Calling all Maritimers… and anyone else who cares about magical seascapes! We’re at a pivotal second in our persevering with quest to guard the Bay of Fundy.
I hardly must introduce Canadians to the Bay of Fundy. World-renowned for its excessive tides and “flowerpot” rock formations, the Bay is a saltwater haven between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that shelters at-risk species such because the Proper Whale, the American Eel and wild Atlantic Salmon. Now the federal authorities is in search of Canadians’ enter on find out how to defend this ecological gem in addition to different important marine areas on the Scotian Shelf (the part of the Continental Shelf off Nova Scotia).
To assist Canada’s objective to guard 30 % of our oceans by 2030, the Division of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has launched a public survey to gather suggestions from Canadians on the Scotian-Shelf- Bay of Fundy bioregion. The survey will assist DFO determine which areas needs to be designated marine protected areas.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are very important to sustaining the well being of the ocean round us. They defend habitats that wildlife want for feeding, breeding, and secure refuge. They assist protect necessary cultural and tourism alternatives for coastal communities. MPAs permit some actions resembling lobster fishing, however prohibit dangerous actions resembling drilling, mining, digging, and dredging.
Based mostly on suggestions obtained, the Division of Fisheries and Oceans will finalize a marine conservation community plan for the area. Click on right here or on the button under to entry the survey:
Cape Cut up headland within the Bay of Fundy (Picture: Rachel Reeve)
A survey is a mini-town corridor… with out folks speaking over each other
We have now numerous surveys coming at us today, however this one is effectively well worth the time of nature lovers and folks with a connection to the Bay. It permits residents to make a case for safeguarding the areas they know and love, and so supplies important uncooked materials for the planning course of. And naturally, It is usually a measure of engagement: the extra survey responses, the extra enthusiasm for the subject in query.
And there’s actually enthusiasm throughout the nation for safeguarding the Bay of Fundy: it’s one among North America’s seven pure wonders and attracts guests from around the globe. However like so most of the world’s pure wonders, it’s below growing stress from human use and environmental adjustments. The problem is to determine which stretches of the Bay needs to be conservation priorities.
Proposed conservation websites on the New Brunswick facet of the Bay embody the West Isles and Passages off southwest New Brunswick (often known as the Fundy Isles); the Horse Mussel Aggregations within the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; Lengthy Eddy (off the northern tip of Grand Manan Island); South Grand Manan Island; Chignecto Bay; and Salmon Rivers. Areas on the Nova Scotia facet of the Bay of Fundy embody Cobequid Bay, Southern Bight and Brier Island. (For a whole checklist of proposed websites, please go to the DFO web page Marine conservation community websites for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion. )
Survey steerage
To help survey-takers, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (New Brunswick Chapter) has recognized 13 particular marine areas that signify the varied habitats within the Bay of Fundy. We hope you will discover inspiration that can spur you to do the survey. The survey is open to public participation till June 29, and a ultimate plan is anticipated in December.
Let’s not miss this chance to share our opinions, experience, and enthusiasm in advancing safety for the Bay of Fundy. The one approach to make sure that marine protected areas get created is to talk up. Now’s our likelihood!
For extra data, please see the DFO web page: Marine Conservation Community Plan for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion.
