68. White's Point Quarry Hearings [Posted May 17, 2007]
67. Gulf of Maine Council Visionary and Longard Awards/the NS Bay of Fundy Awards Ceremony. [Posted December 22, 2005]
66. Draft Plan on Coral Conservation in Eastern Canada [Posted May 29, 2005]
65. Preliminary Study on the Potential of Tidal Power in NB [Posted May 29, 2005]
64. Proceedings of the Gulf of Maine Summit Available.[Posted May 29, 2005]
63. Ransom Myers to speak at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society CPAWS AGM [Posted May 29, 2005]
62. Minas Basin WG Student Interns hired for 2005 summer [Posted May 18, 2005]
61. New Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute [Posted December 7, 2004]
60. The Soundings Institute: Advancing Community-Based Practices in Marine Conservation and Management [Posted December 7, 2004]
59. Update on Proposed Victoria Beach Basalt Quarry. [Posted December 5, 2004]
58. Avon River (Windsor) Causeway Public Information Meeting Rescheduled to December 2, 2004 [Posted November 22, 2004]
57. AGM of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition [Posted November 22, 2004]
56. A draft Summary of the State of the Minas Basin now available. [Posted March 2, 2004]
55. CCNB Seeks Executive Director [Posted February 18, 2004]
54. Solar Sightings Contest - Clean Nova Scotia Foundation [Posted February 11, 2004]
53. Job Opportunity -Centre for Community-Based Resource Management, St. Andrews, NB [Posted February 11, 2004]
52. Employment Opportunity with Parks Canada [Posted February 11, 2004]
51. Rural Policy Forum [Posted February 10, 2004]
50. New global study shows elevated contaminants in farmed salmon [Posted January 10, 2004]
49. Salt Marsh Conference, first announcement. [Posted January 6, 2004]
48. Report on Significant Coastal Areas in the Bay of Fundy [Posted December 1, 2003]
47. New Fundy Issue just published  [Posted November 27, 2003]
46. Minas Basin Working Group hires coordinator   [Posted November 27, 2003]
45. New Coordinator for BoFEP Secretariat  [Posted November 27, 2003]
44. State of the Minas Basin Forum Held in Wolfville  [Posted November 27, 2003]
43. Huntsman Training Workshop on Multivariate Analysis  [Posted November 27, 2003]
42. Report Presents Vision for Aquaculture in Canada  [Posted November 27, 2003]
41. New Report on Aquatic Invasive Species in Canada  [Posted November 27, 2003]
40. Report on Environmental Progress in New Brunswick  [Posted November 27, 2003]
39. Establishment of Coastal Zones Research Institute at UNB [Posted November 27, 2003]
38. Ocean Zoning: The Next Step for the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine? [Posted November 27, 2003]
37. Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. [Posted November 27, 2003]
36. Eelgrass Workshop Sackville, NB December 17-18 [Posted October 29, 2003]
35. Researchers Find Evidence of Biotoxin in Georges Bank Humpback Deaths [Posted October 29, 2003]
34. Census of Marine Life to Assess Life in Ocean [Posted October 29, 2003]
33.  Gulf of Maine Summit Coordinator Contract Position  [Posted October 21, 2003]
32. Moncton Pleads Guilty in Landfill Case [Posted October 21, 2003]
31. Marshes, Tides and Crossings in Colchester County, NS [Posted October 21, 2003]
30. Fact Sheet on Contamination of Coastal Water around GOM [Posted October 21, 2003]
29. Article Highlights Cheverie Creek Saltmarsh Restoration Project [Posted October 21, 2003]
28. Report Looks at Impacts of the Cruise Industry [Posted October 21, 2003]
27. NS Nature Trust's Sixth Annual Dinner and Silent Auction [Posted October 21, 2003]
26. Job Announcement - Marine Conservation Program Assistant [Posted October 8, 2003]
25. Final Synthesis Reports of the Minas Basin Community Forums available online [Posted September 24, 2003]
24. Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group Meeting Held [Posted September 22, 2003]
23. Call for Nominations - NSDEL 2003 Bay of Fundy Awards [Posted September 16, 2003]
22. Call for Nominations - Gulf of Maine Council Annual Recognition Awards [Posted September 16, 2003]
21. In Memoriam - Ewout (Walt) van Walsum [Posted September 5, 2003]
20. Celebrate Coastweek - September 20-27th. [Posted August 27, 2003]
19. Environmental Assessment of Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal launched [Posted August 25, 2003]
18. State Of The Eastern Scotian Shelf Ecosystem [Posted August 25, 2003]
17. Collaborative Science Initiatives In Atlantic Canada [Posted August 25, 2003]
16. Canadian Long-Term  Weather Data Now Online [Posted August 25, 2003]
15. New Journal - Tourism in the Marine Environment [Posted August 25, 2003]
14. Gulf of St. Lawrence Estuarine Research Society Workshop and AGM  [Posted August 25, 2003]
13. OMRN Conference - Second Call for Papers [Posted August 25, 2003]
12. Sea Worm Farm Ready To Enter Maine Bait Market [Posted August 25, 2003]
11. New Brunswick Sea Level Rise Project Under Way [Posted August 2, 2003]
10. OMRN Conference Call For Papers [Posted August 2, 2003]
9. EcoAction Funding approvals [Posted August 2, 2003]
8. Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup in September [Posted August 2, 2003]
7. Nova Scotia Releases Environmental Plan [Posted August 2, 2003]
6. Bay Of Fundy Shipping Lanes To Protect Right Whale In Effect [Posted August 2, 2003]
5. Ballast Water Workshop [Posted August 2, 2003]
4. Contaminated Sediments Database for the Gulf Of Maine [Posted August 2, 2003]
3. Environmental and Social Costs Of Farming Carnivorous Fish [Posted August 2, 2003]
2. Coastal Communities Workshop [Posted August 2, 2003]
1. Recent Paper on Monitoring MEQ in Bay of Fundy [Posted August 2, 2003]
 

65. Preliminary Study on the Potential of Tidal Power in NB
The Province of New Brunswick will participate in a preliminary study on the potential of tidal power. The site-specific study includes an assessment of the feasibility of tidal power off the Province's coastline, and identifying potential projects and demonstration sites. The study will assess the potential for this new generation of tidal flow, using simple turbines installed on the seabed. It will be carried out by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) - http://www.epri.com. For information, access
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ene/2005e0570en.htm.

64. Proceedings of the Gulf of Maine Summit Available.
The "Gulf of Maine Summit: Committing to Change" was held in October 2004 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The Summit brought together coastal experts, concerned citizens, fisheries and aquaculture representatives, businesses and leaders from around the Gulf of Maine to assess current environmental conditions, share knowledge and develop plans for future actions needed to continue improving the environmental quality of the Gulf. The Summit Proceedings are available at http://www.gulfofmainesummit.org/report.html.

56. A draft Summary of the State of the Minas Basin now available.
On October 28th 2003, a forum on the State of the Minas Basin (SOMB) was held in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together a diverse group of resource users, scientists, managers, and individuals with knowledge of the local environmental characteristics to discuss the health and quality of the Minas Basin watershed. The outputs from this particular forum include the completion of a series of matrices. This information is compiled and presented in this report for further analysis. In addition, the matrices are supplemented with background notes that further explain the justification for many of the assessments. A participant list, matrix instructions and agenda are included in the appendices. These community forums feed into a larger process of assessing the environmental health and quality of the greater Gulf of Maine region. The particular area that was specified for this session was the Minas Basin watershed. A draft copy of the report in PDF format is now available.

Abstract: The annual global production of farmed salmon has increased by a factor of 40 during the past two decades. Salmon from farms in northern Europe, North America, and Chile are now available widely year-round at relatively low prices. Salmon farms have been criticized for their ecological effects, but the potential human health risks of farmed salmon consumption have not been examined rigorously. Having analyzed over 2 metric tons of farmed and wild salmon from around the world for organochlorine contaminants, we show that concentrations of these contaminants are significantly higher in farmed salmon than in wild. European-raised salmon have significantly greater contaminant loads than those raised in North and South America, indicating the need for further investigation into the sources of contamination. Risk analysis indicates that consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon may pose health risks that detract from the beneficial effects of fish consumption.
For the complete publication go to: http://www.pewtrusts.com/pdf/salmon_study.pdf

49. Salt Marsh Conference, first Announcement
Salt Marsh Geomorphology: Physical and Ecological Effects on Landform
American Geophysical Union - Chapman Conference
October 9-13, 2004
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Please mark your brand new calendars now!
The goal of this conference is the integration of physical and ecological sciences to gain additional insight on the interactions between salt marsh ecology, geomorphology and intertidal sedimentary processes.  High levels of salt marsh and mudflat productivity are attributable to many physical and biological factors. The areal extent and quality of marsh and mudflat habitats vary in response to the dynamic balance between organic matter accumulation, sedimentary processes, land form characteristics and sea level rise, and the intertidal landscape is the template upon which these highly productive ecosystems thrive.  Hence, feedback between ecology-sediment transport-geomorphology ultimately controls their sustainability.  The conference is structured to promote exchange between physical and biological scientists through plenary presentations, panel discussion, small group break out sessions, and field trips.  We anticipate publication of the contributions, and to deliver a summary of the "state of the science" with a cross-disciplinary perspective, both in a special issue journal.
Abstract Deadline June 10, 2004
For more information: http://www.agu.org/meetings/meetings.html
 

48. Report on Significant Coastal Areas in the Bay of Fundy
Buzeta, M-I., R. Singh, and S.Young-Lai. 2003 Identification of Significant Marine and Coastal Areas in the Bay of Fundy. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aqua. Sci. 6473: xii + 179 pp + figs. Abstract
This document presents a summary of significant¹ marine and coastal areas in the Bay of Fundy, as defined in this document by:

With the many pressures on our ecosystem it is essential to identify these areas and ascertain those that may require special protection or immediate attention. The identification of these important sites can provide some of the groundwork towards Integrated Management of coastal waters, and the incorporation of Marine Protected Areas within a management area.

Significant¹ sites were identified through the scientific literature, or by academic and local experts. Effort has been made to include local or traditional knowledge, along with scientific data, through a series of workshops. It is hoped that this document will promote participation and input into Integrated Management by coastal communities, and be seen as the first of a series of updates that will continue to include more data and public knowledge.

The report contains a summary of existing information for each site, presented as a series of maps. Also included are the proceedings of information gathered through workshops.

47. New Fundy Issue just published
Fundy Issue # 24 entitled "Living Lightly on Land and Water: Native People and the Bay of Fundy" has just been published.
It looks at the 11 centuries of resource use by humans in the Fundy region and concludes that: "We would do well to recognize that the Native people of the region, with their ancient traditions founded upon knowledge, respect and appreciation for the natural world, have much to teach us about caring for the land and water, and using its plants and animals wisely. If we heed their counsel, appreciate the fundamental truths of their age-old wisdom and work constructively together, future generations may yet continue to reap the benefits of Fundy's diverse and productive natural resources, as the Native people of the region successfully did for many thousands of year."
Copies are available from: communications@bofep.org .
It will also be appearing on the BoFEP Website shortly.

46. Minas Basin Working Group hires coordinator
Lisa McCuaig has been hired by the Minas Basin Working Group to work with community groups within the Minas Basin watershed to develop and implement Action Plans to address issues identified by the communities in a recent series of forums. It is hoped to secure additional funding to continue the contract beyond its present 6-month period (15/07/2003 - 15/01/2004). Her objectives in order of priority are:

Lisa looks forward to discussing her work and assisting in the development of action plans with any interested groups in the Minas Basin watershed. She can be reached at either of two locations:

Mon, Wed, Fri (902) 585-1311 lisa.mccuaig@acadiau.ca
Tues, Thurs (902) 865-9646 mccuaiglm@eastlink.ca
(Note based on Lisa's letter of introduction)

45. New Coordinator for BoFEP Secretariat
In the September issue of Fundy Tidings it was reported that Nancy Roscoe-Huntley had stepped down as BoFEP coordinator and to take a position in the Biology Department at Acadia University. Amanda Tree has been hired to take Nancy's place as both BoFEP coordinator of the BoFEP Secretariat and the Administrative Assistant at the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research.
She is based at the Estuarine Centre and can be contacted at:
Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER)
23 Westwood Avenue, Box 115, Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6
Tel: (902)585-1113 Fax: (902)585-1054
E-mail: amanda.tree@acadiau.ca or secretariat@bofep.org

We all wish Amanda every success in her new position(s) and look forward to working with her to advance the interests of BoFEP

44. State of the Minas Basin Forum Held in Wolfville
On October 28th, 2003 a Forum on the State of the Minas Basin was held at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville, NS. It's objective was to discuss the state of the environment of the Minas basin and its watershed. The results from this forum will feed into similar initiatives taking place in each watershed tall around the Gulf of Main, and will culminate in a Gulf of Maine Summit in the fall of 2004, which will produce a comprehensive State of the Environment Report for the entire Gulf of Maine region. Invited participants discussed and completed a coloured  matrix of various indicators of environmental quality specific to the Minas Basin watershed. Five principal; categories were discussed: 1) Water quality; 2) Presence and status of critical habitats or natural areas; 3) Changes in species; 4) Changes in use and integrity of riparian and water zones and 5) Changes in resource use. The Forum was sponsored and organized by the Minas Basin Working Group of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership. A summary report on the workshop results will be posted on the BoFEP Website as soon as it is available. For additional information contact the Chair of the Minas Basin Working Group.

43. Huntsman Training Workshop on Multivariate Analysis
Analysis of Multivariate Data from Ecology and Environmental Science, premiering version 6 of PRIMER software package. This will be a hands-on workshop on statistical analysis and interpretation of community structure data for environmental analysis. The workshop will take place over four full days and will cover the statistical analysis of assemblage data (species by samples matrices of abundance, area cover etc) and/or multi-variable environmental data which arise in a wide range of applications in ecology and environmental science, from basic biological studies (e.g. of dietary composition or population size-structure), through community-based field studies, environmental impact assessments and monitoring of large-scale biodiversity change, to purely physical or chemical analyses.
Location: Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, New Brunswick,
Dates: 26-29 April, 2004   Instructor: Dr. K. R. Clarke
Target Audience: Professionals, researchers, students   Prerequisite: No prior statistical knowledge is assumed
Costs ($ Canadian): Course, $550-1140; Software, $225-900

Registration: Limited to 25 participants. This course was fully booked when held the first two times at Huntsman. Therefore early registration is recommended.

For information and registration forms Contact:
Gerhard Pohle, Ph.D., Associate Director (HMSC)
Huntsman Marine Science Centre, 1 Lower Campus Road
St. Andrews, N.B., E5B 2L7
Tel.: (506) 529-1203 Fax: (506) 529-1212 arc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Additional information may be found on the HMSC website www.huntsmanmarine.ca

42. Report Presents Vision for Aquaculture in Canada
The Commissioner for Aquaculture Development, Yves Bastien, has released his report entitled "Achieving the Vision". The report describes the socio-economic benefits that aquaculture has brought to Canada; concludes that aquaculture is an environmentally sustainable method by which to produce fish; describes a 15-year vision; and outlines a role for the federal government to collaborate with the provinces and all stakeholders. The report is available at:
http://www.ocad.gc.ca/enewsreleasesbg031030.html.

41. New Report on Aquatic Invasive Species in Canada
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has produced a report entitled "Aquatic Invasive Species: Uninvited Guests", available at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/37/2/FOPO/Studies/Reports/foporp04-e.htm.
The Government of Canada has reviewed the recommendations contained in this report and has provided responses to each recommendation, available at:   http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/reports/aquaspec-espaqua/index_e.htm
For Background information on Invasive species in the Bay of Fundy refer to Fundy Issues # 23. "Alien Invasions: Introduced Species in the Bay of Fundy and Environs"

40. Report on Environmental Progress in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's first Report on Environmental Progress entitled "Air, Land and Water - Reporting to New Brunswickers on Environmental Progress" reports on air quality, land planning and management, and water quality. The report is available at:
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/elg/2003e1048el.htm

39. Establishment of Coastal Zones Research Institute at UNB
The Coastal Zones Research Institute (CZRI) is being established at the Shippagan campus of the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick. The Institute's main objective is to foster sustainable development of the resources found in coastal zones, mainly in eastern New Brunswick and the Atlantic Provinces. For information, access:  http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/rdc/2003e0934rd.htm

38. Ocean Zoning: The Next Step for the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine?
Press release November 10, 2003
"It is obvious that the current system of managing our oceans is not achieving conservation or sustainability. We need a new approach, and zoning, if guided by good science and conservation, may be part of the answer," says Penny Doherty, Marine Communications Coordinator of the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) and author of a newly released report on stakeholders' perspectives on zoning the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine. "People see the need to use different parts of the ocean in different ways, and to develop a plan cooperatively," continues Ms. Doherty. The report is based on interviews with a diverse group of people, including fishermen, oil and gas representatives, scientists and conservationists. The current approach to ocean management in Atlantic Canada is not adequately protecting the ocean ecosystem, its resources or the livelihoods of coastal communities. Many conservation and regulatory agencies are promoting marine protected areas (MPAs) as a potential solution to restoring our marine resources. The EAC believes there must be a broader approach that considers all marine creatures in all areas as well as the human and economic components of the marine system. "MPA's are one aspect of marine conservation, but we also need to look at the bigger picture that involves all stakeholders and all parts of the ocean," says Ms. Doherty. "Zoning is one way that we deal with land based activities. For example, we have wilderness areas, towns and farmlands where different human activities take place and where there are varying
levels of environmental protection." Other countries with valuable and diverse marine ecosystems have already implemented zoning schemes such as in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Ocean zoning
appears to be one of the best ways to achieve conservation objectives, to accommodate multiple users and to coordinate management among various jurisdictions and authorities.

For more information, contact:
Penny Doherty, Marine Communications Coordinator
Ecology Action Centre Phone: 902-429-2202 Fax: 902-422-6410

37. Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Press Release November 6, 2003 (4:30 p.m. EST) No. 171
The Government of Canada today announced that Canada is ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham will sign Canada's instrument of ratification on November 6, 2003, and it will be deposited with the UN Secretary-General immediately thereafter. UNCLOS is the culmination of decades of international negotiations. It provides the framework for international oceans law, governing many aspects of oceans affairs, from fisheries and navigation to marine pollution and scientific research. "By ratifying UNCLOS, we are affirming our belief in the application of the rule of law to our oceans," said Minister Graham. "UNCLOS ratification will provide a strong foundation for Canada to continue its collaborative and innovative approach to oceans issues." Ratification of the Convention will allow Canada to enjoy the benefits of UNCLOS, including acquisition of the means to delimit the outer edge of its continental shelf. Canada is also gaining a voice in UNCLOS institutions, such as the International Seabed Authority. Canada will now be able to speak on oceans issues on an equal footing with its peers and participate in decisions of importance to Canada. "UNCLOS will strengthen international cooperation in the sustainable development of natural resources in a way that balances our common economic, social and environmental goals," said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Robert Thibault. "Canada is committed to marine conservation, partnership and greater scientific understanding of Canada's oceans." "Ratification of UNCLOS opens the door for Canada to secure international recognition of the full extent of our vast continental shelf, which is one of the world's richest in seabed resources," said Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal. "Canada is committed to the sustainable development of our natural resources, contributing to their economic importance and to a strong society and communities."

Canada will also ratify the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Part XI deals with the mineral resources of the deep seabed. At the time of ratification, Canada will also file a declaration with the UN Secretary-General regarding its choice of dispute settlement forums for disputes arising under the Convention. UNCLOS entered into force in 1994 and is one of the world's most widely accepted treaties. Canada's ratification brings the number of parties to 144.
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

36. Eelgrass Workshop Sackville, NB December 17-18
A Workshop on the Status, Trends and Conservation of Eelgrass in Atlantic Canada is scheduled to be held in Sackville New Brunswick on December 17 and 18, 2003. The workshop will be held at the Coastal Inn. Rooms are $ 75.00 night. Call 1-888-704-7444 , or 506-536-0000 and mention the Eelgrass Workshop to receive this rate and reserve your room. For more information or to join the mailing list for the Workshop please contacts Dr. Alan Hanson, Wetland & Waterfowl Ecologist Canadian Wildlife Service - Atlantic Region. More information on the Workshop (such as the Agenda) will be distributed in a couple of weeks.

35. Researchers Find Evidence of Biotoxin in Georges Bank Humpback Deaths
Woods Hole, Mass. -- Researchers examining samples taken from five dead whales on Georges Bank this past summer have discovered domoic acid in some of the samples. Domoic acid is a toxin produced naturally during some harmful algal blooms. It has been associated with marine mammal deaths on the U.S. West Coast. "It's not exactly a smoking gun, but it's the most significant finding to date," said Katie Touhey, onsite coordinator of the investigation into the deaths, and leader of the Cape Cod Stranding Network. "We are still awaiting results of several analyses to understand the whole picture of what may have happened to these whales," said Touhey. Between July 3 and July 30, 2003, NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency charged with protecting and recovering the nation's whale populations, received 21 reports of dead large whales, mostly humpback whales. The carcasses were sighted dead on, or in proximity to, Eastern Georges Bank, and in coastal waters off Southern New England. Some samples retrieved from the dead whales have so far tested negative for saxitoxin, another biotoxin produced naturally during some harmful algal blooms. Other samples from the animals are still being tested for the substance. In addition, plankton, herring and other fish were sampled during the event and are still being analyzed for any evidence of naturally-occurring biotoxins or other agents that might further explain the deaths. If domoic acid proves to be the culprit, it would be the first known incidence of marine mammal deaths on the East Coast associated with this biotoxin, although how the animals may have been exposed to the toxin is undetermined. poisoning."
For more information contact: Teri Frady, Chief of Research Communications, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Region
(508) 495-2239 or teri.frady@noaa.gov  (http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/)

34. Census of Marine Life to Assess Life in Ocean
The Census of Marine Life (CoML), a research program that "seeks to assess the diversity, distribution, and abundance of ocean life and to explain how it changes over time," was launched officially at a symposium at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., on October 23.
The CoML contains several different elements:

•  Initial Field Projects will demonstrate the use of novel techniques or technologies that can be applied to future studies. Many studies will take place in poorly known regions and test new and existing methods for surveying marine life.
• The History of Marine Animal Populations (HMAP) project will enable biologists and marine historians to "restore and analyze historical data from the past 500 years, before human impact on the ocean became significant."
   
• The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) is a distributed database systems that will "allow researchers to use many different datasets to create visualizations of the distribution and abundance of organisms together with environmental parameters in three dimensions."
   
• The Future of Marine Animal Populations (FMAP) project will "utilize and synthesize all data obtained from HMAP, the field projects and OBIS databases in models to predict potential pictures future ecosystems."

Among the regional field studies the CoML will be conducting include the Gulf of Maine Project, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Ecosystem Project, and the Pacific Ocean Salmon Tagging Project.
For Further Information: Details about the CoML are available at the census website, www.coml.org

33. Gulf of Maine Summit Coordinator Contract Position
The Gulf of Maine Summit (www.gulfofmainesummit.org) is scheduled for October 26-29, 2004 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The goal of this international conference is to assess the health of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and resources from the bottom up. It is anticipated that the Summit will draw an estimated 300 participants from around the Gulf of Maine and beyond.  The Summit is being planned by the Global Programme of Action Gulf of Maine Pilot Project (GPAC) along with the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (GOMCME at www.gulfofmaine.org). As the Summit draws near, a part-time Coordinator is needed to ensure a successful event. This part-time contract position is funded for 20 hours per week from November 2003 to December 2004. The Coordinator is being sought to coordinate all aspects of the Summit, including logistics, speakers, report development, fundraising and external relations. The ideal candidate will have an educational/experiential background that includes familiarity with environmental issues in the region, conference planning, leadership, and an ability to operate effectively with diverse people. Previous experience with regional marine environmental organizations is desired. Exceptional organizational skills are required.

Please send resume, cover letter, and compensation requirements via email (no attachments please), fax or post by October 30, 2003 to:
Maxine Westhead
Oceans Biologist, Bay of Fundy
Bedford Institute of Oceanography
PO Box 1006, B500
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 Canada
Ph: 902.426.4215 Fax: 902.426.3855 Email: westheadm@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

32. Moncton Pleads Guilty in Landfill Case
The City of Moncton in New Brunswick has pleaded guilty to federal environmental charges related to a decommissioned landfill. This is the first time that a municipality has been prosecuted by Environment Canada for landfill problems. Moncton has been ordered to arrange and pay for all work needed to ensure that the landfill meets the requirements of the federal
Fisheries Act. The investigation was initiated because of evidence provided by Petitcodiac Riverkeeper, a local environmental group. For details, access
http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/newsreleases/default.asp?lang=En&n=8A1B08C8

31. Marshes, Tides and Crossings in Colchester County, NS
The Ecology Action Centre and the Municipality of Colchester County have produced a report entitled "Marshes, Tides and Crossings: Colchester County Tidal Barriers Audit Report 2002". The report presents the results of the tidal barriers audit which was performed during the summer of 2002. It also provides an overview of some of the consequences for fish, wildlife and the integrity of coastal ecosystems resulting from the loss and degradation of productive salt marsh habitat. To obtain a copy, email coastal@ecologyaction.ca

30. Fact Sheet on Contamination of Coastal Water around GOM
The Gulfwatch regional monitoring program of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has released a fact sheet on its findings about contamination in coastal waters over the past decade. The fact sheet is available at
http://gulfofmaine.org/council/publications/gulfwatchfactsheet.pdf

29. Article Highlights Cheverie Creek Saltmarsh Restoration Project
The fall issue of the Gulf of Maine Times features an article on the Cheverie Creek salt marsh restoration project. If successful, the project will become the first community-based salt marsh restoration in Nova Scotia. Click on 'Headlines' at http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/fall2003/index.htm

28. Report Looks at Impacts of the Cruise Industry
A report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) states that Canadian ports have paid insufficient attention to the costs of development and tended to overestimate income from the cruise industry."Charting a Course: The Cruise Industry, the Government of Canada and Purposeful Development" documents all of the issues that a port city needs
to consider in developing cruise ship tourism. The report also examines Canada's voluntary approach to the regulation of cruise ship discharges into coastal waters. It is available at http://www.policyalternatives.ca

27. NS Nature Trust's Sixth Annual Dinner and Silent Auction
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust invites you to attend an evening event with guest speaker Monte Hummel, featuring a dinner and silent auction of wonderful art pieces, exciting adventures and scenic vacations. Monte Hummel has been a leader in the conservation movement at the national level for over 30 years. As President of World Wildlife Fund Canada since 1985, he has led the organization to help downlist or remove 28 wildlife species from Canada's official Species at Risk list. Through WWF's Endangered Spaces campaign, over 1000 new parks and wilderness areas have been designated, more than doubling the amount of protected area in Canada. Date: Saturday, November 22, 2003. Dinner tickets are $75 with tables of 10 at $750. Silent Auction is open to the public. To order dinner tickets, please contact the Nova Scotia Nature Trust office at 425-5263 or see our website www.nsnt.ca and complete & return the ticket order form.

26. Job Announcement - Marine Conservation Program Assistant
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick has an opening for a highly motivated, self-directed person to help out with the Marine Conservation Program. This person has post-secondary training, preferably in university sciences, and is very comfortable with a range of computer programs (Power Point, Word Perfect, spreadsheets required; Arc Info would be nice). He/she is a quick and eager learner, can handle several tasks at once, and is equally at home handling workshop logistics as searching scientific journals for critical information. From broad direction on a project, he/she can discern priorities, establish tasks to be done, carry them out with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines. He/she is a good organizer and communicator (bilingualism is preferred), is not afraid of the telephone or public speaking, and above all, wants to work as part of a dedicated team of environmentalists to sound the alarm on environmental degradation and protect our fragile ecosystems.

This is full-time, short-term position begins October 27, 2003 and ends on March 26, 2004 and is located in Fredericton. Remuneration is $12/hour. Deadline for application is October 17.

If you are this person, please send a letter by fax or e-mail explaining why you want this job (extremely important) along with a resume outlining your educational, work and volunteer experiences that qualify you for the position, to: Janice Harvey, Marine Conservation Director, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Fax: 506-466-2911
E-mail: ccnbharvey@nb.aibn.com

25. inal Synthesis Reports of the Minas Basin Community Forums available online
Two synthesis reports [ Tables of contents and executive summaries only available in HTML format. Full reports available in PDF format] produced by the Minas Basin Working Group in connection with the very successful Minas Basin Community Forums are now available online. The first, entitled "Planning for Action in the Minas Basin Watershed"  synthesizes the results of the forums held  in four communities around the Basin. The second, entitled "Minas Basin Watershed Profile" provides a wealth of socio-economic, land-use, resource base and other information for the region. A limited number of paper copies are available from: BoFEP Secretariat, Acadia Centre for Estuarine research, P.O. Box 115, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada  B4P 2R6.

24. Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group Meeting Held
A meeting of the BOFEP - Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group was held at the Conference Centre, Biological Station in St. Andrews on August 26, 2003. There were eight attendees (two other members sent regrets) with a very wide spectrum of interests ranging from benthic ecology and biodiversity to geology and mapping. Discussions focussed on the rationale for setting up the working group and on the terms of reference. Most of the other active Working Groups are focussed on the intertidal areas in the Upper Bay of Fundy, hence, it was felt that this Working Group would bring a balance to BOFEP. The Terms of Reference states that the geographic focus will initially be on benthic habitats in the Outer Bay of Fundy. The overall theme for the group will be to provide Science contributions for identification of priority areas and 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, and coordination of ongoing and new activities within these themes. Others with similar interests are invited to join this Working Group by contacting the coordinator, Maria-Ines Buzeta (buzetam@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca). More information available in the meeting minutes.

23. Call for Nominations - NSDEL 2003 Bay of Fundy Awards
NSDEL is now calling for nominations for two 2003 NSDEL Bay of Fundy Awards. These awards were initially introduced by NSDEL in 1998 to show its support for public involvement in environmental management, stewardship, and education initiatives. They recognize outstanding contributions made by the public and private sector for:

The awards are presented each year in conjunction with the Gulf of Maine Council Awards Ceremony which this year will be held in Halifax on December 4th. More details and form.

22. Call for Nominations - Gulf of Maine Council Annual Recognition Awards
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for its 2003 Gulf of Maine Visionary and Longard Volunteer awards. These awards are presented annually to recognize residents and organizations that have contributed to the mission of the Gulf of Maine Council. Award winners will be presented their award at the Council's December meeting in Halifax during the Visionary and NSDEL Bay of Fundy Awards Ceremony on December 4, 2003. More details and form.

21. In Memoriam - Ewout (Walt) van Walsum
It was with great sadness that we learned that long-time BoFEP member Ewout (Walt) van Walsum passed away last month. He was cremated the morning of August 21, with a memorial service in the afternoon at the van Walsum home in Pointe Claire, Quebec.

Walt was a Consulting Civil Engineer with Tidal Power Consultants Ltd. Of Point Claire Quebec. He was involved with developing and assessing tidal power projects both on Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts. He was particularly interested in Fundy's potential for producing electricity. At a Canadian Dam Association conference in 1998 he noted that " The challenge of extracting energy from the tides of Fundy has until now been approached with some success by hydro-power engineers. The large-scale development of the Bay of Fundy's tidal power resources will become economically attractive when conventional dam building experience is linked with today's know-how regarding construction in marine environments." Walt also participated actively in the 4^th Bay of Fundy Workshop in Saint John, NB in 2000, where he presented a paper entitled "Review of Engineering Studies on Tidal power, Technical/Economic Performance of existing Plants, and Scenario for the Bay of Fundy." His stated purpose in the presentation was "to inform the group regarding the engineering and economic characteristics of tidal power options?" We will miss his considerable expertise and great enthusiasm in our ongoing deliberations about this important issue.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Katy, three brothers, four children and eight grandchildren. BoFEP extends sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

20. Celebrate Coastweek - September 20-27th.
What is Coastweek?
Coastweek is an annual event celebrating the beauty and vitality of our coasts and coastal communities. This week-long event began in the United States, but its recognition is spreading throughout the world as people from every continent seek ways to celebrate this invaluable resource. A week of activities, from nature walks and coastal cleanups to boating events, offers opportunities for individuals and organizations to explore and help preserve our nation's fragile coastal resources. This year's celebrations start September 20th, coinciding with The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup (www.coastalcleanup.org), and culminate September 27th with National Estuary Day (http://estuaries.gov/neday.html). Anyone with an interest in the coast is invited to participate and share in the wonder of this unique ecosystem!

Why celebrate Coastweek?
Healthy coasts are critical for maintaining vibrant communities and diverse ecosystems. Humans depend on the coast, yet we are placing increasing pressure on them: more than 50 percent of the U.S. population lives in a coastal region and approximately 180 million vacationers visit U.S. coasts each year. In addition to their environmental importance, coasts are
critical to sustaining prosperous economies. One-third of U.S. jobs can be directly or indirectly tied to the coast, and coastal economies annually pour $1.5 trillion into the U.S. economy. Coastweek highlights the enormous importance of this priceless natural resource.

History of Coastweek
Coastweek had a modest beginning. It was founded in 1982 by Barbara Fegan, a volunteer dedicated to coastal awareness, who started an educational program with a few local events in Massachusetts. Since then, numerous communities across North America have hosted Coastweek celebrations in honor of their shorelines. One hundred countries and all fifty states participate in The >Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, a popular Coastweek activity.

Event planning suggestions
Plan your own Coastweek events, or collaborate with others in your area! Check out Living On The Edge (http://living-edge.org) for activity >suggestions, sample materials, and other ideas! Send them your event information and they will add it to their searchable database.

Contact your local media!
A template press release is posted on our website >(www.theoceanproject.org/news/coastweek.html) for partners of The Ocean Project to use to get their Coastweek activities recognized by the local media.  Feel free to use it/edit it as you see fit. If you have trouble downloading the press release, please email me and I will forward a copy to you.

This year's Coastweek is being coordinated by the Coastal States Organization and NOAA's National Ocean Service, in partnership with a variety of federal government agencies and national coastal and ocean organizations, including The Ocean Project.      Have a Happy Coastweek!

19. Environmental Assessment of Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal launched
A draft agreement on the joint environmental assessment review panel process for the proposed Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal, in Digby County, Nova Scotia has been released for public comment. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour welcome written comments on this agreement. The deadline for comments is 18 September. For information and to download the agreement: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/0005/index_e.htm

18. tate Of The Eastern Scotian Shelf Ecosystem
An Ecosystem Status Report (ESR) entitled "State of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Ecosystem" has been prepared by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada Working Group chaired by Dr. Ken Frank. The ESR reports are available online on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat website at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/Csas/English/Status/Status_Reports2003_e.htm

17. Collaborative Science Initiatives In Atlantic Canada
Canada's Fisheries and Oceans Minister Robert Thibault has announced funding programs for collaborative research activities directly related to the conservation and the sustainable use of commercial marine fisheries in Atlantic Canada. For information on the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence program:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac58_e.htm.
For information on the southern and eastern Newfoundland and Labrador program: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac55_e.htm

16. Canadian Long-Term  Weather Data Now Online
Canada's past weather records are now available through a new website featuring a collection of over 200 million observations from over 7,000 sites, some dating as far back as 1840. The archive consists of a database of hourly weather observations, including temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind speed, and cloud types, as well as notes on the occurrence of thunderstorms, hail, fog and other types of weather. For more information:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/Press/2003/030731_n_e.htm

15. New Journal - Tourism in the Marine Environment
Tourism in Marine Environments is a new interdisciplinary journal dealing with variety of management issues in marine settings. It is a scientific journal that draws upon the expertise of academics and practitioners from various disciplines related to the marine environment, including tourism, marine science, geography, social sciences, psychology, environmental studies, economics, marketing, and many more. The marine environment has long been one of the most attractive settings for tourism. It includes a wide spectrum of activities, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, observing marine mammals and birds, the cruise ship and ferry industry, all beach activities, sea kayaking, visits to fishing villages and lighthouses, maritime museums, sailing and motor yachting, maritime events, Arctic and Antarctic tourism, and many more. Tourism in Marine Environments aims to contribute to the process of theory building, and to be the leading source for research reports and analysis related to all forms of marine tourism. It is governed by an international editorial board consisting of experts in marine tourism, marine science, and related fields. Submit full papers and commentaries/research notes related to the above topics to the editor-in-chief: Michael Lück, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, L2S 3X2

14. Gulf of St. Lawrence Estuarine Research Society Workshop and AGM
The annual meeting and workshop of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Estuarine Research Society will be held on Oct. 9^th –10^th, 2003 in the Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton, NB. The society was founded four years ago to serve as a forum for scientists and interested NGO’s to meet and exchange ideas, information, discuss issues, and generally network. The modest registration fee ($15 for students and $30 for NGO’s and other professionals) includes membership for 2004. The major item on the business agenda is the proposal to expand our geographic range to include all of the Atlantic Canadian provinces. This will necessitate a name and boundaries change in our constitution. We are suggesting "Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society" or "ACCESS" but remain open to other suggestions. The proposal to expand the society to cover all of Atlantic Canada is strongly supported by our parent society (Estuarine Research Federation), and only requires a vote by current members present.

The workshop organizing committee is soliciting presentations (oral and poster) in four broad theme sessions:

1. Invasive Species/Global Warming
2. Land Based Activities and Impacts
3. Aquaculture/Recreation/Restoration
4. Open

This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to describe their research projects.

For oral presentations, we ask that you submit titles, authors (plus mailing and e-mail addresses), with a brief abstract to the e-mails or addresses noted above by September 12, 2003. Poster abstracts can be submitted as late as September 30. If you are coming as a delegate please inform us by September 12, 2003 to assist in our workshop planning. For information:

Oceans & Science Division, Gulf Fisheries Centre
P. O. Box 5030, Moncton, NB E1C 9B6
e-mail: Mark.Hanson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee
133 Newcastle Blvd., Miramichi, NB E1V 2L9
e-mail: mreac@nbnet.nb.ca

13. OMRN Conference - Second Call for Papers
The Ocean Management Research Network (OMRN) invites papers and posters for presentation at its 2003. Conference, November 13-15, 2003, Ottawa. Priority will be given to research presentations on the human uses of Canada’s oceans and coastal areas, and the management of those uses. Papers will be presented in concurrent sessions on Friday November 14 th and Saturday November 15 th . Posters will be on display throughout the conference with a dedicated poster session to be held on Friday November 14 th . For more information, please see the preliminary conference program at www.omrn.ca.

Please submit an abstract of 250 words describing your proposed presentation (indicate paper or poster). The abstract should include the title of your presentation, a list of authors (underlining the presenting author),

address, phone number, email and affiliation. Please email your abstract as a Word or WordPerfect document to the address below.

Deadline for both paper and poster abstract submissions is September 30, 2003.
For further information contact:
National Secretariat, Ocean Management Research Network
Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
tel: (902) 420-5010 fax: (902) 491-8663 e-mail: omrn@smu.ca Website: www.omrn.ca

12. Sea Worm Farm Ready To Enter Maine Bait Market
The market for sea worms, which are dug from muddy tidal flats and coveted by anglers as bait, is notoriously inconsistent. Price and availability fluctuate because of factors such as weather and tides. Now a British company is aiming to bring order to a market worth about $8 million in Maine last year by opening what's billed as the nation's first sea worm farm. Seabait Ltd., which already operates a worm-farming operation in England, has been conducting research in the eastern Maine town of Franklin for about 18 months. The firm hopes to be selling worms within a year and a half, and its long-term goal is to be producing 150 metric tons, or about 40 million sandworms, annually, said Peter Cowin, who's running Seabait's U.S. operations. That would have a major impact on the existing sea worm market. The entire production of sandworms in Maine last year was 197 metric tons. Together with bloodworms, which are generally considered interchangeable by customers, the total market size was still only 507 metric tons. The potential competition worries many of the 1,055 licensed worm diggers who work the tidal flats up and down Maine's coast. — Kevin Wack, Maine Today, August 15, 2003.
Full story at: www.business.mainetoday.com/news/030815wormfarm.shtml

11. New Brunswick Sea Level Rise Project Under Way
The operational phase of the multi-year $2 million research project about the effects of sea level rise, erosion and climate change on coastal areas of southeastern New Brunswick officially started with the initial LIDAR data gathering flight on 22 May. The data will be used to develop tools including flood-risk and ecosystem maps. For information, email Réal Daigle, Project Manager, at real.daigle@ec.gc.ca

10. OMRN Conference Call For Papers
The Ocean Management Research Network (OMRN) invites papers and posters for presentation at its 2003 Conference scheduled for 13-15 November in Ottawa, Ontario. Priority will be given to research presentations on the human uses of Canada's oceans and coastal areas, and the management of those uses. For information, access http://www.omrn.ca/eng_home.html

9. EcoAction Funding approvals
On June 3, 2003 it was announced that 31 projects in the Atlantic Region were approved for funding by EcoAction for a total commitment of $664,087. The news release and project backgrounders can be found on our website at:
http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/newsreleases/default.asp?lang=En&nav=8D415706-11

8. Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup in September
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (GCSC), a national cleanup event hosted by the Vancouver Aquarium, takes place the 3rd week of every September. The GCSC is a conservation initiative aimed at removing human debris from river, stream, lake, and ocean shorelines. It is Canada's contribution to the International Coastal Cleanup put on by The Ocean Conservancy. This is the first year that the GCSC has been actively promoted in central and eastern Canada. We provide all necessary supplies (gloves, bags, pencils, data cards, posters) as well as a site coordinator manual to help you organize your cleanup. All you need to do is choose a convenient site (it can be any size), and register your group. More information about this event can be found on the GCSC website at www.vanaqua.org/cleanup. You can also download a registration form. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the GCSC in greater detail, please feel free to contact 877-427-2422 (toll free).

7. Nova Scotia Releases Environmental Plan
The Government of Nova Scotia has released the document "Towards a Sustainable Environment", which focuses on collaborative approaches to environmental management, integration across provincial departments and improved delivery of environmental programs. The document is available online at http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/whatsnew.htm

6. Bay Of Fundy Shipping Lanes To Protect Right Whale In Effect
The new shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy, designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population from ship strikes, were officially put into operation on 1 July 2003. Amendments have been made to the navigational charts and vessel traffic control procedures and notifications have been distributed. For information, access
http://www.tc.gc.ca/atl/marine/fundy_e.htm

5. Ballast Water Workshop
The "Ballast Water Workshop" is scheduled for 27-28 October 2003 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Workshop is co-sponsored by Transport Canada and the MIT Sea Grant College Program. It will explore the feasibility of identifying areas along the Northwestern Atlantic that may be suitable for ballast water exchange for vessels traveling along the coast. For information, access http://massbay.mit.edu/

4. Contaminated Sediments Database for the Gulf Of Maine
Bottom sediments in the Gulf of Maine and its estuaries have accumulated pollutants of many types, including metals and organic compounds of agricultural, industrial, and household derivation. The Contaminated Sediments Database is a compilation and synthesis of existing data. It is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/of02-403/

3. Environmental and Social Costs Of Farming Carnivorous Fish
SeaWeb, an ocean conservation organization, has released the report entitled "What Price Farmed Fish: A Review of the Environmental and Social Costs of Farming Carnivorous Fish". The report states that industrialized aquaculture is long overdue for reform and that corporations and governments must learn from and avoid the impacts associated with the current state of salmon farming, including the discharge of untreated wastes into coastal waters. The report is available at
 http://www.AquacultureClearinghouse.org

2. Coastal Communities Workshop
Workshop "Vulnerability in Coastal Communities: Adaptations to Change and Planning for the Future", 24-26 August 2003: Change Islands, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. For information, access http://www.sfu.ca/coastalstudies/calendar.htm

1. Recent Paper on Monitoring MEQ in Bay of Fundy
Selection of Bioindicators for Monitoring Marine Environmental Quality in the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada.
C.L. Chou, L.A. Paon, J.D. Moffatt, T. King.  Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 46(6), Jun-2003 pp 756-762
Abstract - Distribution of metals, PAH's and PCB's in lobsters, mussels, and sediments were used to assess marine environmental quality of the Bay of Fundy. This study demonstrates that the lobster (Homarus americanus) is a better bioindicator for monitoring contaminants in the marine environment and has a greater capacity for the uptake and accumulation of contaminants than the mussel (Mytilus edulis) and sediments. A definite pattern in the spatial distribution of lobster Cu, Cd, and Ag was evident. The distribution of organic contaminants for both mussels and lobsters in the Bay of Fundy lacked a spatial trend, and organic contaminants were undetectable in sediments from all sites. The Gulf Watch Programme, which monitors chemicals in mussels in the Bay of Fundy, did not indicate a problem with high levels of Cu, Cd, and Zn in the ecosystem. Analytes below the detection limit, such as in mussels and sediments, increase the difficulties of chemical analysis and detection for environmental monitoring. Deficiencies of mussels in monitoring the Bay of Fundy were discussed.