Report to the BoFEP AGM November 2007 from the Chair.

BoFEP’s history and role with its members:
BoFEP was started by a small group and a vision for a Fundy Marine Ecosystem Science Project in the winter of 1995. A commitment was made at its first workshop to act as a focal point for the bay’s science and knowledge base covering timely topics and issues. BoFEP was formally established in November 1997 at the 2^nd Workshop, hence our 10^th Anniversary at this AGM. Over this period, we have held five more (now biennial) workshops; held community meetings and forums, and participated in many others; coordinated and conducted research under numerous working groups; produced fact sheets, internal reports and Proceedings; run an increasingly popular web site; strengthened our relationship with the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment with a signed agreement; and through our extensive and informal network of members, made important linkages to many other coastal groups. BoFEP is fulfilling a much needed function for its members, by creating, sharing and using knowledge on the Bay of Fundy in a largely non-advocacy role.

Environmental sustainability of the Bay of Fundy:
The Bay of Fundy and its coastline and coastal lands are increasingly in the news and on the public and political agenda. It is a major tourist destination (emphasized by NB and NS). It is an area of continued and increasing industrial and other economic activity crucial to both provinces and the livelihoods of its many coastal communities. The Bay’s living marine resources and biodiversity, changed in many ways since European settlement, are under stress due to some of this activity. This situation persists, despite several really positive, recent, "ground-breaking" events: in NS, e.g. the recommendations pertaining to the proposed quarry on Digby Neck by the EIA panel and the NS government; NS government’s support for developing a (much overdue) coastal management plan; and the Cheverie Creek salt marsh restoration project; in NB, e.g. the implementation of the provincial Coastal Areas Protection Policy, the decision to bridge the Petitcodiac River to replace the causeway, designation of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, and establishment of the Musquash Estuary MPA; and federally, with renewed commitments and funding for the Gulf of Maine and health of the ocean programs.

However, evidence shows that the bay is still being exploited, built upon and industrialized, incrementally, potentially leading to further loss of habitats, biota and overall health and ecological integrity. The Bay and its coastal lands on both sides suffer from unplanned and uncoordinated use and development. Some fishing practices have not changed, despite considerable criticism about their impacts e.g. groundfish and scallop dragging. Proposed developments of late include further coastal quarries, the LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay, the refinery expansion at Saint John, mining in the Shubenacadie River estuary, undersea mining in mid bay, highway twinning at Windsor, more aquaculture sites in the lower Bay, more coastal housing developments, and not least, the tidal power projects being considered for the upper and lower bay. The region is still experiencing exposure to acidic rain and fog, and trace chemicals transported from afar, not to mention a progression of invasive species into the bays habitats.

On the land side, one only needs to look at and experience Fundy National Park and note how its recovered forests stand out compared to the deforestation, road building and plantation-based management that surround it. The effects of incremental development on the Bay’s aquatic resources and ecosystems are not easily measured, but many indicators show why we should be concerned.

One solution, of many, is to ensure that knowledge of the state of the bay, with all of its ecological complexity, is both current and accessible to the public. Work of the BoFEP working groups, the timely Fundy workshops, and our excellent Fundy issues series, contribute to this new knowledge and understanding. BoFEP’s work, along with that of many other groups and individuals around the bay, is vital to developing a much needed integrated coastal planning and management framework and plan for the bay.

BoFEPs status and future:
BoFEP has been in place for 10 years. It’s continued niche and role as a place for reliable information, networking and a stimulus for new research, long term monitoring, and frequent reporting is much needed. We should both celebrate and plan for the future.

We have faced a challenge since 2005 that must be solved. BoFEPs annual support (financial and in-kind) from the federal government (Environment Canada) has become uncertain. After seven good years, we functioned with very late core funding in FY 2005-06, no federal funding for FY 06-07, and again delayed funding in this fiscal year FY 07-08. We are not being critical of Environment Canada, as times and policies do change. We are very grateful for the funding received for this FY, and for dedicated support from EC staff, but it is very difficult to run a productive, largely volunteer, organization with such uncertainty.

To be proactive, the Management Committee struck a new committee (Strategic Development and Funding, or Outreach) in Spring 2006 to develop BoFEP’s long term strategy and funding initiatives from multiple sources/partners. The committee has been very busy and has met on numerous occasions. It has discussed various ways for funding the operation – memberships, specific contracts, conducting forums, publishing on the Bay, and others. You will hear more about these initiatives at this meeting.

Renewed commitment from the partners and supporters of BoFEP is essential as we move forward into our next 10 years. Your advice, assistance and tangible support are needed in the months ahead as we develop a new business plan with renewed vigour and capacity for the organization. Your actions and your commitment to the Bay of Fundy, its living resources and ecosystems, and its coastal communities, will continue to make a difference!

I would like to acknowledge all members of the current Management and Steering Committees, particularly our Secretariat at Acadia University, and our past Chair, for their time and support for BoFEP during this past year. Last but not least, thank-you, the members of BoFEP, for participating in this meeting and in supporting and working with BoFEP in the years ahead. All the very best for the holiday season and the New Year.