive whales and dolphins — and members are eyeing Nova Scotia or B.C. waters as the possible location for the sanctuary. Full CBC Story.
8. Fundy's Amazing Whales Focus of Publication The Council of Canadians has posted an interesting article on their website entitled: "The Magnificent Whales of the Bay of Fundy Don't Deserve Energy East". It highlights "A remarkable photo essay has just been published in the March/April issue of Canadian Wildlife Magazine entitled "Depths of Despair" that is the work of wildlife photojournalist and biologist Nick Hawkins, on assignment for the Canadian Wildlife Federation in the Bay of Fundy to document whale entanglements and the work of the Campobello Whale Rescue Team." This dedicated group helps free whales that have become entangled in fishing gear. The article goes on to suggest that "This fishing gear entanglement will be the fate of many more whales if Energy East is approved and the proposed 281 supertankers per year navigate the Bay of Fundy to export tar sands bitumen. Increased tanker traffic will adversely affect whales through increased noise/disturbance, ship strikes, and increased fishing gear loss leading to whale entanglements."
9. Joggins Fossil Cliffs Pioneer Dies at 94 Donald Reid, avid fossil collector and the founder of the Joggins Fossil Centre, passed away in November. His massive fossil collection was donated to the Joggins Fossil Institute after the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 200. Complete Obituary
10. Successful Deployment of Turbine at Fundy Test Site The successful deployment in November of a 1,000 tonne tidal turbine at the test site near Parrsboro by Cape Sharp Tidal resulted in a tidal wave of news commentary and rekindled the still smouldering controversy about the project. A sampling of the coverage includes: Giant tidal turbine now in position on Bay of Fundy seabed (Global News) Giant turbine placed on seabed to harness powerful Bay of Fundy tides (CTV News) 'Milestone' as giant turbine placed on seabed to harness powerful Fundy tides (NEWS 1130) Tidal turbine deployed in Bay of Fundy after months of delay (CleanTech Canada) Giant turbine placed on seabed to harness powerful Bay of Fundy tides (Chronicle Herald) Update: giant turbine placed on ocean floor (RCI) Cape Sharp Tidal power hits the grid (Chronicle Herald) Cape Sharp Tidal turbine in Bay of Fundy ready to connect to the grid (CBC News) Massive tidal turbine in Bay of Fundy generating electricity for 1st time (CBC News) Historic first as NS tames Fundy's tides, feeds power to electrical grid (The Chronicle Journal) Fishermen's federation threatens court action over turbines (Chronicle Herald) Tidal turbine case opens in N.S. Supreme Court (ReNew Canada) 2016 — the end or beginning of an era for marine energy? (Environment & Energy Publishing) OERA updates Bay of Fundy MRE infrastructure report (OERA) Province reviewing updated environmental plan for tidal power turbine site (CBC News) Funding for tidal power environmental monitoring research announced (OERA) Bay of Fundy tidal power turbine passes first environmental test (CBC News) Younger, Mi’kmaw elders blast province for lack of consultation… (Chronicle Herald) ‘Grinding Nemo’ billboard aims to raise awareness about tidal turbines (Global News) Fishermen’s association gets new court try against Minas tidal turbine (Chronicle Herald) Bay of Fundy tidal turbine battle opens in Halifax courtroom (CBC News) Researchers study how Fundy fish respond to tidal turbines (CBC News) Fishermen skeptical of third Fundy monitoring device (Chronicle Herald) TIDAL REVOLUTION: Harnessing the power of Fundy tides (Chronicle Herald) Healthy economies and ocean ecosystems can go hand-in-hand. Here’s how (WWF Canada)
11. New Way to Harness Tidal Energy A new company Big Moon Power is testing an innovative new way to extract energy from Fundy's massive tides using a "kinetic keel". CBC News in an article entitled "Could this 'no-brainer' concept be the key to harnessing the power of the Bay of Fundy tides?" reports that "the technology consists of two parts: a generator on land with a drum that holds a long rope, and an object in the water that looks like a deck barge, with a perpendicular piece of steel attached to the bottom called a Kinetic Keel." "The two devices are connected by a high-strength marine rope made from a polymer that's seven times stronger than steel. The keel moves with the tidal current, and the rope on the drum extends as the barge moves from shore and retracts as it gets closer; either way, as the drum turns, power is generated".
12. Mysterious Die-off of Marine Life in South-western Fundy In Mid-November large numbers of dead herring, crabs, lobsters, starfish and other sea life began washing ashore in the Annapolis basin and the nearby St, Mary’s Bay in south-western Nova Scotia. Dead creatures continued washing ashore for over a month. Extensive sampling and analysis by DFO and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and others failed to reveal a definitive cause. The incident triggered a wave of speculation including a toxic algal bloom, parasites, a virus, runoff from mink farms, aquaculture pesticides, tidal turbines and global warming. There seemed to be no evidence for any of these possibilities and ocean scientists suggest that it may have resulted from a “confluence of events” that resulted in the dramatic and localized die-off. See the interview (below) with marine biologist Boris Worm of Dalhousie for an excellent discussion of the situation. A sampling of articles about the situation include: Fish deaths in St. Mary's Bay baffle experts (Chronicle Herald) As more Nova Scotia beaches are flooded with dead herring, cause remains mystery (CBC News) Tests haven't pinpointed what killed herring in Digby County (CBC News) THE HUMBLE HERRING: An in-depth review of what has happened along the Nova Scotia Shore of the Bay of Fundy (KentCountyNBEnvironmentWatch) Public gathering data on ongoing herring die off in SW Nova Scotia (Digby Courier) DFO asks public to use caution with dead herring on shores of southwest NS More reports of dead fish from Bay of Fundy surfacing (Chronicle Herald) HERRING: Mortalities in Nova Scotia Nov-Dec 2016 (KentCountyNBEnvironmentWatch) Turbine Noise Killing Herring in NS? (Save the Bay of Fundy) ISSUES: New Herring and Invertebrate Mortalities reported December 26, 2016 (KentCountyNBEnvironmentWatch) UPDATE: What's killing the herring?Researcher and DFO check if parasites causing fish to wash upon shores of St. Mary's Bay. (Digby Courier) Starfish, crabs, mussels and lobster washing up on Plympton beaches (Digby Courier) Why are dead lobsters, crabs and herring washing up along this Nova Scotia shore? (CBC News) Masses of dead sea creatures being tested after washing ashore in Nova Scotia (CBC News) Don't eat dead or dying herring washing up off Digby, warns CFIA CBC News) Nothing amiss in environment where scores of sea creatures washed up dead (CBC News) Mystery endures in Canada over fish die-off (Portland Press Herald) As word of fish kill spreads abroad, N.S. scallop exporter gets worried calls (CBC News) Nova Scotia fish kill subsides, but cause remains unclear (CBC News) Our oceans guy on the mysterious death of sea creatures (CBC NEWS video interview with Boris Worm 11:48 mins) 'No smoking gun' found to explain hundreds of thousands of herring deaths (CBC News) 'Confluence of events' may have caused mysterious fish kill off Nova Scotia (Chronicle Herald) What Dead Fish on Nova Scotia’s Shores Really Means for Canada’s Oceans (Oceana)
13. NB and NS Will be impacted by Sea Level Rise A CBC news article entitled "Maritimes 'on losing end' of sea-level rise predictions, warns researcher" notes that marine ecologist Boris Worm of Dalhousie University claims that "New Brunswick and the rest of the Maritimes would be among the hardest hit by sea-level rises outlined in a new report by the U.S. government." The report suggests that ocean levels could increase between 0.35 metres and 2.5 metres by 2100.
14. Climate Change in GOM/Fundy Rising water temperatures off the Eastern Seaboard and in the Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy continue to concern ocean scientists. A recent CBC News report entitled "Warming trend continues in waters off Atlantic Canada " notes that " Warmer ocean temperatures off Atlantic Canada continued in 2016, maintaining a trend that started earlier this decade, according to survey results from Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans. On the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia, temperatures last year were as high as three degrees above the 30-year average used to establish climatic norms." And the Portland Press Herald in an article entitled " Big changes are occurring in one of the fastest-warming spots on Earth " reports that "The Gulf of Maine ….. has been warming rapidly as the deep-water currents that feed it have shifted. Since 2004 the gulf has warmed faster than anyplace else on the planet, except for an area northeast of Japan, and during the “Northwest Atlantic Ocean heat wave” of 2012 average water temperatures hit the highest level in the 150 years that humans have been recording them.
15. Fundy Herring Fishery Largest to Gain MSC Undercurrent News report that "The Canada 4VWX purse seine herring fishery in the Bay of Fundy area is the third and largest Canadian herring fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification as sustainable and well managed. Herring products from the purse seine vessels and processing companies based in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick can now carry the blue MSC label to inform customers the fishery meets a global standard for sustainability. Complete article.
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