Fundy Tidings Newsletter

Fundy Tidings is the quarterly e-newsletter of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP). It will usually be circulated on or around the following dates: January 15 (Winter), April 15 (Spring), July 15 (Summer), October 15 (Autumn). The deadline for submissions is one week before each of these dates. Submissions from BoFEP members, partner organizations and individuals with an interest in the Bay of Fundy are always welcome. Normally, the newsletter includes three categories of material: 1) Information about BoFEP and its activities 2) information about partner organizations and their activities 3) general news items pertaining to the Bay of Fundy. Material submitted may be edited for length. Submissions should be sent to communications@bofep.org .


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Issue: # 1 Spring 2003



Issue #1 Spring 2003

FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


HEADLINES:
1. Welcome to the BoFEP Newsletter.
2. BoFEP AGM April 24th at Fundy Park.
3. BoFEP Inc. established as fiscal agent for BoFEP.
4. SMARTS Working Group active.
5. Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System (GMBIS) Atlas online.
6. Planning for 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop underway.
7. CCNB Workshop on "Restoring Estuaries and Shellfish".
8. Minas Basin Forum Reports to be published.
9. The BoFEP Fundy image collection.
10. Bay of Fundy Shipping Lanes Moved to Protect Right Whales
11. New Publication on Groundfish Spawning in the Bay of Fundy.
12. Fundy Trail
13. Coastal Communities Network AGM (April 4 - 6, 2003)
14. Limnology and Waterbirds Conference (August 3-7, 2003)
15. New Brunswick Land Conservation Conference (April 12 and 13, 2003)

******************************************************

1. Welcome to the BoFEP Newsletter.
This is the first issue of BoFEP's quarterly newsletter. It is designed to keep members informed about the activities of the organization and its Working Groups. It will also feature short items pertaining to the Bay of Fundy that may also be of interest to you. To avoid swamping you with information, the articles in the newsletter will usually be brief; but links will be provided for those interested in more details.

We welcome items for inclusion in the next issue - simply send them to bofep@auracom.com. The newsletter will be circulated during the first week of March, June, September and December. Comments about the Newsletter and its contents, as well as requests to be taken off the mailing list can also be sent to the same address. We'd also like to hear if you have any strong preference for receiving such a newsletter in a hard-copy-via-post instead of an e-mail format. This is certainly the easiest and cheapest way to create and distribute a newsletter - but is it the most effective? Only you can provide us with the answer to that question.

More up to date information about BoFEP and its activities can also be found on the BoFEP Website . Please bookmark it and visit periodically.


2. BoFEP Annual General Meeting.
The 2002 BoFEP AGM will be held at Fundy National Park, Alma, NB on Thursday April 24th. There will be an interesting interpretive program arranged by park staff in conjunction with the meeting. More information about the program and the agenda will be available shortly on the calendar page of the BoFEP Website.


3. BoFEP Inc. established as fiscal agent for BoFEP.
A new legal entity named BoFEP Inc. was incorporated in November 2002 through the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, as a not-for-profit organization under the Companies Act of New Brunswick. BoFEP Inc. will serve as the fiscal agent for BoFEP and manage its bank accounts and financial transactions etc. This will permit BoFEP to have more direct and straightforward management and accounting control of its funds. The interim Board of Directors of the new company consists of Graham Daborn, Chair, Barry Jones, Treasurer and Jon Percy, Secretary. A decision has not yet been made about seeking charitable tax status for the new entity. New forms for submitting BoFEP related travel claims and miscellaneous expense claims have been prepared and should now be used. Both are available from the BoFEP Secretariat: nancy.huntley@acadiau.ca


4. SMARTS Working Group active
The Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems Working Group (SMaRTS) held two meetings in 2002. The WG minutes are available on the BOFEP website. The group, which was formed by a merger of the former Barriers and Salt Marsh Working Groups, has prepared a new Terms of Reference document which is available on the SMaRTS page of the BoFEP Website. The group prepared a poster about its work for display at the 5 th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop held last spring. Several Working Group members also presented posters and/or papers at the 5th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop including, Tony Bowron (paper and poster), Jeff Ollerhead (paper), Danika van Proosdij (paper), Zsofi Koller (poster). The New Brunswick Tidal Barriers Audit and Inventory being spearheaded by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is now complete. A final report, covering the entire study (3 years) should be available by late March 2003. During the coming year SMaRTS will be attempting to procure NSERC funding for a doctoral or post-doctoral student to model changes and cumulative effects resulting from tidal barriers in the Bay of Fundy. The Gulf of Maine Habitat restoration Committee held a meeting in Clare, NS on October 7-8, 2002. And several members from the SMaRTS WG attended and presented reports on current research activities. The Nova Scotia Tidal Barriers Audit, in Hants County, NS, was completed in the summer of 2001 and a report is available from Tony Bowron. During the summer of 2002 tidal barriers in Colchester County were audited.Restoration work was carried out on Cheverie Creek, Hants County, NS in the summer of 2002. Further monitoring of Cheverie Creek will be carried out by an honours student at Dalhousie. Sarah Townsend’s honours thesis on the Windsor Causeway, supervised by Danika van Proosdij of Saint Mary’s University, is now complete. She found that the downstream salt marsh now covers 92 acres and since 1992 has been growing at a rate of 30% per year. SMaRTS is presently working to coordinate an event, most likely in late March 2003 at Mount Allison University, at which the keynote speaker will be Ron Colman from Genuine Progress Index (GPI) Atlantic.

For further information about the SMaRTS Group and the other BoFEP Working Groups visit: http://www.auracom.com/~bofep/working.htm


5. Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System Atlas now online.
The Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System (GMBIS) electronic atlas is now on line. This is a joint initiative of the University of Southern California, DFO Maritimes Region, the Atlantic Reference Center, and System Science Applications. The project's goals are to develop, test and demonstrate information dissemination and visualization tools, involving overlaying numerous environmental and ecosystem data layers in the Gulf of Maine region. The project draws on the extensive data and expertise in DFO Maritimes. It will be a proof-of-concept activity to explore how geographical information system (GIS) and Internet technologies can be used to access databases and display their products to address questions about biogeography and the status of local marine populations. There are links that generate dynamic visualizations of biological and environmental data such as Groundfish research trawl surveys and the Atlantic Reference Centre Specimen Collection as well as the ability to map ones own data. For more information visit: http://gmbis.marinebiodiversity.ca .


6. Planning for 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop underway
BoFEP's 6th Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Workshop will take place on September 29 - October 2nd, 2004, at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, Cornwallis Park, Nova Scotia. The date and location were selected largely because of their approximate coincidence with the 400th anniversary and the site of the first permanent European settlement in the region (in fact in Canada). This workshop will be an opportunity for a broad thematic overview of what may have happened to the Bay and its watershed during that span as well as to think about what further changes may occur in this new century. The Workshop is an opportunity to present original research papers, synoptic reviews, discussion or viewpoint papers, posters or project demonstrations. There will also be a chance to convene special discussion sessions on specific topics related to the general theme. The first planning meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bay of Fundy Marine Resources Centre in Cornwallis Park, NS. For more information visit: BoFEP 6th Workshop


7. CCNB Workshop
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick, in collaboration with several watershed groups, is hosting a workshop "Restoring Estuaries and Shellfish: A Call to Action", April 4 - 5, 2002 at the Rodd Inn, Miramichi, New Brunswick. The workshop is intended to provide practical ideas and tools for restoring a wide range of habitats and shellfish, including saltmarsh, oysters, clam and mussel beds. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Rob Brumbaugh, a fisheries scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Virginia. Dr. Brumbaugh will address indicators of ecosystem health, monitoring, the value of state of the environment reporting as well as the restoration, outreach and advocacy programs of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Guest speakers from South Carolina, New Hampshire, New York as well as New Brunswick will offer their knowledge and experiences in estuary and shellfish restoration. Simultaneous French translation will be available. Registration is $50. For more information or to register, please contact the Conservation Council at (506) 458-8747 or ccnb@nb.aibn.com


8. Minas Basin Forum Reports to be published.
During the past year the Minas Basin Working Group convened a very successful series of Community Forums in several communities around the Minas Basin. These provided an opportunity for residents to get together to identify problems affecting their portion of the Minas Basin ecosystem and its watershed and to contribute towards finding workable solutions. Detailed information about the planning for, and the results of, the forums in Wofville, Truro, Parrsboro and Summerville are available on the BoFEP Website at: Minas Basin Forums. A Proceeding document of these workshops, including the results of an Action Planning "Leads" workshop held in Truro in November, is nearing completion and will be published shortly. The final summary document will also be available on the BoFEP Website.


9. The BoFEP Fundy image collection.
B0FEP is now in the process of creating a library of images pertaining to the Bay of Fundy and its watershed. This collection is primarily intended for BoFEP and its members for use in publications, press packages, Websites, audio/visual presentations etc. However, the images may also be made available for other approved non-commercial uses involving the dissemination of information about the Bay of Fundy, its ecosystems and the issues that confront it. The collection includes both 35 mm. slides as well as digital images suitable for multimedia projectors; where possible, images are being acquired in both formats. Interested BoFEP members, or any other interested individuals or groups may contribute suitable images to the collection. Original slides submitted will be duplicated and scanned and the originals promptly returned to the contributor. Anyone who has suitable images that they would like to contribute should contact the Communications Working Group at: bofep@auracom.com

For more information visit: http://www.auracom.com/~bofep/communic.htm


10. Bay of Fundy Shipping Lanes Moved to Protect Right Whales.
The Government of Canada's proposed changes to the shipping lanes in the Bay
of Fundy to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale population
from ship strikes have been approved by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). The lane changes will be in place before to the whales'
return to Fundy waters in the summer of 2003. For more information:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/atl/2002/02_A017e.htm


11. New Publication on Groundfish Spawning in the Bay of Fundy.
"Local Knowledge and Local Stocks: An Atlas of Groundfish Spawning in the Bay of Fundy." — By Jennifer Graham, Stephen Engle and Maria Recchia
This report documents fishermen’s knowledge of local groundfish stocks and spawning grounds in the Bay of Fundy. It is based on research conducted with local fishermen by staff of the Centre for Community-based Management. At the heart of the report are maps showing where and when fishermen have caught spawning haddock, pollock and cod, and how these fisheries have changed over time. This report finds strong evidence for the existence of local stocks of cod, pollock and haddock in the Bay of Fundy and documents and discusses active and lost groundfish spawning areas. In many instances the loss of inshore fisheries is associated with the disappearance of local spawning activity. Fishermen attribute the progressive loss of groundfish spawning areas to

the effects of overfishing, habitat change, diminished food availability, and pollution. Immediate action must be taken to protect and rehabilitate remaining local stocks and their spawning areas in the Bay of Fundy. Fishermen can play a significant role in the process because they have information about groundfish stocks that supplements scientific knowledge. This publication is available from the Saint Francis Xavier bookstore for $18.75 + HST + shipping and handling.

Telephone: (902) 867-2450, Fax: (902) 8675115 or email: bkstore@stfx.ca
For more information: mariar@nb.sympatico.ca


12. Fundy Trail
The Fundy Trail opens up previously unreachable coastal areas of incomparable natural beauty and makes it accessible to all, while responsibly preserving and protecting the ecological balance of the area. The Fundy Trail is a major contributor to the Bay of Fundy Experience. The Fundy Trail is a multi-use corridor hugging the clifftops of the Bay of Fundy coast, with foot paths, pedestrian/bicycle trails and an auto parkway to take you as far as the Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River and, one day, all the way to Fundy National Park at Alma, with a connecting linkage directly to Sussex. The Fundy Trail has been open to the public since August 29, 1998. This first phase of the Fundy Trail consists of eleven kilometres of hiking/biking trails, supported by a paved auto parkway, which afford magnificent panoramic views from every angle, and lead to the suspension bridge and Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River.
For more information visit: www.fundytrailparkway.com
Or contact: fundytp@nbnet.nb.ca


13. Coastal Communities Network AGM (April 4 - 6, 2003)
CCN's Annual General Meeting will be held April 4-6, 2003 at the Tatamagouche Centre, Tatamagouche, NS. "Ourselves, Our Communities: Replenish, Replant Renew".

Join us for useful workshops, the chance to network with other CCN members from across the province, a silent auction, and our annual Nova Scotia Trivia Contest!

For information and to register contact Karen Nash at (902) 485-4754

or e-mail: coastalnet@ns.sympatico.ca

Also Visit the CCN Website at: http://www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca


14. Limnology and Waterbirds Conference (August 3-7, 2003)
A reminder about the 4th Conference of the Working Group on Aquatic Birds of
the International Society of Limnology (SIL): "Limnology and Waterbirds 2003"
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada August 3-7, 2003.
You will find the 2nd Announcement, Call for Papers and Registration Details
at: http://www.links.umoncton.ca/lw/ Abstracts are due by April 1, 2003.
Take advantage of the Early Registration before May 1, 2003.
The Proceedings will be published in the journal Hydrobiologia as well as a
separate volume of the "Advancements in Hydrobiology" series.
For additional information contact: joe.kerekes@ec.gc.ca or al.hanson@ec.gc.ca


15. New Brunswick Land Conservation Conference (April 12 and 13, 2003)
Register now for the first New Brunswick Land Conservation Conference scheduled for Saturday, April 12 and the morning of Sunday, April 13, 2003 in Fredericton at the Hugh John Flemming Centre and the Fredericton Inn. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is bringing together established land trusts, emerging trusts and other people interested in the work of land trusts, for a conference dedicated to building capacity for securing and stewarding privately-owned lands in the province. We have kept registration fees low ($20 for full-day conference including lunch, breaks and field trips) to encourage as many people as possible to attend. Choose from fourteen different sessions featuring land trust experts from New Brunswick, Maine, Massachusetts, Newfoundland and beyond (see attached agenda) and enjoy a dinner reception with presentations at the Brass Rail Restaurant, at the Fredericton Inn. An exciting evening program will highlight some major accomplishments of land trusts. Network with land trust volunteers and staff, and discuss the issues as they pertain to your community. Field trips Sunday will visit some of Fredericton’s key natural areas. Registration forms and a full agenda with speakers’ roster is attached in Wordperfect and Word formats. The early registration deadline is March 14th. Forms in PDF format are available on our website at www.naturetrust.nb.ca.

Contact the Nature Trust at dorothym@ntnb.org or phone us at (506) 457-2398 for conference details and further information.


IMPORTANT NOTE: If you would like to  to receive Fundy Tidings, please contact bofep@auracom.com and
your name will be added to the distribution list.

Bookmark and regularly visit the BoFEP Website to keep up to date on what's happening.



Issue #2, Summer 2003

FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


Issue #2 June 2003 [All issues archived at: www.bofep.org/tidings.htm ]


HEADLINES:

  1. New Steering Committee and Management Committee
  2. New Domain for BoFEP Website
  3. Reminder: Limnology and Waterbirds Conference in Sackville, NB
  4. New Fundy Issues Fact Sheet Now Available.
  5. Corophium Working Group Active
  6. New Website for NB Federation of Naturalists
  7. BoFEP Kiosks Being Set Up Around Region
  8. Tracking Invasive Species off Nova Scotia
  9. Update on Planning for BoFEP 2004 Workshop
  10. Documents on Minas Basin Forums Now Available
  11. Proceedings of Coastal Monitoring Summit Available
  12. Northern Sky News

1. New Steering Committee and Management Committee
The BoFEP Annual General Meeting and election of officers was held on April 24th in Alma New Brunswick. The 24 members of the Steering Committee elected by the BoFEP membership, and the 7 members of the Management Committee subsequently elected by, and from, the Steering Committee are as follows:
 
Management Committee:
Graham Daborn (Chair)
Peter Wells (Vice-Chair)
Nancy Roscoe Huntley (Secretary)
Barry Jones (Treasurer)
Jon Percy (At large)
Marianne Janowicz (At large)
Tim Vickers (At large)
 
Remainder of Steering Committee
Thierry Chopin                 Steve Hawboldt                       Renee Wissink
Larry Hildebrand             David Duggan                           Mike Butler
Pat Hinch                        Karen Coombs                         John Roff
Bob Rangely                   Justin Houston                          Hugh Akagi
Alison Evans                  Art McKay                               Al Hanson
Jamie Smith.                  Arthur Bull
 
Congratulations to the newly elected Management and Steering Committees - their diversity, dedication and dynamism bodes well for the future of BoFEP.
 

 
2. New Domain For Bofep Website
BoFEP finally has its own Website domain name < bofep.org >. The BoFEP Website has also moved to a new server and its address is now: www.bofep.org . This is not only much easier to remember than the old convoluted address, but the change will also give us space to grow as well as access to a variety of new web tools that will allow us to better meet the expanding communications needs of the organization. Please bookmark the new address and visit often to keep up to date with goings on in BoFEP as well as in and around the Bay of Fundy. It is still possible to use the old address and then hot link over to the new site - at least for now.

The domain change also means that you will now be able to send e-mails directly to some of the key BoFEP officers and support groups simply by using easy-to-remember addresses such as: chair@bofep.org vice-chair@bofep.org secretariat@bofep.org treasurer@bofep.org webmaster@bofep.org communication@bofep.org without having to worry about who the specific individual holding the office might be at the time and what his/her e-mail address is.

In the near future, we will also be setting up mail lists for the active BoFEP Working Groups so that any group member can communicate directly with all other members of the group simply by using an address in the form <workinggroupname@bofep.org>. Members of working groups will be notified directly when this service becomes available for their group. Initially these lists will be closed and only BoFEP members who have completed an application form to join BoFEP (either on-line or on paper) and indicated an interest in participating in a working group will be subscribed. Only subscribers will be able to post to the list.


3. Reminder: Limnology and Waterbirds Conference In Sackville, NB
A reminder about the 4th Conference of the Working Group on Aquatic Birds of the International Society of Limnology (SIL): "Limnology and Waterbirds 2003"
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada August 3-7, 2003. You can find conference and registration details at: http://www.links.umoncton.ca/lw/


4. New Fundy Issue Fact Sheet Now Available
Fundy Issue #23 entitled "Alien Invasions: Introduced Species in the Bay of Fundy and Environs" is now available. Paper copies may be requested from peter.wells@ec.gc.ca. A copy is also now available on the BoFEP website at: www.bofep.org/alien_species.htm . Copies of all 23 Fundy Issues produced to date can be accessed via: http://www.bofep.org/Publications/Fundy%20issues/fundy_issues.htm .
 

 5. Corophium Working Group Active
The Corophium WG of BoFEP met May 14th, 2003 in Sackville, NB with nine persons in attendance. The group met primarily to discuss the status of work on the joint Corophium review paper, plans for the summer months and progress on other papers. The outline of the review, coordinated by Hamilton and Wells, was discussed and amended; there are now authors for all sections. Several sections were discussed in detail. The group hopes to have a first draft of the review completed by fall 2003. Summer work this season is fairly limited, with some sampling taking place in Shepody Bay for continued contaminant analysis, and the meta-analysis project continued by Mike Brylinsky (ACER, Acadia University). Most effort is being placed on the continuation of sediment sample analysis for contaminants, data analysis, and writing primary research papers. Several papers are in preparation, submitted or are in press. Student projects include those with M. Burt (UNB Fred) on parasites in Corophium , with M. Barbeau on burrow hole image analysis of density, with J. Hellou on ecotoxicology of PAHs and sewage constituents, and on bird tracking via Corophium (D. Hamilton). The Corophium bibliography maintained by the group on EndNote now has 500-600 key-worded references on Corophium volutator, and the collections of papers are growing. Contact has been made with the Amphipod specialist Professor Wim Vader in Tromso, Norway, who maintains a global amphipod bibliography and collections. The WG plans to meet again in September 2003 to review progress on the review. We are also planning another Corophium-mudflat ecology session at the 6th BoFEP Fundy Science Workshop in Sept-Oct 2004. [Submitted by P.G. Wells]

[Note: Archived as well as current information about the activities of the Corophium Working Group can be found on the Corophium Working Group page at: www.bofep.org/corophium_wg.htm .]


6. New Website for NB Federation of Naturalists
The Fredericton Office of the NB Federation of Naturalists (NBFN) announces a newly designed website www.naturenb.ca . The site provides information on the NBFN/FNNB Board of Directors, special projects, nature education materials, the Federation, summer nature camp program, jobs and important links, to name just a few.
 


7. BoFEP Kiosks Being Set Up Around Region
The BoFEP information kiosks are wall-mounted display units for promoting BoFEP and distributing its literature in communities around the Bay of Fundy. These 31"x36" flat panels are designed to be hung on a wall using special mounting hooks that can be removed without damaging the wall or paint. The display gives a brief introduction to BoFEP and some of its activities and also has literature holders for displaying and dispensing BoFEP brochures, Fundy Issues and other printed material. The name and contact information of a local BoFEP representative is alsoprovided. A picture of one of the kiosks installed at the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre can be seen on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/kiosk.htm. A French version of the kiosk is presently in preparation.
    The kiosks are presently being set up in various public places in communities around the Fundy region. BoFEP is seeking additional locations for the kiosks. Local contact persons are also required to look after the kiosks, respond to (phoned in) questions about BoFEP and periodically restock the literature holders. Ideally, the kiosks should be mounted indoors in a place that is readily accessible to local residents. If you know of a suitable location or are interested in hosting a kiosk in your community please contact: communications@bofep.org.
 

8. Tracking Invasive Species off Nova Scotia
An article featured in Backscatter, the magazine of the Alliance for Marine Remote Sensing, reports that the use of hyperspectral remote sensing enables researchers and managers to track changes in marine habitats and invasive species at ecologically relevant, spatial and temporal scales. To read this article go to:
http://www.waterobserver.org/backscatter/issues/2002-fall-winter.html
 

 
9. Update on planning for BoFEP 2004 Workshop

Planning for the 6th BoFEP Bay of Fundy Workshop to be held September 29th - October 2nd, 2004 is proceeding at a rapid clip. On March the 11th an Ad Hoc Planning Committee met at the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre in Cornwallis Park to lay out the general plans for the workshop and do a bit of creative brainstorming. Since then, three separate subgroups have met to start doing some of the detailed planning.

    The Program Committee met on May 5th at ACER in Wolfville to work out a draft program and discuss possible session topics and speakers.

    On May 12th, the Local Organizing Committee met to begin planning for the space needs, registration procedures, budgeting and the million other minutia required to run a successful workshop of this magnitude.

    And then, on May 26th the Education and Community Participation Committee met at Cornwallis Park. For this workshop we have decided not only to continue the trend of involving more community groups but also to make an effort to have a limited number of science educators and senior high school students participate in the Workshop. This latter committee is charged with the responsibility of finding ways to encourage and facilitate participation by these various groups and also of suggesting program elements that might be of particular interest to them.

    All three committees are a juggling a lot of good ideas for making this upcoming workshop worthwhile and memorable. If there are other BoFEP members who are interested in helping out in the work of any of these three committees or who would like to suggest, or chair, a workshop session please contact: communications@bofep.org .

    A preliminary notification of the workshop, with information about the location, theme and sessions, is now on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/2004_workshop . Bookmark the page now and check back frequently as new information will be posted regularly as the planning process proceeds.

 

10. Documents on Minas Basin Forums Now Available
Two documents resulting from the Community Forums sponsored by BoFEP's Minas Basin Working have recently been published.

a) Willcocks-Musselman, R. Orser, J., Brylinsky, M. and P.R. Hinch (eds). 2003. Planning for Actions in the Minas Basin Watershed. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Technical Report #1. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. 116 pp. [This document is a summary of five meetings that were held in and around the Minas Basin Watershed in 2002. From those five meetings, three summary reports have been produced. Although it was originally planned to publish each of these reports separately, they can all be found in this one document.]

b) Willcocks-Musselman, R. 2003. Minas Basin Watershed Profile. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Technical Report #2. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. 160 pp. [This profile is not a state of the environment report for the Minas Basin watershed, rather a compendium of socio-econonic information, land usem and water activity. It is intended to be an evolving reference document, where information can be added in the future so the trends can be easily monitored.]

A limited number of copies of both documents are available at:
BoFEP Secretariat, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research
P.O. Box 115, Acadia University
Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6

Information about the Minas Basin Community Forums and draft reports of the results can be found on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/community_forums . Copies of the two documents cited above will also be available on the BoFEP Website in the near future.


11. Proceedings of Coastal Monitoring Summit Available
The Atlantic Northeast Coastal Monitoring Summit met on 10-12 December 2002 in Durham, New Hampshire to develop a framework and strategy for a Regional Monitoring Network for the northeast coastal region of the United States (including coastal Atlantic from New York to Maine) and Canada (Gulf of Maine). The proceedings of the workshop are available at http://gulfofmaine.org/library/nemonsumm/
 


12. Northern Sky News
The Northern Sky News is a monthly newspaper (12 page tabloid format) whose masthead announces its intention of "Covering the Environment of New England and the Maritimes". It is an excellent little paper and deserves to be more widely circulated and read in the Maritimes. It is published in Belfast Maine by Editor/Publisher Murray Carpenter. In addition to perceptive editorial commentary, news briefs, contributed opinion pieces, book reviews, letters and interviews it includes articles on an eclectic mix of environmental topics relevant to the northeast. For example, a few recent issues had articles on such diverse topics as:
Lake Champlain Lamprey Poisonings Spark Suits
For Wheel Damage - Erosion of Public Land Triggers State Action
U.S. Judge Orders Better Lynx Protection
Atlantic Shark Numbers Plummet
Wind Energy Yes….. In My Backyard No.
Mainers Choosing Biofuels
Good Times on the Lobster Farms
Progressive Mass Transit Projects
Fuel Cell Capital of the World
Carving Up Downeast Maine
In Tight Times, Dairies Go Organic
Hydrogen Energy Heating Up
Urban gardens Growing Fast

An annual subscription to a Canadian address costs US$30. A free sample copy can be obtained by applying toNorthern Sky News, 94 Union Street, Belfast ME 04915 U.S.A. The phone number is (207)338-2012 and e-mail address is: mail@northernskynews.com



FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


Issue #3 Autumn 2003 [All issues archived at: www.bofep.org/tidings.htm ]


HEADLINES:

  1. First Call for Papers for BoFEP's 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop.
  2. Student paper/poster awards at 6th Workshop
  3. In Memoriam - Walt van Walsum
  4. Meeting of Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group
  5. Alison Evans to Co-chair 6th BoFEP Workshop
  6. Nancy Roscoe-Huntley steps down from BoFEP Secretariat
  7. White's Point Quarry assessment
  8. Ecology Action Centre saltmarsh restoration project
  9. Shipping lanes change to protect right whales in Bay
  10. NB sea level rise project
  11. Maine sea worm farm ready to produce bait
  12. Tourism in Marine Environment - new journalCall for Nominations - NSDEL 2003 Bay of Fundy Awards
  13. Call for Nominations - Gulf of Maine Council Annual Recognition Awards
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1. First Call for Papers for BoFEP's 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop.
"The Changing Bay of Fundy ~ Beyond 400 Years." September 29th - October 2nd, 2004. Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, Cornwallis Park, Nova Scotia

This Workshop is the sixth in the series on the Bay of Fundy, organized by the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP). It coincides with the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of French explorers in 1604 and the establishment of the first permanent European settlement in Canada at nearby Port Royal in 1605. The workshop theme encourages us to reflect on the changes in the ecosystems of the Bay and its surrounding watersheds before and during these four centuries of expanding European settlement. More importantly, it inspires us to explore the ecological and social changes that may take place in the region during the next hundred years.

The Workshop is an opportunity to present original research papers, synoptic reviews, viewpoint papers, posters and project demonstrations. Panel discussions and round table sessions will encourage participants to reflect on ecological changes that have already taken place and share ideas about what needs to be done to protect or restore the Bay’s productivity and diversity in coming decades. Presentations may deal with aspects of the physical, chemical, biological and social science relevant to the Bay of Fundy, particularly topics pertaining to:

  • Coastal/watershed issues affecting communities.
  • Human and natural history of Fundy.
  • Economics of natural resources, past and present.
  • Fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Wildlife biology and habitat conservation.
  • Ecology and ecosystem health.
  • Education: communities, schools and marine science.
  • Marine and coastal protected areas.
  • Partnerships: working together for sustainability.
  • Watersheds and land-based impacts on the Bay.
  • Natural changes and effects of human activities.
  • Issues in marine governance.
  • Information technology: new tools new approaches.
  • Suggestions for other topics are welcome.

The workshop sessions will be based on an appropriate grouping of the papers submitted.

The deadline for submission of paper/poster abstracts is April 2nd, 2004

Abstracts may be:

E-mailed to: workshop@bofep.org

Posted to: BoFEP Workshop, Marine Resource Centre, P.O. Box 273,

Cornwallis Park, Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, B0S 1H0

Faxed to: (902) 638-3284

For up-to-date Workshop Information visit the BoFEP Website: www.bofep.org

Or contact: E-mail: workshop@bofep.org Telephone: (902) 532-5129

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2.  Student paper/poster awards at 6th Workshop
University students engaged in research projects pertaining to the Bay of Fundy are again being invited to submit papers and posters about their research for consideration for presentation at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop in the fall of 2004. Prizes will be awarded for the best student paper and poster presented at the workshop. The Huntsman Marine Laboratory, which generously provided the awards presented at the 5th Workshop in 2002, has again agreed to be a sponsor. Additional sponsors are also being sought. Poster inviting student submissions to the Workshop will be posted in the appropriate Departments of Maritime universities.
 
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3. In Memoriam - 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 project 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 4th 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.
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 4. Meeting of Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group
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 will be available through the soon to be updated web site.
 
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5.  Alison Evans to Co-chair 6th BoFEP Workshop
The BoFEP Steering Committee is pleased to announce that it has ratified the appointment of Alison Evans as a Co-Chair for the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop scheduled for the Fall of 2004. She joins Jon Percy in the challenging task of planning a stimulating and productive workshop around the theme: "The Changing Bay of Fundy ~ Beyond 400 Years". Alison was one of the principal organizers of the very first BoFEP Science Workshop in 1996 and has since also been actively involved in the planning of national conferences for the Ocean Management and Research Network (OMRN). She thus brings a wealth of experience to the job and all members of the various workshop-planning committees look forward to working with her.
 
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6.  Nancy Roscoe-Huntley steps down from BoFEP Secretariat
On August 18th, BoFEP's dynamic Secretary and leader of the BoFEP secretariat (as well as Administrative Secretary of the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research and Acadia's Environmental Science Program), Nancy Roscoe-Huntley, stepped down to take on to a full time position with the Department of Biology at Acadia. Nancy worked enthusiastically and tirelessly on behalf of ACER and BoFEP and her absence is going to be greatly missed by both groups. Her remarkable organizing ability, attention to detail and good humour were greatly appreciated by all those who worked with her. She played a particularly important behind the scenes role is helping to organize the very successful 5th BoFEP Workshop at Acadia in the Spring of 2002. We extend our warmest thanks to Nancy for her dedicated service on behalf of BoFEP and wish her every success in her new position. ACER and BoFEP Chair Graham Daborn announced that plans are already underway to recruit a new half-time Administrative Secretary at ACER who might also be engaged as half-time Secretariat for BoFEP if this is agreeable to the BoFEP Steering Committee. Further details will be posted on the BoFEP Website www.bofep.org as they become available.
 
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7.  White's Point Quarry assessment
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
 
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8.  Ecology Action Centre saltmarsh restoration project
To address the cumulative loss of salt marsh habitat in the Minas Basin, the EAC has a number of ongoing activities in the area. Public education, community outreach, school programs, data collection, fieldwork, and collaborative restoration planning are part of our efforts to protect and restore salt marshes and tidal rivers in the Minas Basin.

The EAC has completed two tidal audits in the Minas Basin. The first, during the summer of 2001, focused on coastal Hants County, from Maitland to Cheverie. Twenty-one tidal crossings were found. Of these, nine were partially restricted and five were completely restricted. In 2002, in partnership with the Municipality of Colchester County, a tidal audit was completed for the entire coastal portion of Colchester County. Of the 54 tidal crossings in Colchester County, 29 were completely or partially restricted. In 2003, the tidal barriers project will expand into Cumberland County through to the New Brunswick boarder and from Cheverie, in West Hants, to Blomidon, in Kings County.

For more information about salt marshes or the EAC’s Salt Marsh Restoration Project, please contact the Salt Marsh and Tidal Rivers Restorations Project, at 429-2202 or coastal@ecologyaction.ca

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 9.  Shipping lanes change to protect right whales in Bay
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
 
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10.  NB sea level rise project
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
 
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11.  Maine sea worm farm ready to produce bait
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
 
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 12.  Tourism in Marine Environment - new journal
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
 
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 13. 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: environmental stewardship, conservation, development and support of environmental management programs; promotion of public awareness of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem; and dedicated service to the Gulf of Maine Council program. 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. Details and form.
 
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14. 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.


FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)
Issue #4 Winter 2004
[All issues archived at: www.bofep.org/tidings.htm ]

HEADLINES:
1. State of the Minas Basin Forum Held in Wolfville
2. Progress of the Bay of Fundy Biosphere Initiative
3. New Fundy Issue just published
4. Minas Basin Working Group hires coordinator
5. New Coordinator for BoFEP Secretariat
6. Eelgrass Workshop Sackville, NB December 17-18, 2003
7. Fundy's Phalaropes
(article by Christine Callaghan)
8. Establishment of Coastal Zones Research Institute at UNB
9. Report on Environmental Progress in New Brunswick
10. Huntsman Training Workshop on Multivariate Analysis
11. Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
12. Marshes, Tides and Crossings in Colchester County, NS
13. Final Synthesis reports on Minas Basin Community forums available
14. Researchers Find Evidence of Biotoxin in Georges Bank Humpback Deaths
15. Valley Watershed Stewardship Association newsletter
16. Fact Sheet on Contamination of Coastal Water around GOM
17. Article Highlights Cheverie Creek Saltmarsh Restoration Project
18. Report Presents Vision for Aquaculture in Canada
19. New Report on Aquatic Invasive Species in Canada
20. New Report on Significant Coastal Areas in Bay of Fundy
21. ADMINISTRIVIA - Removal from list; submit material; BoFEP Website

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1. 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. More…..

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2. Progress of the Bay of Fundy Biosphere Initiative
The Fundy Biosphere Initiative is continuing in development phase; the partnership is steadily being built, a strategy plan is being developed and information is being gathered to aid n the development of proposal to be submitted to UNESCO for designation as world biosphere site. The planning committee is in the process engaging communities, resource sectors, government departments, economic development agencies, universities, conservation groups, and businesses within the proposed area through a series of personnel contacts and information meetings with larger groups where it can be organized. We are making them aware of the progress to date and by encouraging municipalities and community groups to participate in the planning process and to participate in deciding on the activities that will take place in the biosphere initiative. The rate of progress has been influenced by the availability of operational funds, resources, and the amount of volunteer effort that has gone into the process to date. At present there are thirteen active biosphere sites in Canada and several more are in various stages of development and each has taken any where from six to nine years to develop before designation was achieved. ….more Report by Peter Etheridge, October 2003.

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3. 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 11 centuries of resource use by humans in the Fundy region and concludes that: "We would do well to recognize that the Native peoples 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.

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4. 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:

to develop Action Plans by working closely with a wide variety of community groups and organizations in the Minas Basin Watershed

to organize workshops and meetings in order to bring interest groups together to develop Action Plans and discuss issues

to network and liaise with community groups and other interested parties to keep relevant interest groups and individuals informed and involved in Action Plan progress and Minas Basin Working Group Activities

to seek funding for future projects by researching and writing proposals for funding through existing programs as well as from individual government agencies.

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)

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

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6. Eelgrass Workshop Sackville, NB December 17-18, 2003
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.

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7. Fundy's Phalaropes
(article by Christine Callaghan)

Whales and High Tides - they're probably the most visible evidence that the Bay of Fundy is one of the world's truly unique places. Tourists by the thousands come to see for themselves the mighty surge of the water, and the majestic creatures that journey here every year. But one of the vital links in the chain that makes up the whole Bay of Fundy ecosystem isn't quite so readily apparent. To see it you would have to look closer. a lot closer. And that's what a group of scientists who spent a week here (Freeport, Long Island, Digby County) in late August were doing. They had come in search of a tiny creature called Calanus finmarchicus. Never heard of it, you say? We'll let head scientist John Chardine, of the Canadian Wildlife Service, describe it:

"It's a large copepod, it's not the biggest one, but it's large. It's about three millimeters long. And it's energy rich; it's got a big oil sac in it. It's the main source of food for Right Whales. Herring eat it, lots of different fish species, important commercial species, eat Calanus finmarchicus. It is almost the most important animal in the system, in one sense, because it's so abundant and so many things feed on it." Among the many animals that depend on this little beast is a kind of bird called the phalarope. And it's phalaropes that are the focus of Chardine's current work. ….. Complete article  (text and pictures).

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8. 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

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9. Report on Environmental Progress in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's first Report on Environmental Progress entitled "Air, Land and Water - Reporting to New Brunswick residents 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

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10. Huntsman Training Workshop on Multivariate Analysis
Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, New Brunswick will be presenting "Analysis of Multivariate Data from Ecology and Environmental Science" This will be a four day hands-on workshop on statistical analysis and interpretation of community structure data for environmental analysis. It will be held 26-29 April, 2004 with instructor: Dr. K. R. Clarke. More……..

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11. Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Canada has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Convention provides the framework for international oceans law, governing many aspects of oceans affairs, from fisheries and navigation to marine pollution and scientific research. UNCLOS entered into force in 1994. Canada's ratification brings the number of parties to 144……… more.

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12. 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

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13. Final Synthesis reports on Minas Basin Community forums available
The following two reports arising from the work of the Minas Basin Working Group in convening a series of Community Forums around the Basin are now available:

Willcocks-Musselman, R. 2003. Minas Basin Watershed Profile. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Technical Report #2. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. 160 pp.

Willcocks-Musselman, R., Orser, J., Brylinksy, M. and P.R. Hinch. (eds). 2003.  Planning for Action in the Minas Basin Watershed. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Technical Report #1. Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. 116 pp.

A limited number of paper copies are available from the BoFEP Secretariat. Electronic versions (in PDF format) are available on the BoFEP Website at:
Watershed Profile/Action Plan.

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14. 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. ………More

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15. Valley Watershed Stewardship Association newsletter
The August 2003 newsletter of the VWSA newsletter is now available on the BoFEP Website in PDF format at: VWSA Newsletter. Subsequent issues will also be posted as they are received.

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16. 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

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17. 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. For complete article go to:
http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/fall2003/index.htm  

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18. 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

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19. 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:
F
undy Issues # 23. "Alien Invasions: Introduced Species in the Bay of Fundy and Environs"

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20. New Report on Significant Coastal Areas in 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

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21. ADMINISTRIVIA ~

If you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org . The deadlines for submissions are: March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st.

For more news items about BoFEP, the Bay of Fundy and beyond periodically check the BoFEP's Fundy news clips page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also check out back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.



FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


Issue #5 Spring 2004 [All issues archived at: www.bofep.org/tidings.htm ]


HEADLINES:

  1. Deadline for abstracts for Bay of Fundy Workshop approaching fast!
  2. "Fundy Evening" Open House at the 6th Workshop.
  3. Displays at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop.
  4. The Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group
  5. Report of the Corophium Working Group
  6. Draft Summary of the State of the Minas Basin Forum now available.
  7. BoFEP Expense Claim Forms available Online
  8. Solar Sightings Contest - Clean Nova Scotia Foundation
  9. Guidebook for Seafood Processing Plant Practices
  10. North Atlantic Humpback Whales Recovering?
  11. Conservationists Applaud New Spiny Dogfish Limits
  12. Nova Scotia Green Plan available for comment
  13. Ocean Zoning Workshop in Halifax
  14. Summary of EMAN Meeting now available
  15. ADMINISTRIVIA - Removal from list; submit material; BoFEP Website


1. Deadline for abstracts for Bay of Fundy Workshop approaching fast!
April 2, 2004 is the deadline for abstracts of papers and posters to be presented at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop The Workshop will take place September 29th - October 2nd at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis Park NS.

The success of this workshop will depend on the quality and quantity of papers submitted. If any of your colleagues are carrying out interesting research or conservation projects in the Bay of Fundy encourage them to present their work at the 6th Workshop. Similarly if you know of any graduate students doing interesting research in or around the Bay let them know that cash awards will be given for the best papers and posters presented at the workshop.

The guidelines for preparation and submission of abstracts are available online at:

http://www.bofep.org/guidelines.htm . If you have not yet received a "call for papers" package and would like to receive one, simply send a quick note to workshop@bofep.org

You can mail your abstract on a diskette to:
6th Bay of Fundy Workshop, Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre
P.O. Box 273, Cornwallis Park, Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, B0S 1H0

Or send as an e-mail attachment to: workshop@bofep.org

Remember - Deadline for Abstract Submission ~ April 2nd, 2004

The preliminary workshop program and the registration/ accommodation information package will be mailed out in mid May. Details will also be posted on the Website.

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2. "Fundy Evening" Open House at the 6th Workshop
The widespread interest in the 400th anniversary commemorations in the Fundy region makes the 6th Workshop an excellent opportunity to raise public awareness about the Bay of Fundy, its natural resources, and the problems confronting it. To this end, the Workshop will feature a special public "Fundy Evening". Dr. Moira Brown, a renowned whale researcher from the New England Aquarium with a long history of active research in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine, will give an illustrated talk about the past, present and future of the whales of the Bay of Fundy. The open house will also provide the opportunity for members of the public to meet the workshop delegates, enjoy some refreshments and explore the many informative displays and demonstrations presented by organizations and groups from around the Bay.

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3. Displays at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop.
As at past Fundy Workshops, organizations from around the Bay are again being invited to set up informative displays highlighting their goals, activities, successes etc. This year the displays will also be open to the public as well as to workshop delegates. If your organizing is interested in mounting a display, or you know of other organizations who might be interested in doing so, then please contact either of the display Co-chairs indicated below to get on the mailing list for receiving the display guidelines and application forms. Workshop Display Co-chairs:

Maxine Westhead (Nova Scotia) westheadm@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Angela Martin (New Brunswick) amartin@huntsmanmarine.ca

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4. The Sublittoral Ecology and Habitat Conservation Working Group
This is a relatively new BoFEP Working Group. Its overall aim is to provide a means of disseminating information on sublittoral ecology and habitat conservation in the Outer bay of Fundy to decision-makers, other researchers and the public through the development of a systematic method for the synthesis of relevant data and information. In order to accomplish this the group will:

    • review and suggest approaches and methodologies for indicating benthic areas of high ecological value.
    • Integrate data sources and knowledge about the benthos
    • coordinate ongoing and new activities on sublittoral ecology and habitat conservation
    • have an overall theme to provide Science contributions for Integrated Management of the Outer Bay of Fundy.

A brochure describing the Working Group and its aims in more detail is now in preparation and should be available shortly. The Working Group is open to all interested individuals and organizations. For more information about the group or to become a member contact the Coordinator Maria-Ines Buzeta at buzetam@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca .

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5. Report of the Corophium Working Group
The BoFEP Corophium WG met last in May 2003 at CWS Sackville, with most members present. The meeting was spent largely discussing: 1)the contents and progress on the Corophium review paper or monograph; 2) research planned for summer 2003; 3) research papers in preparation; and 4) the Corophium bibliography.

  1. The Corophium review paper (The Biology and Ecology of Corophium volutator) is well organized and the various authors are working on their sections. The intention is to have a mid winter 2004 meeting to discuss progress and start splicing together the first draft of the paper. The plan is to have a good draft together by Spring 2004 and the paper submitted by the fall.
  2. Research for summer 2003 included additional population studies by Myriam Barbeau on NB mudflats, and plans for behavioural studies on burrowing behaviour in relation to predation (now submitted as a Science Horizons project for FY 2004-05 by Drs Barbeau and Hamilton). It is hoped that the ecological data meta-analaysis initiated by Dr. Mike Brylinsky will be continued this spring-summer 2004. Other studies have been delayed in favor of data analysis and writing up past studies.
  3. A research paper was presented at the August Limnology meetings at Sackville, NB. It is: Hamilton, D.J., A.W.Diamond and P.G.Wells. 2004. Shorebirds, snails, and the amphipod, Corophium volutator, in the upper Bay of Fundy: top-down versus bottom-up factors, and the influence of compensatory interactions on mudflat ecology. In press, Hydrobiologia. Other papers are submitted or are in press by Drs. Barbeau and Hamilton. A productive UNB group indeed!!
  4. The Corophium bibliography, in Endnote format and now numbering almost 600 citations, is ready for the BoFEP web site. It is a research tool being used a lot by the working group, and deemed very useful by Dr. O. Vader at the Museum of Zoology in Tromso, Norway, which specializes in marine amphipods.
  • Report prepared by P.G. Wells, January 28, 2004.

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6. Draft Summary of the State of the Minas Basin Forum now available.
On October 28th 2003, a forum on the State of the Minas Basin 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 and its 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 by Mark TeKamp can be downloaded in PDF format at: http://www.bofep.org/publications.htm

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7. BoFEP Expense Claim Forms Available Online
Any one who has travel or miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with approved BoFEP activities can submit a claim for reimbursement using either the travel expense or miscellaneous expense claim forms that can be downloaded in MS Word or PDF format from the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/bofep_forms.htm . The expense claim guidelines and instructions for submitting the claims are printed are printed on the back of each form. The new budget codes provided must be used to assist our Treasurer in keeping track of categories of expenses. Any questions regarding claims can be directed to the treasurer@bofep.org .

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8. Solar Sightings Contest - Clean Nova Scotia Foundation
Clean Nova Scotia is currently working on a program with Solar Nova Scotia called Renewable Energy Atlantic Program (REAP). We are specifically promoting solar energy use in Nova Scotia. Part of the program is the Solar Sightings Contest. We are encouraging people to contact us if they use or have seen examples of solar energy use. Those that contact us with sightings will be entered into a draw for some great prizes. The point of this contest is to make people aware that solar energy use is taking place and that it does work in Nova Scotia. We will also be using this information to create a database of solar energy installations and use in the province.

Do you use, or have you seen examples of SOLAR ENERGY use in Nova Scotia? 

Clean Nova Scotia and Solar Nova Scotia are collecting information on solar projects in NS. If you make use of, or if you have seen a use of, any type of solar technology in the province, please tell us about it.  This will help us show others the great examples of Solar Energy use in NS. Just for telling us you’ll be entered into a draw to win great prizes!

 Prizes to be won: Solar powered radio; Solar powered battery charger; Energy efficient Christmas lights and light bulbs ($60 value) and Clean NS prize pack (including a fleece ski vest)  Free to enter, and enter as often as you like! 

Contest closes March 31, 2004. You must have a different solar sighting for each entry. For more information, or to enter, contact: Amanda Facey: facey@clean.ns.ca or (902) 420-8832 

Program Coordinator - Solar Energy for NS, Clean Nova Scotia, 126 Portland St. Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1H8 phone: (902) 420-3478 Fax: (902) 424-5334 E-mail: jmclean@clean.ns.ca

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9. Guidebook for Seafood Processing Plant Practices
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture have announced the publication of a guidebook entitled "Best Management Practices: Marine Products Processing". The Guidebook was developed for the implementation of best management practices for the raw product, water and effluents of processing plants. It is available at:

http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci-sci/effluents/index-e.html#BMP

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10. North Atlantic Humpback Whales Recovering?
Humpback whales in the North Atlantic were severely depleted by commercial whaling over the course of several centuries. The species is known to have been hunted in the area since at least the 17th century; over 2,000 were taken by non-mechanized pelagic and small-scale coastal operations during the 19th century; and from 1885 to 1910 nearly 5,000 were taken in the waters off Norway and Iceland. As a result, the species was considered seriously depleted in much of the region by the early 1920s, although commercial hunting continued until the species was protected in the North Atlantic by the International Whaling Commission in 1955.

Following four decades of protection, it would be expected that humpback whales would be increasing in number in the North Atlantic, and a recent paper in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series argues that this is indeed the case. Based upon sightings studies, photographic records, and previous studies, the paper estimates that there are approximately 11,570 humpbacks in the North Atlantic, compared to an estimate of between 1,700 and 3,400 at the time the population was protected in 1955. Although this likely represents only a fraction of the likely initial population size, which may have been as much as 240,000 animals, the results are "strongly indicative of a substantial recovery of humpback whales in the North Atlantic following the end of commercial hunting."

Source: Stevick, P.T., et al. 2003. North Atlantic humpback whale abundance and rate of increase four decades after protection from whaling. Marine Ecology Progress Series 258: 263-273. Contact: Peter T. Stevick. E-mail: peterstevick@aol.com

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11. Conservationists Applaud New Spiny Dogfish Limits
Conservationists are applauding a December decision by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to set next year's fishing limits for overfished spiny dogfish sharks at what they call "scientifically defensible" levels. The new ASMFC limits are dramatically lower than those currently in place. Last February, the ASMFC adopted a Massachusetts proposal to set the dogfish quota for the 2003 fishing year at double the level recommended by scientists and to allow the limit per trip to exceed technical recommendations by an order of magnitude. Massachusetts's fishermen, primarily from Cape Cod, are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the total U.S. Atlantic dogfish landings.

Dogfish, like other sharks, are especially susceptible to overfishing because they grow slowly, mature late, and produce few young. Female spiny dogfish produce only six pups on average after a two-year gestation period. Dogfish fisheries target large, mature females based on market demand. According to The Ocean Conservancy, lax limits on this practice have led to a 75 percent decline in reproductive females and virtually no offspring for the last seven years. The Ocean Conservancy says that "excessive ASMFC dogfish limits have undermined federal dogfish recovery efforts, negotiations with Canada regarding the same population, and the U.S. leadership role in international shark conservation initiatives. The higher allowances in state waters also drive dogfish fisheries closer to shore, thereby increasing the risk for incidental capture of bottlenose dolphins, threatened sea turtles and depleted Atlantic sturgeon."

The new science-based limits take effect May 1, 2004. Damage to the population, says The Ocean Conservancy, is "expected to take several decades to repair."
Contact: Sonja Fordham, The Ocean Conservancy. Tel: (202) 429 5609.
E-mail:
sonja@oceanconservancy.org.

  • Source- SeaWeb Ocean Update: Jan/Feb 2004

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12. Nova Scotia Green Plan available for comment
In June 2003, the Nova Scotia Government released "Towards a Sustainable Environment", also known as the Green Plan, which outlines the Government's approach to sustainable environmental management. 31 March is the deadline for commenting on the more than 60 environmental commitments proposed in the policy document. The Green Plan and the consultation workbook are available at:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/greenweb/towards/

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13. Ocean Zoning Workshop in Halifax
A Workshop entitled "Ocean Zoning: Can it Work in the Northwest Atlantic?" is scheduled for 10-11 May 2004 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Workshop is designed to explore the concept and effectiveness of ocean zoning as a tool for integrated management of marine resources and activities. It will provide an opportunity to learn from ocean zoning experiences internationally and to consider their application to the Northwest Atlantic region. For information, access: http://www.oceanzoning.ca

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14. Summary of EMAN Meeting now available

The Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network 2003 National Science Meeting was held last November in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The theme was "Delivering Ecological Science to Society: influencing and informing governance, policy, adaptation and decision-making". A summary of the Meeting is available at:

http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/reports/meetings/national2003/summary.html


15. ADMINISTRIVIA ~

If you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org . The deadlines for submissions are: March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st.

For more news items about BoFEP, the Bay of Fundy and beyond, periodically check the BoFEP's Fundy news clips page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also check out back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

 


FUNDY TIDINGS
Quarterly Newsletter of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


HEADLINES:
1. New slate of Officers for BoFEP elected at AGM
2. Bay of Fundy Workshop a success
3. Awards Presented at Bay of Fundy Workshop
4. Amanda Tree leaving BoFEP Secretariat
5. Fostering linkages between BoFEP and SGSLCS
6. BoFEP Online Calendar
7. GIS mapping and printing services at MRC
8. Petitcodiac River environmental impact assessment - update
9. Whites Point quarry and marine terminal EIS guidelines
10. Gulf of Maine Summit background report
11. Note: If you do not wish to receive Fundy Tidings……

1. New Slate of Officers for BoFEP
Steering Committee (Elected at AGM - September 30th, 2004)
  1. Hugh Akagi
  2. Michael Butler (alt: Claudette LeBlanc)
  3. Thierry Chopin
  4. Graham Daborn
  5. Dave Duggan (alts: Maria-Ines Buzeta & Maxine Westhead)
  6. Al Hanson
  7. Steve Hawbolt
  8. Patricia Hinch
  9. Marianne Janowicz
  10. Barry Jones
  11. Colleen Mercer Clarke (Nominated after AGM - to be ratified by Steering Committee)
  12. Jon Percy
  13. Robert Rangeley (alt: to be designated)
  14. Francine Rousseau
  15. David Scarratt
  16. Rabindra Singh
  17. Jamey Smith
  18. Sean Smith
  19. Mark TeKamp
  20. Amanda Tree
  21. Danika van Proosdij
  22. Peter Wells
  23. Renee Wissink
  24. Position vacant - candidate to be appointed by Steering Committee.
Management Committee (Elected by Steering Committee - September 30th, 2004)
Chair – Barry Jones
Past Chair - Graham Daborn
Vice Chair - Peter Wells
Secretary - Amanda Tree
Treasurer – Patricia Hinch
At large - Jon Percy
At large - Marianne Janowicz
At large – Mark TeKamp

2. Bay of Fundy Workshop a success

The 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop was held from September 29th to October 2nd, 2004 at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, Cornwallis Park, Nova Scotia. The Workshop attracted 165 participants from around the Bay of Fundy and the northern Gulf of Maine, including a large contingent of young researchers competing for awards for the best student papers and posters presented at the workshop. A total of 68 papers and 28 posters (a record number of submissions for BoFEP Workshops) were presented during the workshop in eleven scientific sessions. The preparation of the Proceedings of the Workshop is moving ahead expeditiously and it is anticipated that copies will be available by early spring
. The following workshop reports:
- Report on the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop (for the 2004 Gulf of Maine Summit)
- Evaluation Report for the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop
are available in PDF format on the BoFEP Website:
 

3. Awards Presented at Bay of Fundy Workshop

The first BoFEP "Environmental Stewardship Award" was presented to Pat Hinch of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour. This award recognizes an individual that has "contributed significantly to the environmental health/sustainability of the Bay of Fundy". Preferably someone best described as an "unsung hero", who has worked hard behind the scenes, out of the limelight, in advancing the Mission and within the Principles of BoFEP.

A "Special Recognition Award" was presented to Graham Daborn of the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research at Acadia University. It recognizes his long-standing leadership of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership, both as a founding member and its first Chair, a position he has served in with exceptional dedication and ability for the first decade of the organization’s existence. We extend warmest thanks to Graham for all he has done for BoFEP over the years and are pleased to note that he will still be keeping his oar in the role of Past President of the organization.

Awards were also presented for the best papers and posters presented by students during the Workshop. The winners were:

  • First place paper - Ashley Sprague, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB. "The extent of Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) movements while foraging in the Upper Bay of Fundy, and factors affecting this movement."
  • Second place paper - Sam Ng’gang’a, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB. "The proposed Musquash MPA: a case study on boundary delimitation concepts."
  • First place poster - Vanessa Paesani, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB. "Intraspecific genetic variation in the centric diatom Thalassiosira nordenskioeldii Cleve."
  • Second place poster - Nancy Chiasson, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS. "Controls on the distribution of vegetation characteristics in a tidally restricted macrotidal salt marsh."

Congratulations to all the students who presented papers and posters - you certainly gave our 6 judges a good workout - they had an excellent array of presentations to consider and were hard pressed to pick winners.


4. Amanda Tree leaving BoFEP Secretariat

We are sorry to report that Amanda Tree who has very capably looked after the BoFEP Secretariat at ACER during the past year will be leaving us at the end of November. Her husband has accepted a position in Terrace Bay, Ontario (along the North Shore of Lake Superior, east of Thunder Bay). Everyone who has worked with Amanda has been impressed with her organizational skills, friendliness and dedication to BoFEP. She was particularly tireless in helping to organize the recent Bay of Fundy Workshop and her exceptional minute taking abilities awed us all. We extend our warmest thanks to her for all she has done for us during her time with BoFEP and wish her every success in her new community. We’ll miss you Amanda! We hope to fill the vacant position as expeditiously as possible.


5. Fostering linkages between BoFEP and SGSLCS

BoFEP and the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability (SGSLCS) are in the early stages of exploring ways that the two organizations might work more closely together. BoFEP was pleased to invite Nadine Gauvin, Executive Director of the SGSLCS, to join us at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop. She gave us a brief overview of her organization at the BoFEP AGM. The Coalition's mandate is somewhat similar to BoFEP’s and includes: fostering communication, networking and information sharing; organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops or forums; developing strategic plans and policies; helping communities grow and achieve their sustainability goals; and also to promote sustainability generally. The Coalition's partners also include Government agencies, Industries, Community groups, NGOs, First Nations, and the general public. Like BoFEP, the organization has several Working Groups on selected topics. Nadine thought that some of these working groups might be able to work together on particular issues to minimize duplication of effort. The two organizations might also consider joint projects and issue-oriented workshops that would be of interest to both groups. It is hoped that arrangements can soon be made for a few members of the Steering Committees of both organizations to sit down together to further explore some of the possibilities for cooperation and collaboration. A link to the SGSLCS Website (www.coalition-sgsl.ca) has also been placed on the BoFEP home page and in future SGSLCS activities and events will be posted on the BoFEP Calendar page.


6. BoFEP Online Calendar

For Information about meetings of the BoFEP Steering and Management Committees, BoFEP Working Groups, BoFEP partners and other events of interest in the Fundy region check out the Calendar page on the BoFEP Website www.bofep.org/calendar.htm . If you would like to post an event e-mail it to: communications@bofep.org . There are also links to other regional calendars that might be of interest to BoFEP members.


7. GIS mapping and printing services at MRC

The Bay Of Fundy Marine Resource Centre (BFMRC) located in Cornwallis Park, NS announces the creation of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Printing Department. It offers GIS and large format printing services to non-profit and research type organizations at a reduced cost. Using the latest GIS technology BFMRC can collect, create, manipulate, geo-reference, and output all forms of GIS data. From data development to final output, BFMRC has the skills and equipment to meet all your GIS needs. You will have access to expert technical support without the burden of maintaining a GIS department. The BFMRC has also acquired a large format printer with capability of printing media up to 42" wide. Using several types of media, from basic bond to Photo Satin, BFMRC can print your maps, posters, and banners promptly and at an affordable price.
Other Services Offered: GIS Consulting, Project Management, GIS Programming, GIS Workshops/Training, Digital Cartographic Enhancement, GIS Data File Conversation and Graphics Design. Call for details and pricing of these services.Contact: Trevor Robar, GIS Coordinator, Bay Of Fundy Marine Resources Centre:  (902)765-6002 or (902)638-3044

8. Petitcodiac River environmental impact assessment - update

An overall update on the Petitcodiac River EIA study, fish passage issues, and preliminary results of the hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling of the Petitcodiac River and estuary were the main topics of discussion at a public workshop held on 6 November 2004 in Moncton, New Brunswick. For information on the EIA, access http://www.petitcodiac.com. The presentation by the study team at the Workshop is available at:  http://www.petitcodiac.com/November_Presentation-En2.pdf


 
9. Whites Point quarry and marine terminal EIS guidelines
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour are seeking public comment on the draft Guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal project in Digby County. Written comments must be received by 21 January 2005. For information, access http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20041110001.
Funding is available to assist the public to take part in the joint panel review. For information, access
http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/nr041109_e.htm.
 

10. Gulf of Maine Summit background report
The Environmental Report on the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy was prepared for the Gulf of Maine Summit held on 26-29 October 2004 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. It provides in-depth chapters on several key issues facing the Gulf: land use; contaminants and pathogens; and fisheries and aquaculture. It also summarizes results from watershed forums held over the past two years and the need for a 2020 vision for the Gulf. The report is available at
http://www.gulfofmainesummit.org/docs/Tides%20of%20Change%20Across%20the%20Gulf.pdf


11. NOTE: If you do not wish to receive Fundy Tidings, please ask communications@bofep.org to remove your name from the distribution list. 
Bookmark and regularly visit the BoFEP Website www.bofep.org for the latest news about BoFEP and the Bay of Fundy.


FUNDY TIDINGS
Newsletter of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)
 

Issue #7 Spring  2005    [For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm ]


HEADLINES:

1. 6th BoFEP Workshop Proceedings now available
2. 7th BoFEP Workshop call for papers
3. BoFEP-GOMCME Agreement
4. Funding awards for 2005-2006 under the BoFEP-GOMCME Agreement
5. Minas Basin Working Group meets with Planners
6. Stephen Hawboldt finalist in Canadian Environmental Awards
7. Welcome Minas Basin WG Student Interns
8. Cooperation between BoFEP and SGSLCS
9. Reactivation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Working Group
10. SMaRTS Working Group has productive spring Meeting
11. FNSN AGM (June 24-26)
12. Dynamic Atlas of the Gulf of Maine
13. NOTE: If you do not wish to receive Fundy Tidings


1. 6th BoFEP Workshop Proceedings now available
Those of you who participated in the 6th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop last fall should have already received your copy of the Workshop Proceedings. If you haven't, you should contact Peter Wells at peter.wells@ec.gc.ca ASAP. CD-only copies of the complete Proceedings are also available from the same source. At first glance the Proceedings appear slimmer than in previous years. They are, in fact, much thicker. With each succeeding Workshop, the number of contributions has steadily risen, with an attendant increase in publication and mailing costs. We are now approaching the 500-page mark (480p to be exact)! Hence, it was essential to seek a less costly and more environmentally friendly way of disseminating the results. The current Proceedings contain a full table of contents, a comprehensive overview of all the paper and poster sessions, assorted introductory materials, text of four keynote presentations, summaries of round table discussions, minutes of the 2004 BoFEP Annual General Meeting, and the participants list. There is also an author index and a comprehensive general index. The CD inserted on the back cover contains the full Proceedings, including all papers or extended abstracts of oral and poster presentations, which are linked to the table of contents. The CD is searchable by keyword. We propose using this format for all future proceedings. Eventually, we plan to have the fully searchable text of all the proceedings and the other BoFEP publications (Fundy Issues, Working Group Reports etc.) on the BoFEP web site.


2. 7th BoFEP Workshop call for papers
No sooner do we have one successful Science Workshop under our belt than we start embarking on the planning of the next one. We extend a cordial invitation to join us for the 7th BoFEP Bay of Fundy Science Workshop at the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews, NB, on October 25-27, 2006, hosted by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Gerhard Pohle and his team are already hard at work planning the program and coordinating all the local arrangements for what is shaping up to be a top-notch event in a particularly scenic part of the Maritimes……… not that you'll have much time to look at the scenery, but it'll be nice to know it's there!

The theme for the 7th Workshop is: "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy-Gulf of Maine". Some of the possible session topics for which we are inviting papers and posters include:

    • Climate Change
    • Cross-Border Issues
    • Ecosystem Approaches: Theory and Practice
    • Education and Public Awareness
    • Environmental Monitoring and Indicators
    • Fisheries and Aquaculture
    • History and Future of Marine Labs
    • Knowledge Integration
    • First Nations and Community-based Programs
    • Watershed Issues

Other sessions may also be considered based on the range of abstracts submitted. For up-to-date information about the progress of the workshop planning check in regularly at:

http://www.bofep.org/2006_workshop.htm


3. BoFEP-GOMCME Agreement
Last year BoFEP and the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (GOMCME) moved to establish "a greater and more formal linkage between the two organizations" by signing a Contribution Agreement. This is similar to the existing relationship between the GOMCME and the Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM). This Agreement will allow BoFEP to implement aspects of its workplan that are directly relevant to the goals and objectives of the 2001-2006 Gulf of Maine Council Action Plan, namely; Protect and Restore Coastal and Marine Habitats; Protect Human Health and Ecosystem Integrity; and Encourage Sustainable Maritime Activities. As part of this agreement GOMCME will provide financial assistance in the amount of $10, 000US per year for three years in order that BoFEP can undertake project initiatives of mutual interest. The Agreement may be extended with the consent of both parties. The Gulf of Maine Management Team and representatives of the BoFEP Management Committee will meet annually to review the progress of work carried out under the agreement and to develop the workplan for the subsequent year.

In addition to carrying out specific research initiatives, BoFEP also undertakes to augment the COMCME Action Plan by:

  • Contributing to the scientific understanding of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem through focused research and studies/programs on contaminants, habitat restoration, and acting as the key information source for the Bay of Fundy and other northern parts of the GOM;
  • Promoting effective communication and information exchange between the GOM Council and BoFEP members, and cross-linking information sources - GOM Council and BOFEP web sites, displays, joint fact sheets with both BOF and GOM information;
  • Contributing to development of the 4th GOM Council Action Plan by bringing forward a consensus on priorities from Bay of Fundy stakeholders, starting the discussion at the 6th BoFEP Fundy Workshop, September, 2004;
  • Providing consultation and scientific advice on issues of importance to the GOM;
  • Implementing new research projects e.g. the GIS study of tidal barriers in the Bay of Fundy; and
  • Expanding BoFEP to include more US representatives.

This formal linkage of the two groups is of great value for both groups. For the GOM Council, it engages a credible group that has been working for years on issues in the north-east GOM, i.e. the Bay of Fundy, hence offering tangible contributions from a multi-partner, community based group in partnership with government. For BoFEP, it ensures that specific projects of its working groups, its workshops and its communication efforts are linked with, reflect and benefit from work being conducted on/in the greater GOM, from research to communications and practical work in the field.

BoFEP has established an open, competitive process whereby relevant research projects or conservation activities in the Bay of Fundy can be considered for financial support under this Agreement. Specific BoFEP Projects being funded under the Agreement during the 2005-06 fiscal year are summarized in the following news item #4. [Based on information provided by Pat Hinch]


4. Funding awards for 2005-2006 under the BoFEP-GOMCME Agreement
The 2005-06 GOMCME grant is providing financial support to the following projects.

1) Development of a Series of Historical Digital Mosaics Depicting Change in Intertidal Habitat in the Minas Basin. - Danika van Proosdij, Department of Geography Saint Mary's University ($4,990).

The purpose of this study is to assess and integrate all available historical aerial photography on salt marshes within the Southern Bight of the Minas Basin, into the comprehensive digital geodatabase initiated in 2004. This work will compliment on-going initiatives to quantify the changes in ecosystem habitat in the Minas Basin. The air photo mosaics produced can then be used by researches to explore why changes are occurring, ideally separating the natural versus anthropogenic impacts. The final product of this project is a georeferenced rectified air photo mosaic layer for each year of available historical aerial photography at low tide integrated into the GIS geodatabase. This database is being developed as a baseline for future research on the impacts of tidal barriers on intertidal ecosystems and is to be housed at St. Mary's University.

2) Annapolis Watershed Salt Marsh Evaluation Project. - Stephen Hawboldt Clean Annapolis River Project ($5,000).

The study will examine the degree and cause of tidal restriction and the size and potential biological productivity of the site including contributing factors. Sites will be ranked as to their feasibility for restoration. Project outcomes include: an inventory of candidate salt marsh restoration sites in the western Annapolis Valley sites; the identification of priority candidate sites; development of restoration plans for high priority sites; and an initiation of protocols for pre-restoration baseline monitoring of priority sites.

3) Lessons learned from recovering marshes: the hydrological network in abandoned dykelands - Gail Chmura, Department of Geography, McGill University ($2,500).

This project is a study of vegetation distribution and production in relation to the altered hydrology documented in recovering marshes. The project will assess the responses of two recovering dykelands - John Lusby Sanctuary on the Cumberland Basin and Saints Rest March near St. John. Each marsh will be compared to a reference, or control marsh, Allen Creek/Wood Point on the Upper Bay and Dipper Harbour on the lower Bay, which have never been isolated from tidal flooding. Products of this study include: a digital spatial database of hydrological networks and elevation model; maps of modern hydrological networks at four marshes; maps of original hydrological networks of two dykes marshes; and a report of analyses of hydrological differences between reference and dyked marshes in the two parts of the Bay. [Based on information provided by Pat Hinch and Donna Porter]


5. Minas Basin Working Group meets with Planners
On April 7th, several members of the Minas Basin Working Group had a preliminary meeting with municipal and regional planners from around the Minas Basin. The objective was to develop a partnership between the Working Group and the planners in order to work together to maintain and improve the health of the Minas Basin through land-use planning in the coastal zone and watershed of the Minas Basin. Some of the topics broached in this initial meeting were priority impacts, jurisdictional issues, planning resources, possible pilot projects on priority issues, and the need for ongoing education of decision-makers about environmental issues and sustainable land-use. Both parties agreed that such a partnership would be mutually beneficial, with the Working Group serving as a scientific resource to planners and the planners serving as planning information resource to the Working Group. The Working Group will provide the planners with copies of its reports on the Minas Basin and planners will give a presentation on municipal planning at a meeting of the Minas Basin Working Group. A number of other possible future cooperative activities were discussed, including convening a 1-2 day workshop for councilors, mayors, wardens, etc. to increase local decision-makers’ understanding and appreciation for coastal and watershed planning in the Minas Basin region. [Based on information provided by Justin Huston]


6. Stephen Hawboldt finalist in Canadian Environmental Awards
Congratulations to Steve Hawboldt, Executive Director of the Clean Annapolis River Project (CARP) and member of the BoFEP Steering Committee, on being named a finalist in the Canadian Environmental Awards 2005 in the category of Restoration and Rehabilitation. The Awards will be presented by Stephane Dion, Minister of the Environment, at a Gala Dinner on June 6th in Toronto. David Suzuki will be the special guest speaker and will also receive a lifetime achievement award. For more details go to:

http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea2005/en/finalists_restoration.asp


7. Welcome Minas Basin WG Student Interns
Two student interns are working with the Minas Basin Working Group (MBWG) during the summer.

  • Chris Perry-Giraud is working out of the Bedford Institute for 5 months, working on the Ecosystem Overview Report and likely some other things as well. Chris (from Nantes, France) is working towards a Masters degree in "Environment, Ground and Water" at the University of Rouen and this internship is his 3rd and final placement.
  • Jaime Vickers is working on developing a suite of environmental indicators for the Bay of Fundy, with a focus on the Minas Basin. She's working out of the Environment Canada office in Dartmouth with Peter Wells until mid-August. She is a Marine Affairs student at Dalhousie University. We extend a warm welcome to both students and wish them every success in their projects.

8. Cooperation between BoFEP and SGSLCS
All members were in attendance at the most recent Management Committee meeting on Saturday April 23rd. The meeting was held in Montague, Prince Edward Island to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability (SGSLCS). This provided an opportunity to continue the dialogue between the two multi-stakeholder, regional groups and identify areas of common interest where there might be opportunities for cooperation. The dialogue began in November 2003 when representatives from both groups made presentations at an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) conference in Halifax, NS and reflected on some of their common interests. The dialogue continued at the BoFEP Annual General meeting last October, when Nadine Gauvin, Executive Director of the SGSLCS gave us an overview of the organization and its activities. SGSLCS has many similar objectives to BoFEP but operates in a different body of water and watershed. At the recent meeting in Montague, BoFEP Management Committee members explained what BoFEP was all about to the assembled delegates. In the ensuing discussion it was clear that we do have many common interests and closer collaboration would be mutually beneficial. For instance, on some issues of broad regional applicability we might form joint Working Groups and also organize joint workshops focusing on topics of common concern. To facilitate such cooperation it was felt that the Management Committees of both groups might meet together periodically to discuss common interests and develop joint activities. You can learn more about the activities of the SGSLCS by visiting their Website at:

http://www.coalition-sgsl.ca


9. Reactivation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Working Group
The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Group which has been dormant for some time is now in the process of being reactivated and revitalized. Colleen Mercer Clarke, Jennifer Smith and Mark TeKamp are now engaged in developing a Terms of Reference for the group for ratification at the next BoFEP Steering Committee meeting. Further information about this Working Group will be posted on the BoFEP Website http://www.bofep.org/working.htm . If you are interested in participating in this working group contact communications@bofep.org .


10. SMaRTS Working Group has productive spring Meeting
The Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems working group (SMaRTS) held their spring meeting at the Canadian Wildlife Service Regional Headquarters in Sackville, New Brunswick on May 11, 2005. Sixteen members attended and discussed a wide range of issues (topics) including various salt marsh restoration projects (e.g., Musquash marsh and Cheverie Creek), the ever growing SMU-EC-BoFEP-GOMCME tidal barriers database, and the upcoming 7th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop (in 2006). Meeting participants thanked Janice Harvey for her many years of service to SMaRTS as its Co-chair and selected Tony Bowron as its new Co-chair. Minutes of the meeting will be posted on the BoFEP web site in June of 2005. [submitted by SMaRTS Co-Chair Jeff Ollerhead]


11. FNSN AGM (June 24-26)
The 2005 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists will be held from June24-26, 2005 at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro. The Conference theme is the Acadian Forest and many interesting presentations and excursions pertaining to this theme are planned. At the Saturday banquet the guest speaker Rob Rainer, Director of Conservation with Nature Canada, will talk about "Old Acadian Forest - New Conservation Values, Strategies and Imperatives". For more information about the program and to obtain registration forms please visit: www.naturens.ca.


12. Dynamic Atlas of the Gulf of Maine
The Gulf of Maine Census of Marine Life has just announced the release of the Dynamic Atlas of the Gulf of Maine, the data and mapping portal of the Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System (GMBIS).

The website can be found via this link: http://gmbis.iris.usm.maine.edu

At this site, you can explore, download and map biological and biogeographical data from multiple sources. The goal of this site is to enhance our understanding of biological patterns in the Gulf of Maine, across space and time. The Dynamic Atlas of the Gulf of Maine and the Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System are part of the Gulf of Maine Area Program of the Census of Marine Life. This first version of the website primarily offers datasets from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, plus additional features to help visualize the data in meaningful ways. In the coming months, the website will include more datasets, enhanced mapping capabilities, improved search features, and educational tools for students and teachers. [Information from: Suzy Ryan, Project Specialist, Gulf of Maine Census of Marine Life]


13. NOTE: If you do not wish to receive Fundy Tidings

Just ask communications@bofep.org to remove your name from the distribution list.
Bookmark and regularly visit the BoFEP Website www.bofep.org for the latest news about BoFEP and the Bay of Fundy.

~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


Autumn, 2005
For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit:
www.bofep.org/calendar.htm


HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP 2005 Annual General Meeting
2. Changes at BoFEP Secretariat
3. BoFEP Workshops updates
4. New Fundy Issue on MPAs published
5. Upper Bay Integrated Fisheries Management Pilot Project.
6. M.Sc. Thesis on Resource Management in Minas Basin
7. Draft Report on groundwater completed
8. Tidal Barriers Database completed

B. Partner organizations and others:

9. New Director for ACER
10. NEW Marine Resource Centre opens in St. Andrews
11. GOMCME PEPC plans new educational resource site
12. Saltwater Network update
13. Greening of Industry Network Conference at Acadia University
14. GOMCME/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership - Request for Proposals

C. Fundy News Clips:

15. Public concern mounts over LNG Terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay
16. Digby Neck Quarry Updates
17. National Geographic Adventure Magazine features Fundy
18. ADMINISTRIVIA


A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP 2005 Annual General Meeting - The BoFEP AGM originally scheduled for September 27th at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre has been postponed until October 26th at the same location. Further details will be circulated shortly and posted on the BoFEP website. The Management Committee apologizes for any inconvenience this postponement may cause. For information contact: secretariat@bofep.org

2. Changes at BoFEP Secretariat - Donna Porter, who has managed the BoFEP Secretariat at the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, resigned on August 17th in order to take up another post within the University. We extend warmest thanks to Donna for her dedicated and enthusiastic work on behalf of BoFEP and wish her every success in her new position. Lacey Croft is presently handling things at the ACER office.

3. BoFEP Workshops Updates - The report on the Fundy Coastal Forum held in conjunction with the 5th BoFEP Science Workshop has just been published as follows: "Wells, P.G., J. Harvey, J.A. Percy, G.R. Daborn and S.J. Rolston. (Eds). 2005. The Bay of Fundy Coastal Forum. Taking the Pulse of the Bay. A GPAC-BoFEP Coastal Forum held May 15-16th, 2002, as part of the 5th BoFEP Bay of Fundy Science Workshop, Wolfville, NS. Environment Canada - Atlantic Region, Occasional Report No. 25, Environment Canada, Dartmouth, NS and Sackville, NB. 54 p. plus Appendices (CD ROM format)." Copies are now being circulated to participants in recent BoFEP Science Workshops. They can also be requested from: communications@bofep.org .
Note:
The editors are seeking feedback as to whether another Fundy Coastal Forum should be convened (perhaps in conjunction with the 7th Workshop?) to complete the task of ranking stresses in the system. Comments can be sent to peter.wells@ec.gc.ca .

The Proceedings of the 6th Science Workshop "The Changing Bay of Fundy: Beyond 400 Years" are also available and copies may be obtained by contacting: communications@bofep.org

Planning for the 7th Science Workshop is moving ahead expeditiously. Hosted by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, it will take place October 25-27th 2006 at the Algonquin Fairmont Hotel in St. Andrews, NB. The theme will be: "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy - Gulf of Maine". The Workshop Organizing Committee will be meeting on September 26th at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Anyone interested in helping out with the planning should contact Gerhard Pohle at huntsman@huntsmanmarine.ca .

4. New Fundy Issue on MPAs published - Fundy Issue #26, entitled "Saving Special Places: Protected Areas and the Bay of Fundy" has just been published and is now being circulated to all BoFEP members. Paper copies can be requested from: communications@bofep.org. It can also be found on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/mpas.htm.


5. Upper Bay Integrated Fisheries Management Pilot Project - This project was conceived within the Minas Basin Working Group in 2000 as a pilot study of the potential to develop comprehensive, ecosystem- and community-based management of coastal waters, as required by the Oceans Act. An initial proposal submitted to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in 2002 received approval in principle, but lack of funds prevented its implementation. A subsequent proposal, supported by fisheries organizations and communities in the area, was submitted to the EJLB Foundation in February 2004 by a consortium including the Upper Bay Marine Resource Centre, the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, and BoFEP. A grant of $35K was received from EJLB. Christie Dyer, employed as Researcher for the project, has compiled much of the available information on the fisheries of the Upper Bay of Fundy, including the number of vessels, licenses, and landings of important species. Many species are currently at lower abundance levels than have ever been recorded, although two (lobster and scallop) appear to be holding their own or rebuilding from previous low levels. Ms. Dyer has also identified numerous stakeholders in the fisheries and initiated early discussions with them regarding their interests in the development of an integrated management plan that would ensure sustainability of both the marine resources and the human communities of the Upper Bay. In addition, EJLB funding and contributions from Acadia University enabled the first experimental surveys of groundfish in the Minas Basin and Scots Bay areas. The objective was to develop an independent measure of stocks in these areas, since landings data collected by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans fail to distinguish between fish caught in the Upper Bay and those collected in deeper waters of the Lower Bay, which may be different stocks. [Submitted by G.R. Daborn]

6. M.Sc. Thesis on Resource Management in Minas Basin - Peter Wells reports that one of his students in the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University , Ms. Jaime Vickers, recently completed a Masters of Marine Management thesis. Entitled "Environmental and resource management issues in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy - the role of appropriate indicators and indices to assess marine ecosystem health", the thesis should be of particular interest to BoFEP's Minas Basin WG, as it contains recommendations for work that needs to be done in the Basin in relation to monitoring programs and indicators pertaining to the overall health of the Basin.

7. Draft of Report on groundwater completed - Questions pertaining to sewage treatment and water quality arose at every almost every meeting of the Minas Basin Working Group. A common concern expressed was the lack of ready public access to information on water quality, including groundwater, and it was felt that a "state of water" report would help satisfy this need. As part of the Minas Basin Working Group's Integrated Management Project, John Gibb of Environment Canada undertook to prepare a report entitled: "Groundwater Quality In The Minas Basin Watershed. An Overview of Issues and Groundwater Water Quality Information". This document is an important step towards improved knowledge of the "state of groundwater quality" in the Minas Basin Watershed. Part 1 includes a discussion of groundwater and groundwater-quality concepts, while Part 2 provides a description of previous groundwater studies in the Minas Basin Watershed. A draft of this report has been circulated for review and will soon be published in the Environment Canada Occasional Report series.

8. Tidal Barriers Database completed - A tidal barrier audit was initiated for New Brunswick in 2000 by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick (CCNB) and Environment Canada (EC). In 2001 EC and the Ecology Action Center (EAC) undertook a similar audit on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay, with the Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems (SMARTS) Working Group of BoFEP providing scientific support and expertise. The purpose of the audits was to assess whether the daily natural tidal flow to rivers and salt marshes is blocked or restricted and to identify sites that would be suitable candidates for restoration. Danika van Proosdij and Peter Dobek of Saint Mary's University have now completed the Nova Scotia Pilot Project of the Bay of Fundy Tidal Barrier Project. This project, supported by the GOMCME - BoFEP Contribution Agreement, integrates the tidal barrier audits into a comprehensive digital spatial database and makes the results of the audits available on-line. Fact sheets for each of the barriers may be accessed interactively on an individual basis by selecting the barrier or geographical area of interest directly on maps displayed. Clicking on the barriers on the map links directly to the corresponding fact sheet in .pdf format. This database serves as a baseline to assess the cumulative impacts of tidal barriers in the Upper Bay of Fundy and as a platform for future research as well as provides much needed background information for future salt marsh restoration projects. The database will shortly be available on the BoFEP website.

B. Partner organizations and others:

9. New Director for ACER - In its 20th year of operation, ACER has a new Director, Dr. Anna Redden, who grew up in Windsor (NS) and attended Acadia and Memorial Universities between 1982 and 1994. Her 1986 M.Sc. thesis was a comparative study of the Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia) in the Annapolis Estuary and Minas Basin and she was one of the first students to complete a graduate degree through ACER. At Memorial University, her Ph.D. project was part of a large-scale study of phytoplankton dynamics in Conception Bay, part of a national program on the productivity of cold ocean waters. She moved to Australia in 1994, and has been researching and teaching at Victoria, Monash and Newcastle Universities. She has been extensively involved in community-based collaborative studies of coastal watersheds in New South Wales, resulting in a ministerial appointment as a Catchment Management Board Member for the Department of Land and Water Conservation. She has also served as the Director of International Relations for the University of Newcastle. Anna's local knowledge of the Bay of Fundy and its research community, combined with her extensive experience abroad, are admirably suited to the position of ACER Director, and she will be a welcome addition to the BoFEP community. [Submitted by G.R. Daborn]

10. New Marine Resource Centre opens in St. Andrews - The Clarke House Resource Centre, located in a heritage building at 62 Princess Royal in downtown St. Andrews, was officially launched at an open house on July 14, 2005. The new Centre provides office space on a cost-sharing basis to local non-profit groups and presently houses the following organizations:

  • Centre for Community-based Resource Management - Supports grassroots initiatives to manage and care for natural and social resources of coastal communities in Southwest NB.
  • St. Andrews Civic Trust - Dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural landscape of historic St. Andrews.
  • Fundy Baykeeper - Conservation Council of NB - Defends the public's right to a healthy Bay of Fundy by investigating environmental threats and ensuring laws are enforced.
  • Fundy North Fishermen's Association - Serves the needs of its members, independent small boat commercial fishermen from St. Martin's to St. Stephen.
  • Nature Trust of New Brunswick - Works with private landowners to conserve New Brunswick's natural landscapes for the benefit of nature and future generations.

For more information about the new centre contact: Maria Recchia, Centre for Community-Based Resource Management , PO Box 3920, St. Andrews, NB E5B 3S7    Phone (506) 529-4157 e-mail: mariar@nb.sympatico.ca

11. GOMCME PEPC plans new educational resource site - The Public Education and Participation Committee (PEPC) of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is putting together a virtual toolkit that will be a compilation of Gulf of Maine related marine education resources for educators. It is anticipated that the site will contain links to other websites that provide quality teacher-resources (such as lesson plans, classroom activities, images, maps of the region, and research/data). For more information about the project visit the GOMCME website at www.gulfofmaine.org or contact the toolkit coordinators-
Barbara McMillan at: bmcmillan@des.state.nh.us (603) 271-7889 and Karin Hansen at: karinmhansen@yahoo.com (207) 729-8012

12. Saltwater Network update - The Saltwater Network SWN is a coalition of community-based organizations around the Gulf of Maine that works to support community-based management and conservation in the Gulf. The SWN was created in 2001 by and for community-based organizations around the Gulf of Maine to support community-based marine management. Many fishermen’s organizations, local conservation groups and other community groups have adopted community-based management as a response to the economic, social and environmental crisis brought on by overfishing, privatization and overexploitation of non-renewable resources. The SWN, like an upwelling that circulates nutrients in the water, seeks to distribute human, economic, educational and social "nutrients" amongst the communities of the Gulf of Maine, in support of community-based management. In recent years SWN has supported two existing marine resource centres, helped launch four new resources centres, supported local organizations with a mini-grants program, provided bursaries for staff of participating organizations to learn about community-based management, and helped bring new grantmaking foundations into the Gulf of Maine - Bay of Fundy region. For information about the SWN contact the Executive Director Arthur Bull at info@saltwaternetwork.org or visit the website www.saltwaternetwork.org

13. Greening of Industry Network Conference at Acadia University - The next conference of the Greening of Industry Network (GIN) will be held at Acadia University, hosted by the Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment, from 20-22 October, 2005. The title of the conference is:

"Global Shifts and Regional Development: Innovating for Sustainable Energy, Agriculture, and Finance." information about both GIN and the conference can be obtained from academy@acadiau.ca , telephone: (902)585-1311 or by visiting www.greeningofindustry.org/gin2005-2.htm

14. GOMCME/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership - Request for Proposals - The Gulf of Maine Council/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership is requesting proposals for the 2005-2006 Habitat Restoration Grants Program. Grants are available to NGOs, municipalities, schools and tribal and state governments for habitat restoration projects located within the Gulf of Maine watershed. Proposals must be postmarked no later than November 18, 2005. To see the RFP for full details and to download the grant application, go to the Council's website, www.gulfofmaine.org/habitatrestoration/ or contact: Jon Kachmar, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, Maine State Planning Office, 38 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Telephone: (207)287-1913 jon.kachmar@maine.gov

C. Fundy News Clips:

15. Public concern mounts over LNG Terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay - There is growing public concern and opposition over proposals by Quoddy Bay LLC and Downeast LNG to construct a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Maine on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay. The terminal's storage facilities would be located in Robbinston ME, on the shore of the St. Croix Estuary, just across the Bay from picturesque St. Andrews. LNG tankers would have to transit Canadian waters to access the terminal. A major campaign is now underway by an organization named "Save Passamaquoddy Bay", a three nation alliance involving Canadians, Americans and members of the Passamaquoddy tribe. Up-to-date information about the project, an overview of the environmental concerns and news about the mounting opposition can be found at: www.savepassamaquoddybay.org or on the website of the St. Croix Estuary Project www.scep.org .


16. Digby Neck Quarry Updates - The proposed Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal Project is projected to take place on 150 hectares of land on Digby Neck. The quarry operations are expected to be year-round with approximately 40,000 tonnes of aggregate being exported by ship to the northeastern US every week, totaling two million tonnes per year. More information about the nature and scope of the quarry project can be found at: www.savedigbyneck.org

The Joint Panel reviewing the Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal project in Digby County, released the final Guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on March 31, 2005. These Guidelines provide direction to the proponent, Bilcon of Nova Scotia, Corporation, in preparing a statement of the anticipated effects of the project on the environment. Following the reception of the EIS from the proponent (anticipated sometime this fall), the public will be invited to assist in the EIS review by submitting written comments on the statement’s conformity to the Guidelines, over a period of at least 90 days. Once the Panel has determined that the EIS is complete and that no additional information is required, public hearings will be scheduled. The final EIS Guidelines are available at www.savedigbyneck.org


Alastair McIntosh, author of "Soil and Soul: People versus Corporate Power", published by Aurum Press in 2002, gave a passionate presentation to about 75 people at the Digby Neck Consolidated School on June 6th. Alastair, who describes himself as a "human ecologist", was one of the major figures in a fight to stop a super quarry in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland that took 13 years to win. He noted that, while the proposed quarry on the Isle of Harris was larger than the proposed Whites Point quarry, it is ten times larger than the average large quarry in the UK. He drew a number of parallels between that battle and the one being waged locally including the fact that all the aggregate was to be exported, the number of jobs to be created was exaggerated, and personal lawsuits were filed. He suggested to those opposing the quarry that "If you want to save your community, you have to get much less polite when dealing with a predatory industry." For further information go to www.savedigbyneck.org

17. National Geographic Adventure Magazine features Fundy - The July-August issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine has a 11 page article on the Bay of Fundy focusing on Bay of Fundy Tourism partnership businesses. Also there is a new updated Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership web site: www.bayoffundytourism.com . [submitted by Tom Young]


18. ADMINISTRIVIA

For more news items about BoFEP, the Bay of Fundy and beyond periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also check out the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org . The deadlines for submissions are: March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st.

Note: If you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .


~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


For up-to-date information about BoFEP and its activities visit: www.bofep.org

HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP AND ITS ACTIVITIES:
1. Call for Papers – 7th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop
2. BoFEP Steering and Management Committees Elected at AGM
3. Constitutional Changes Passed at AGM
4. Victoria Sheppard Interns with UNEP's Regional Seas Program
5. New Publications Posted on BoFEP Website
6. Hugh Akagi Retires from DFO
7. Funding Support under BoFEP-GOMCME Cooperation Agreement

B. PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:

8. Workshop on Sustainable Energy (Miramichi, NB)
9. EMAN Nearshore Marine Monitoring Workshop (BIO, Dartmouth, NS)
10. GOMCME Action Plan Grants Program Request for Proposals

C. FUNDY AND OTHER NEWS:

11. A Guide to Land Use Planning in Maritimes Available
12. Eelgrass Restoration Site Selection Model Available on CD-ROM
13. Tidal Barriers in the Bay of Fundy - EAC Reports Available
14. Rising Interest in Tidal Energy in the Bay of Fundy

D. ADMINISTRIVIA - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.


A. BoFEP AND ITS ACTIVITIES:

1. Call for Papers – 7th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop
The 7th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop, hosted by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, will be held October 25th - 27th, 2006 at the Fairmont Algonquin in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. The workshop theme "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy-Gulf of Maine" encourages us to reflect on changes to the environment, causes for the changes and how to raise awareness in order to maintain sustainability.
March 31, 2006 is the deadline for submitting abstracts for papers and posters to:
Mail: Huntsman Marine Science Centre, 1 Lower Campus Road, St. Andrews, NB E5N 2L6
Fax: (506)529-1212 e-mail: workshop@bofep.org
 
A workshop information package will be mailed to BoFEP members and other interested individuals early in the New Year. Additional details, including workshop registration and accommodation forms, are now posted on the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm
The deadline for submitting registration and accommodation forms is August 4, 2006.
Queries can be sent to: workshop@bofep.org
 
2. BoFEP Steering and Management Committees Elected at AGM
Welcome to the following new members of the BoFEP Steering Committee elected at the BoFEP AGM on October 26, 2005: Lucia Fanning (EC), Romney McPhie (Dalhousie/BIO), Ashley Sprague (UNB) and Mick Burt (UNB). The complete list of all 23 Steering Committee members and their alternates can be found at: www.bofep.org/steering.htm/ .
The new Steering Committee elected the following BoFEP officers for 2005-2006:
Chair – Barry Jones
Past Chair - Graham Daborn (ex officio) (alternate: Anna Redden)
Vice Chair - Peter Wells
Secretary - Nancy Roscoe Huntley (pro tem)
Treasurer – Patricia Hinch
At large - Hugh Akagi, Marianne Janowicz, Mark TeKamp
 
3. Constitutional Changes Passed at AGM
Several changes to the BoFEP Constitution and Bylaws were adopted at the 2005 AGM. These mainly involved adding the past chair as an ex officio member of the Steering and Management Committees, allowing Steering Committee members to designate an alternate to attend meetings in their stead, reducing the quorums for AGMs (to 25 or 10% of members) and Steering Committee meetings (to one third of members) and specifying notice required (2 days) for a Management Committee Meeting. The Chair has also reorganized the constitution and bylaws to make them more user-friendly and to remove several redundancies and discrepancies. The revised document has recently been reprinted and will be circulated to all registered BoFEP members. The revised constitution http://www.bofep.org/constitu.htm/ and bylaws http://www.bofep.org/bylaws.htm/ have also been posted on the BoFEP website.
 
4. Victoria Sheppard Interns with UNEP's Regional Seas Program
BoFEP student member Victoria Sheppard presented an excellent paper based on her thesis "Developing a Strategic Framework for the Establishment of National Marine Conservation Areas in the Bay of Fundy" at the 6th BoFEP Workshop. Since then she has been selected for the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Young Canadian Leaders for a Sustainable Future Internship Program (http://www.iisd.org/interns/) and is presently working with UNEP's Regional Seas Programme (http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/) at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an international programme that seeks to sustainably manage regional bodies of water through multinational cooperation, and the establishment of legally-binding conventions, to addressed shared marine environmental issues. It aims "to address the accelerating degradation of the world's oceans and coastal areas through the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment, by engaging neighbouring countries in comprehensive and specific actions to protect their shared marine environment." Victoria is coordinating an international research project that is looking at the status of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs) in the Regional Seas. The resulting UNEP technical report will make recommendations about the future establishment of a network of MCPAs in the Regional Seas. BoFEP wishes Victoria every success in this challenging new venture.
 
5. New Publications Posted on BoFEP Website:
The following publications have recently been added to the BoFEP Website in PDF format:
a) Proceedings of 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop: http://www.bofep.org/PDF%20files/BoFEP6thProceedings.pdf/
d) Fisheries Management Issue in the Upper Bay of Fundy - final report: http://www.bofep.org/PDF%20files/Final%20ReportUBFFMPPJuly05.pdf/
6. Hugh Akagi Retires from DFO
We extends warmest good wishes to Hugh Akagi, long time BoFEP supporter and Steering Committee member, as he begins his well deserved retirement from DFO in St. Andrews on December 9th, 2005. We are delighted to report that Hugh has agreed to devote some of his newly freed-up time to serving on the BoFEP Management Committee. Congratulations Hugh!
 
7. Funding Support under BoFEP-GOMCME Cooperation Agreement
As described in the last newsletter BoFEP and the Gulf of Maine Council has entered into a three year agreement - details at ww.bofep.org/gomcme_bofep_agreement.htm ) - that allows BoFEP to implement aspects of its workplan directly relevant to the goals and objectives of the Gulf of Maine Council Action Plan. As part of this agreement GOMCME provides $10, 000US per year so that BoFEP can undertake project initiatives of mutual interest. BOFEP members and Working Groups are advised that there will be an opportunity to submit proposals under the third year of the Cooperation Agreement in 2006. Further details will follow in the next newsletter when we have more information on the goals, objectives and of the revised GOMCME Action Plan and its project focus/emphasis. Information about this agreement and other potential funding sources will be posted as it becomes available at: http://www.bofep.org/funding.htm .
 
B. PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
 
8. Workshop on Sustainable Energy
"Finding the Power to Prosper: Sustainable and Renewable Energy in Atlantic Canada"….. a workshop that will explore the available technology along with opportunities and challenges of providing sustainable energy to communities, businesses and residents. May 11-13, 2006, Rodd Miramichi River Hotel, Miramichi, New Brunswick. Hosted by ACAP, SGSLCS and APEGNB - Northeastern Branch. For information please contact the Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee at (506)778-8591 or mreac@nbnet.nb.ca
 
9. EMAN Nearshore Marine Monitoring Workshop
The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) is coordinating a workshop on nearshore marine monitoring to be held at Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, Feb 7-9, 2006. It is intended to facilitate collaboration and coordination among groups conducting monitoring in nearshore marine environments across Canada and to attempt to merge scientific information with management needs. Monitoring groups working in Canada's coastal zones are encouraged to submit posters and displays for the workshop. You will have 1-2 minutes to describe your poster in the plenary session as a "teaser". Please indicate the title of the poster, contributor, organization, and a brief summary description (250 words or less). A "handouts" table will also be available. A limited number of subsidies will be available to offset travel costs for qualified recipients

To register for the workshop, send an email to eman@ec.gc.ca noting in the subject line "Registration: Nearshore Marine Workshop". Please include,

  • Your full name
  • Organizational affiliation (if any)
  • Dietary needs
  • Date(s) of attendance
or contact Marlene.Doyle@ec.gc.ca or call 905.336.4418.
[Submitted by Maxine Westhead]

10. GOMCME Action Plan Grants Program Request for Proposals
Through its Action Plan Grants Program, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (GOMC) awards grants to non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and schools throughout the Gulf of Maine watershed. The purpose of the grants is to further the goals of the Council while assisting worthy applicants with their own programs to the benefit of the inhabitants of the Gulf of Maine region. The Council invites eligible organizations to apply for funding. The Council requests proposals for projects that will address the content, technical, and educational aspects of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Action Plan 2001-2006. The goals, objectives, and actions may be found in the Action Plan at www.gulfofmaine.org/council/action_plan. Grant applications should cite specific actions from this Plan that the proposed project will address. The Council priority this year is on proposals that substantively address ecosystem-based management and accelerate citizen stewardship activities. The Request for Proposals (RFP) and application forms can be downloaded at:
http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities
Applications must be submitted by email no later than JANUARY 13, 2006.
For information contact Cynthia Krum at tel. 207.799.7474. or e-mail: ckrum@maine.rr.com


C. FUNDY AND OTHER NEWS:

11. A Guide to Land Use Planning in Maritimes Available
"A Guide to Land Use Planning in Coastal Areas of the Maritime Provinces" has been prepared by P.L. Stewart, R.J. Rutherford, H.A. Levy, and J.M. Jackson, Oceans and Environment Branch Maritimes Region, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The Guide is divided into a series of overviews and fact sheets that cover key land-use planning and related topics, including coastal environments and maritime ecosystems, legislative frameworks for planning, and engineering aspects of coastal structures. It also presents desirable approaches and best management practices. The Guide is available online at http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/e/ocmd/final%20version%20-%20a%20guide%20to%20land%20use%20planning.pdf.
 
12. Eelgrass Restoration Site Selection Model Available on CD-ROM
Fred Short and Dave Burdick of the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, University of New Hampshire have developed a spatial model to assist in determining optimal locations for restoration of eelgrass (Zostera marina). The scientific basis of the model can be found in:
Short, F.T., R.C. Davis, B.S. Kopp, C.A. Short and D.M. Burdick. 2002. Site selection model for optimal restoration of eelgrass, Zostera marina L. Marine Ecology Progress Series 227: 253–267. This model is now available at no cost on CD-ROM to anyone interested in eelgrass restoration efforts. Efforts are underway in many places to restore eelgrass habitat. Site selection for eelgrass transplanting and seeding is the single most determinant of success. The Site Selection Model prioritizes locations for eelgrass transplant or seeding restoration through an estuary-wide scientific assessment. The model creates maps showing ranked areas of potential eelgrass restoration by synthesizing available GIS data on bathymetry, sediment type, water quality, and wave exposure, as well as past and present eelgrass distribution. The model runs on any PC equipped with PERL and on Macintosh computers using Virtual PC. Distribution of the CD-ROMs is made possible by a grant from The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET).
For copies of the CD contact: Steve Bliven, Bliven & Sternack, 49 Plains Field Drive, South Dartmouth, MA 02748   
(508) 997-3826, Steve.Bliven@comcast.net
 
13. Tidal Barriers in the Bay of Fundy - EAC Reports Available
The Coastal Issues Committee of the Nova Scotia Ecology Action Centre has been conducting tidal barrier audits around the Bay of Fundy since 2001. As part of this project, obstructions to tidal waters and the effects on salt marshes and fish habitat were assessed and recommendations for restoration were made. The results of these audits are now available on CD as a series of reports, along with other relevant EAC publications. For information or to order a CD of these reports, email tidalbarriers@ecologyaction.ca.
 
14. Rising Interest in Tidal Energy in the Bay of Fundy
After decades of seeming dormancy, engineers and others interested in exploiting the powerful tides of Fundy are coming forward again with new proposals for harnessing the flowing waters in a purportedly more environmentally benign manner. The Minas Basin seems to be of particular interest. According to a story in the Chronicle Herald on 21/11/2005 Nova Scotia (in conjunction with NB, Maine, Massachusetts, California, Washington and Alaska) is funding a study "to examine the viability of tidal current power in the waters bordering these provinces and states". The author concludes, "when this study is completed in the spring of 2006, the Bay of Fundy will be singled out as one of the sites with great potential. Pilot projects would be the logical follow-up."
The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/466072.html
 
Thanks to Maxine Westhead for the following additional recent media items on this topic:
 

D.  ADMINISTRIVIA
Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly to all registered members of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of anyone who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .
For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also find the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.
If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org .
The submission deadlines are: March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st.


~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)



HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP AND ITS ACTIVITIES
            1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop Updates
            2. New Fundy Issue Available
            3. Recent Publications Added to BoFEP Website]
            4. BoFEP Secretariat Changes
            5. Author of 2004 BoFEP Workshop Best Student Paper off to Madagascar   
            6. Annapolis Basin Saltmarsh Report Available Online
 
B. PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
            7. Nature Nova Scotia conference looks at our changing natural history
            8. Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has a new home
            9. EAC Coastlines Column Needs Writers
 
C. FUNDY AND OTHER NEWS
            10. ESSIM Coral Conservation Plan Update
            11. Species-At-Risk Update
            12. More on Fundy Tidal Power

D. ADMINISTRIVIA - Receiving, cancelling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.


A. BoFEP AND ITS ACTIVITIES

1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop Updates

Deadline for Abstracts extended - Organizers of the workshop have announced that the deadline for submission of abstracts for papers and poster to be presented at the workshop has been extended to April 30th, 2006. Submission guidelines and other information about the workshop can be found at http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm. Abstracts should be sent to workshop@bofep.org .

Best student papers and posters awards - once again prizes will be awarded for the best student papers and posters presented at the 7th Workshop. Competition was keen at the 6th workshop and we are hoping that once again many students conducting research in the Bay or its watershed will accept the challenge to present their work during one of the regular workshop sessions. If you know of any students who are carrying out Fundy related research please pass the invitation along to them. More information can be found at http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm. The abstract deadline is April 30th, 2006.

SMaRTS Working Group promoting saltmarsh session - A request has been made to the organizers of the upcoming BoFEP workshop (Oct. 25-27 in St. Andrews NB) to have one or two (depending on interest) sessions organized by the SMaRTS (Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems) Working Group. Presentations on salt marsh research, restoration, monitoring, etc. would be welcome. The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to April 30, 2006 so we encourage members of this group to attend and present their research. Details of the workshop and instructions for abstract submission can be found at http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm

Workshop registration forms online - Most of you will have already received the Workshop registration packages by mail. If not, registration forms and other documents pertaining to the workshop can be found at http://www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm. You should also update your mailing address by sending a note to secretariat@bofep.org .

2. New Fundy Issue Available -

Fundy Issue number 27 entitled "Parlous POPs: Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Bay of Fundy" is just being printed and will be available for distribution shortly. A copy will also soon be posted on the BoFEP Website.

3. Recent Publications Added to BoFEP Website:

The following publications can be downloaded from the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/publications.htm

a) Investigations of the Reference Condition Approach and Intertidal Ecology of Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, with Reference to the Impacts of Intertidal Harvesting. Maxine C. Westhead. 2005. 138+x pages. [PDF format]

b) Environmental and resource management in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy – the role of appropriate indicators and indices to assess marine ecosystem health. Jaime Ann Vickers. August 2005. 77+ix pages. [PDF format]

c) Conservation and Local Communities: Exploring the Upper Bay of Fundy Biosphere Reserve Initiative in Nova Scotia. Caroline Canning, August 2005, 171+xii pages. [PDF format]

d) Thirty Year Assessment of the Cornwallis Estuary Evolution: Aerial Photograph and GIS analysis. Christian Perry-Giraud, September 2005, 65+viii pages. [PDF format]

4. BoFEP Secretariat Changes

During recent personnel changes at the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER), Nancy Roscoe Huntley, presently with the Acadia Biology Department, stepped in to handle the BoFEP Secretariat functions for a number of months. Many of you will remember that Nancy competently filled this role a few years back, so it was great to have her back on board again, if only for a short time. Our thanks to Nancy, the Biology Department and ACER for juggling things to help us out in a pinch. We are delighted to welcome Leanna McDonald in her dual role as Administrative Assistant at ACER and the person responsible for the BoFEP Secretariat. In addition, Anna Redden, the new Director of ACER has graciously accepted the appointment as the official secretary of BoFEP.

5. Author of 2004 BoFEP Workshop Best Student Paper off to Madagascar

Ashley Sprague whose paper "Factors Affecting Movement of Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) Migrating Through the Upper Bay of Fundy" received first place as best student paper presented at the 2004 BoFEP Science Workshop, has successfully defended her thesis at UNB Fredericton. She is presently working as a marine field scientist in Madagascar on a one-year posting with www.blueventures.org. She will continue to serve (virtually!) as a member of the Steering Committee of BoFEP, although she obviously won't be attending any meetings in person until her return. Congratulations on the thesis defense Ashley and we look forward to hearing about your activities in Madagascar when you get back. We also wish to recognize Romney McPhie, another student (at Dalhousie) serving on the BoFEP Steering Committee. It bodes well for the future of BoFEP to have the active involvement of such young and upcoming scientists.

6. Annapolis Basin Saltmarsh Report Available Online

A 32 page report by Denise Sullivan, with the Clean Annapolis River Project (CARP) and the SMaRTs Working Group, entitled "Annapolis Watershed Salt Marsh Evaluation: Surveying Tidal Barriers Along the Annapolis Basin" is now available online in PDF format at: http://www.annapolisriver.ca/downloads/annapolissaltmarsh.pdf . The Annapolis Watershed Salt Marsh Evaluation Project identified a short-list of potential salt marsh restoration sites throughout the Annapolis Basin and area. A total of 27 salt marsh sites, including 20 aboiteau and culvert barriers, were evaluated during the summer and autumn of 2005. Additional information was collected on four short-listed potential sites, from which two were deemed high priorities. The project was partially financially supported by BoFEP as Part of the BoFEP- GOMCME Cooperation Agreement.

B. PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

7. Nature Nova Scotia conference looks at our changing natural history

On the weekend of May 26-28th, 2006 the Annapolis Field Naturalists' Society will be hosting the Annual General Meeting and Conference of Nature Nova Scotia - the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis, NS. This Conference will bring together naturalists from all across the province for a weekend of informative talks and stimulating field trips. The theme for the conference is: "Our Natural 'History': Changing Lands and Waters". Additional information about the Conference and Nature Nova Scotia can be found on the web at www.naturens.ca

8. Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has a new home

EAC has acquired spacious new premises located at 2705 Fern Lane, between Agricola and Robie Streets (2 blocks north of North St.) and is now actively engaged in renovating the facility in the most environmentally friendly, green fashion possible. Peter Henry Architects to help to plan and rebuild the new space and the hope is to move in early 2006. For volunteer opportunities, house information and regular updates visit www.ecologyaction.ca/newhome

9. EAC Coastlines Column Needs Writers

Ecology Action Centre's Coastlines column is looking for a few good writers! They are looking for short submissions (350-400 words) about the natural and human history of Nova Scotia's coasts and coastal habitats. They'd like to have some fresh voices for this public education column that appears in newspapers throughout Nova Scotia. With permission of EAC, articles pertaining to the Bay of Fundy are posted on the BoFEP Website at http://www.bofep.org/articles.htm   For more details, please see http://ecologyaction.ca/coastline
 

C. FUNDY AND OTHER NEWS

10. ESSIM Coral Conservation Plan Update

The ESSIM (Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management) Planning Office has compiled the comments received on the draft Coral Conservation Plan and prepared a written response to these comments. To obtain a copy of this document, please contact Heather Breeze at the ESSIM Planning Office (breezeh@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or 902-426-9851). The final Coral Conservation Plan will be released soon.

11. Species-At-Risk Update

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has recommended that several species/populations found in the Maritimes Region be added to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. These are: winter skate (Eastern Scotian Shelf population, threatened); winter skate (Georges Bank/Bay of Fundy/Western Scotian Shelf population, special concern); shortnose sturgeon (special concern); and striped bass (Bay of Fundy population, threatened). Your opinion is now being sought to assist the government of Canada in making an informed decision about adding these species to SARA. Meetings are being held in the region and consultation workbooks are available for these species on the SARA Public Registry or by contacting the SARA Regional Coordination Office at 1-866-891-0771 or by email XMARSARA@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

12. More on Fundy Tidal Power

Report on potential sites available - The report entitled "Nova Scotia Tidal In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC): Survey and Characterization of Potential Project Sites" is available at http://www.epri.com/oceanenergy/streamenergy.html#reports. The Minas Channel and Minas Basin were identified as the only TISEC sites in North America with the potential for central power generation.

Firm hopes turbines will drive Bay of Fundy tidal power. A Windsor company wants to harness the Bay of Fundy’s immense tidal power to generate electricity. ATEC Power Inc. has reached an agreement with an American company, UEK Corp., to use its tidal turbine technology to build and use these underwater turbines in Atlantic Canada. -Article in Halifax Chronicle Herald, March 24, 2006 by Judy Myrden, Business Reporter. For complete story go to: http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/492121.html



~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


Autumn, 2006 ~ Issue #11
For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm

HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:
1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop update
2. BoFEP Annual General Meeting
3. Index of BoFEP publications now available
4. New chair for Eelgrass Working Group
5. Reporting in-kind contributions to BoFEP

B. Partners and other organizations:

6. Thesis on potential Conservation Areas in the Bay of Fundy
7. Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate (MAARS)
8. Larry Hildebrand interviewed on coastal management

C. Fundy and other News:

9. DFO cold water coral conservation plan
10. Long distance tracking of Bay of Fundy Shearwaters
11. Oilspill Response Workshop
12. Aquaculture Workshop

D. Administrivia - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.


A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop update
The upcoming BoFEP Science Workshop (October 25-27th at the Fairmont Algonquin, St. Andrews NB) is shaping up to be a well-attended, informative and stimulating event. Gerhard Pohle of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (the host organization for the workshop) and his program committee have done an excellent job in putting together a first class workshop focused on the theme "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy - Gulf of Maine". Oral presentations have been grouped into 12 diverse sessions and an array of informative posters will also be on display. Many students have submitted excellent paper and poster abstracts, so once again, competition for the coveted student awards should be intense! The schedule of sessions, information for presenters and forms for registration and accommodation are all available on the BoFEP website at www.bofep.org/workshop2006.html . If you haven't yet registered yet, you should do so without delay …… especially if you need accommodation in St. Andrews. If you have any questions about the workshop send them along to workshop@bofep.org . Hope to see you all in St. Andrews!!!
 
2. BoFEP Annual General Meeting
The 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership will be held in conjunction with the 7th BoFEP Science Workshop in St. Andrews, NB. The AGM will take place from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 25th at a venue to be announced later. All BoFEP members and any other interested individuals are invited/encouraged/urged to attend. Student members (and prospective ones) are particularly welcome to participate. A formal announcement and agenda for the meeting will be circulated later. Anyone who would like to raise particular issues at the AGM should contact the BoFEP Chair at chair@bofep.org . An election of members of the BoFEP Steering Committee will also take place at the AGM. If you are interested in re-offering or standing for nomination on this Committee you should contact the Chair well in advance. A list of the current members of the Steering committee (as well as of the 8-member Management Committee) can be found on the BoFEP Website at: www.bofep.org/steering.html. Information about the makeup and responsibilities of both these committees can be found at: http://www.bofep.org/constitu.htm .
 
3. Index of BoFEP publications now available
A "Cumulative Index to BoFEP Publications" is now available on CD. It comprises a comprehensive author and subject index in addition to the complete text (in PDF format) of the Proceedings of the first 6 BoFEP Science Workshops, the first 27 Fundy Issues fact sheets and the Bay of Fundy Coastal Forum. The CD also includes a gallery of candid photographs taken at the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop in 2004. The index, methodically prepared by Susan Rolston and Peter Wells, is an invaluable tool for readily accessing the wealth of information archived in the rapidly growing stack of BoFEP publications. Copies of the index are available from communications@bofep.org or from Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) Secretariat, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6
The editors encourage you to use this CD to access the information on the activities, initiatives and research of individuals, community groups and researchers working on Bay of Fundy marine ecosystem processes and concerns. They welcome comments (communications@bofep.org) on the content and usefulness of the cumulative index and its presentation, and suggestions on how to improve access to this information. The index will eventually be available on the BoFEP website.
 
4. New chair for Eelgrass Working Group
Al Hanson of CWS in Sackville, NB has stepped down as Chair/Coordinator of the Eelgrass Working Group. BoFEP extends warmest thanks to Al for his efforts in setting up the group and guiding it through its formative years, including organizing a very successful workshop. Herb Vandermuelen of DFO, Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth NS has graciously agreed to assume the role of Working Group Chair. The goal of this working group is to support and facilitate collaboration, networking, and information exchange about eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Bay of Fundy and elsewhere in eastern Canada. Specific interests of the Working Group include:
    • The current distribution and abundance of eelgrass.
    • Trends in eelgrass distribution.
    • Ecological significance of eelgrass
    • Identifying reasons for change in eelgrass distribution and abundance.
    • Methods to reduce negative impacts on eelgrass
    • Methods of eelgrass restoration

Anyone interested in participating in this Working Group should contact Herb at vandermeulenh@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

5. In-kind contributions to BoFEP
BoFEP normally operates on a surprisingly small cash budget provided largely by a limited number of mostly governmental sponsors, the most notable of which over the years has been Environment Canada. However, BoFEP's remarkable record of achievement has largely been possible because of the ongoing provision of an immense amount of in-kind support by a wide range of governmental, private, academic and organizational contributors in the form of supplies, work/meeting space, equipment use, expertise, services, person-hours and assorted external contracts.
 
It is very important that BoFEP keep a reasonably accurate accounting of the value of this in-kind support that is being leveraged as a result of the much smaller infusion of actual cash. Such information is invaluable in bolstering proposals for additional financial support from existing and new funders. The Management Committee and Treasurer have wrestled with this question for some time and have finally developed a standard procedure for in-kind contributors to have their donations formally recorded. An appropriate form can now be downloaded from the BoFEP website in either Word or PDF formats at www.bofep.org/bofep_forms.htm . Completed form can be submitted either quarterly or at the end of a fiscal year. Coordinators and members of active Working Groups should provide a record of their participation in the group's meetings and other relevant activities. Likewise, members of the Steering and Management Committees and any other BoFEP members acting on the organization's behalf should submit a form periodically. The estimation of in-kind value reported is based on each contributor's own best judgment. Please download a form template and complete and submit a copy periodically to the Treasurer.

B. Partners and other organizations:

6. Thesis on potential Conservation Areas in the Bay of Fundy
BoFEP member Victoria Sheppard has given permission to post a copy of her December 2004 MES Thesis "Developing a Strategic Framework for National Marine Conservation Area Establishment in the Bay of Fundy" on the BoFEP Website at www.bofep.org/publications.htm .
Abstract: One of Canada's options for conservation using the marine reserve approach is Parks Canada's National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) program. Parks Canada has divided Canada's oceans and Great Lakes into twenty-nine distinct marine regions, of which the Bay of Fundy is one. With its high level of unique biological diversity and human activity, the Bay of Fundy may be a good candidate site for pursuing NMCA establishment in the near future. However, it is critical not to base NMCA establishment decisions solely on a biophysical foundation without considering the social condition and interests of the region. This study explores the potential for NMCA establishment in the Bay of Fundy by examining the current views of various members of the broadly defined Bay of Fundy community. Qualitative research, in the form of interviews, was conducted around the Bay of Fundy perimeter to answer two primary research questions: where in the Bay of Fundy would the community be most supportive of pursuing talks on this idea; and what process of engagement would the be most appropriate to pursue to increase the likelihood of success?
The research identified the St. Mary's Bay/Brier Island region, on the Nova Scotia side of the outer Bay of Fundy, as being the location with the highest likelihood of success in the Bay. Especially when compared to the New Brunswick side of the outer Bay and the inner Bay of Fundy, there is considerable opportunity in the St. Mary's Bay/Brier Island region to pursue further discussions on NMCA establishment in the region. This study also resulted in a possible framework for NMCA establishment in the Bay of Fundy. The results highlight important initial steps that might be taken in order to optimize the chance of success. These steps include: recognizing lessons learned and the damage of past mistakes; building trust; finding non-governmental project leaders from the local community; ensuring early involvement and commitment from all partners and stakeholder groups; establishing a non-governmental secretariat to guide the project; developing a broad education campaign to generate public support; and the securing of funds and other resources.
7. Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate (MAARS)

The Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariate (MAARS) is an aquatic resources and oceans management collaborative partnership of the communities of Mi'Kmaq, Malicite and Passamaquoddy Aboriginal Peoples who continue to reside on traditional ancestral homeland territories throughout the Maritime Region on the East Coast, including around the Bay of Fundy. MAARS was launched in January of 2005 as part of a multi-year Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management (AAROM) program by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Based in Truro, NS, MAARS will help aboriginal communities chart a course for viable economic growth in the fisheries, acquire aquatic resources knowledge, promote a sustainable aquatic and oceans living environment, and create a climate for effective and direct participatory involvement in decision making. MAARS publishes a quarterly communiqué "Voice of the Ocean" that provides information about the organization and its activities. This newsletter (along with a great deal of other information) is also available on the organization's website at http://www.mapcmaars.ca/ .

 
8. Larry Hildebrand interviewed on coastal management
Long-time BoFEP supporter Larry Hildebrand of Environment Canada in Dartmouth is featured (along with a flattering photo!) in an extensive interview in the Summer 2006 edition of the Gulf of Maine Times. Entitled "Building a case for sound coastal management - at home and abroad", the interview by GOM Editor Andi Rierden explores some of Larry's articulate and carefully though out insights on this important topic. She began by asking him: "Are we better prepared to handle development pressures in the Bay of Fundy?" He responded: "We're certainly better prepared than we were 30 years ago, but not to the fullest extent that we need to be. The problem is, we're caught in a cycle of just reacting. A development comes along, like an LNG, and we go ‘oh dear, got to get the data together, start a campaign, find out who’s against it and who’s for it.’ Instead, we need to look at these projects in advance of them coming along and decide, for instance, that for the Bay of Fundy, given its natural capital, its uses and the vision we have for it, would LNG tankers coming through be appropriate or not? And that’s not for one group to say. It needs to be a collective decision among government, researchers and the community and we're simply not there yet. It’s really hard in coastal and ocean management to get people to pay attention when there isn't a crisis or obvious problem. Yet that’s the best time to do the planning."
 
Larry also recognized BoFEP's recent efforts in this regard by adding: "Research in the Minas Basin being done though the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership is a good start in moving toward a coastal management plan for the Bay". The text of the complete interview can be found at: http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/summer2006/editorsnotes.html

C. Fundy and other news:

9. DFO cold water coral conservation plan
The final version of the Coral Conservation Plan for the Maritimes Region (2006-2010) is available from the ESSIM Planning Office and online http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/322312.pdf. Contact Heather Breeze if you would like a hard copy (breezeh@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca) (tel: 902-426-9851).
 
The document notes that "while Atlantic Canadian corals have been known to scientists since the late 1800s, concern about their status and vulnerabilities to human impacts have only come to attention of the public in the last ten years. This concern has fostered a renewed interest in scientific research on corals." It also points out that "two major groups of corals – about 25 to 30 species in total – occur or are thought to occur in the waters off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. At least two or three of those species occur off the southwest coast of New Brunswick in the Bay of Fundy and further directed research may find other species. The species found in the Bay of Fundy are soft coral species, which are considered to be less sensitive than other corals. For that reason, the plan focuses on the corals found off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, including the deep basins of the Gulf of Maine."
 
10. Long distance tracking of Bay of Fundy Shearwaters
Laurie Murison of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station reports that this summer a team of researchers attached satellite transmitters to the backs of 6 Greater Shearwaters. These seabirds have subsequently departed the Bay on their long, arduous migration to their breeding islands in the South Atlantic. Anyone interested can follow the birds' slow progress by regularly checking the website:
http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?project_id=176 . The movements of the individual birds are updated regularly on the map and the site provides information about actual distances flown as well as straight-line distance from the start point. There is also information about the project, the individual birds (including their names) and the project sponsors.
 
11. Oilspill Response Workshop
The NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society "3rd Workshop on Oil Spill Response" will be held 12-13 October 2006 at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For more information visit: http://www.nato.int/ccms/2006/060530e.htm
 
12. Aquaculture Workshop
The Workshop "Aquaculture Canada 2006" will be held 19-22 November 2006 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The theme is "Culturing Quality and Confidence". For more information visit: http://www.aquacultureassociation.ca/AC06/index.html

~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


January, 2007 ~ Winter Issue

For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm


 HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop

a) 7th Workshop a Success

b) Student Award Winners

c) Environmental Stewardship Award Winner

2. BoFEP 2006 Annual General Meeting

a) Steering and Management Committees elected for 2006-2007

b) Strategic Planning Report

c) Proposed BoFEP Outreach Working Group
d) 8th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop

B. Partners and other organizations:

3. Salt Marsh Workshop (February 1-2, 2007)

4. Harry Thurston Lecture on Salt Marshes:

5. Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS)

6. New RARGOM Website

7. Benthic Ecology Meeting in Atlanta

8. Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability - Website/Newsletter

C. Fundy and other News:

9. The Joggins Fossil Cliffs Project

10. Right Whales Linger in Bay of Fundy

D. ADMINISTRIVIA - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.


A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop:

a) 7th Workshop a Success -  Almost 160 researchers, representatives of community groups and businesses, environmental managers and interested citizens from around the Bay of Fundy gathered at the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews by the Sea on October 25-27, 2006. They were there to participate in the 7th biennial Bay of Fundy Science Workshop. These popular workshops are sponsored by the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP). The Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews hosted and organized this year's event.

The theme of the Workshop was "Challenges in Environmental Management in the Bay of Fundy - Gulf of Maine". Dr. Gerhard Pohle, Chair of the Workshop, explained that "the inclusion of the Gulf of Maine is deliberate, as the Bay of Fundy is a complex and interlinked component, with both bodies of water facing similar environmental challenges". Thus, several scientists from the northeastern US also participated actively in the workshop.

To kick-start each day of the workshop and get participants thinking, an opening plenary presentation summarized particular aspects of Bay of Fundy science. On the first morning, Fred Page from the St. Andrews Biological Station discussed some of the problems in managing the environment and resources of the Bay raised by the fact that the Bay's physical environment is constantly changing. Some of these changes involve shorter or longer-term cycles, while others, such as sea level rise and climate change are general long-term trends. On the second morning, Graham Daborn, Director of the Arthur Irving academy for the Environment at Acadia University, invoked the image of the Greek Mythical figure Penelope to describe the progress over the years in trying to understand the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine ecosystems. Penelope, during the absence of her husband, warded off legions of unwelcome suitors by promising to choose one of them as soon as she finished knitting a shroud for her father-in-law. However, every night she unraveled all the work that she had completed during the day, thus putting off the decision until her husband returned and slew the importunate suitors. The myth has become an enduring symbol of a work never completed, but always in hand. Daborn likened the science of the Bay to this unfinished shroud…… every now and then new threads of knowledge force scientists to unravel the models that they have carefully woven to explain how parts of the Bay work and then rework them to reflect the new understanding.

However, the real "red meat" of the workshop were the over 80 scientific papers and posters presented in 13 different sessions. These were devoted to subjects such as salt marshes, sea birds, climate change, biodiversity, fish ecology, resource management, seafloor mapping and environmental monitoring to name but a few. Abstracts of all the posters and papers presented at the workshop can be found on the BoFEP website at: www.bofep.org/workshop2006.htm

All these papers and posters also provided abundant background information for the final wrap-up session on the last day of the workshop. After a stimulating presentation by John Coon of the University of New Hampshire entitled "Can we get there from here? Ecosystem-based governance in the Gulf of Maine", participants enthusiastically discussed ways that people living and working in the region can play a greater role in keeping the Bay healthy and productive.

Susan Rolston, Peter Wells and other members of the editorial team are now working hard to have the Proceedings of the Workshop ready for distribution as early in 2007 as possible.

Congratulations to Gerhard Pohle, Lou VanGuelpen, Rebecca Milne and others at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, the Atlantic Reference Centre and the members of the program committee for doing such a superb job in organizing this very successful event.

b) Student Award Winners - The Workshop was also an excellent opportunity for budding scientists to showcase the results of their research projects. Nineteen university students competed for awards for the best student papers and posters presented at the workshop. The winners were as follows:

Best student papers (oral presentation)

First prize - Alexander Bond (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton) - "Comparing adult and chick diet in two Alcid species using stable isotopes"

Second prize - David Drolet (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton) - "Effect of density of the gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta on distribution and movement of the amphipod Corophium volutator

Best student posters

First prize - Koreen Millard (Acadia University, Wolfville) - "High-resolution LIDAR elevation data of inter-tidal areas: A potential tool for examining salt marsh vegetation communities"

Second prize - Shannon O'Connor (Acadia University, Wolfville) - "The Atlantic Coastal Zone: all the little fishes"

Congratulations to all the students who presented at the workshop. The judges (and the audience) were very impressed by the high calibre of the presentations.

c) Environmental Stewardship Award Winner - At the workshop Banquet, Dr. Peter Wells, recently retired from Environment Canada in Dartmouth, NS, was presented with the BoFEP "Environmental Stewardship Award". This award is given biennially to an individual who has "contributed significantly to the environmental health or sustainability of the Bay of Fundy". Congratulations Peter on this well-deserved award and thanks for all the energy, enthusiasm and support you have given to BoFEP ever since its inception.

2. BoFEP 2006 Annual General Meeting

The 2006 AGM was held during the workshop on October 25th, 2006 in the Van Horne Ballroom of the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews. The draft minutes of the meeting (in PDF format) can be found at: www.bofep.org/agm.htm . A few highlights include:

a) Steering and Management Committees elected for 2006-2007 - At the AGM a full slate of 24 members of the BoFEP Steering Committee was elected. In addition to the many returning stalwarts, we would also like to welcome new members Andy Didyck, Elwood Dillman, Peter Fenety, Christine Smith, John Terry, Raul Ugarte and Owen Washburn. A complete list of the members is available at: www.bofep.org/steering.htm .

At a subsequent brief meeting of the Steering Committee the BoFEP Management Committee was elected, comprising:

Chair – Barry Jones,
Vice Chair - Peter Wells
Secretary - Anna Redden
Treasurer – Patricia Hinch
At large - Peter Fenety
At large - Marianne Janowicz
At large – Owen Washburn
 
Ex Officio members (non voting)
Past Chair - Graham Daborn
Guest member at large - Hugh Akagi
Communications coordinator- Jon Percy
Secretariat - Leanna McDonald

b) Strategic Planning Report - A significant portion of the AGM was devoted to consideration of a discussion paper entitled "The Future of BoFEP; its long-term support". This excellent report was produced thanks to the efforts of an ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee chaired by Marianne Janowicz, who organized two stimulating retreats for Steering and Management Committee members and winnowed and synthesized the mountain of information generated into a manageable summary and recommendations. A copy of the draft Strategic Planning Committee Report is available at: www.bofep.org/strategi.htm .

c) Proposed BoFEP Outreach Working Group - One outcome of the Strategic Planning exercise was a proposal for a BoFEP Outreach Working Group. This group would work to raise the profile of BoFEP within the Bay community, specifically in the industry, government and First Nations sectors and encourage their involvement in BoFEP, so that the activities of BoFEP better serve the interests of the communities and sectors and the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. This proposed working group has developed a draft terms of reference. The Management Committee will recommend to the Steering Committee that it ratify the formation of this new Working Group.

d) 8th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop - At the AGM, Anna Redden, Director of the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research at Acadia University, offered to host the 2008 Workshop in Wolfville. This offer was enthusiastically accepted by all present. Planning for this event is already underway. [Breaking News ~ The workshop will take place at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville, October 21-24, 2008. Mark your calendar now!]


B. Partners and other organizations:

3. Salt Marsh Workshop - The Ecology Action Centre in Halifax is sponsoring a workshop entitled "Six Years in the Mud. Restoring Maritime Salt Marshes: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward". The workshop will be held February 1-2, 2007 at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

It has been six years since the EAC held its first workshop on salt marsh restoration. Six Years in the Mud will provide a retrospect of accomplishments in Bay of Fundy salt marsh restoration, identifying key lessons learned and how efforts have contributed to overall ecological improvement of Maritime marshes. The workshop will also explore where and how to focus future efforts in salt marsh restoration. Workshop sessions will explore knowledge and information gaps, address implementation obstacles, and identify priorities for future research and action. Community groups, researchers, government, educators, naturalists and anyone working or interested in salt marshes are invited to participate in this exciting workshop. For more information and to register contact: saltmarsh@ecologyaction.ca or  visit www.ecologyaction.ca

4. Harry Thurston Lecture on Salt Marshes:
The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) invites the public to attend "A Place Between The Tides: A Naturalist's Reflections on the Salt Marsh", a public lecture by Harry Thurston, winner of the 2005 Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award. The lecture is free of charge and is part of a larger workshop the EAC is hosting on salt marsh restoration (for more information on the worskhop visit www.ecologyaction.ca ). This event is cosponsored by the Gulf of Maine Council and Environmental Progammes, Dalhousie University

This lecture will take place January 31st, 7:30-8:30pm, McCain Scotiabank Auditorium (Room 256, Arts and Social Science Building), Dalhousie University. For more information contact the EAC at 442-5046 or saltmarsh@ecologyaction.ca

5. Fishermen and Scientists Research Society
a) Conference and Workshop
The Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS) will be holding its 14th Annual Conference on February 16-17, 2007 at the Best Western Glengarry Hotel in Truro, NS. The Conference will be preceded on February 15th by the joint FSRS - Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation Lobster Science Workshop. The Lobster workshop will explore the relationship of various lobster recruitment and ventless trap projects and the advantages of different methodologies, and will also continue the cross-border information sharing and collaboration initiated through previous workshops. The 14th Annula Conference will include workshops on a wide variety of topics, from juvenile haddock habitat use to artificial lobster habitat, cod tagging, temperature monitoring on lobster traps, and inshore ecosystem research, as well as a poster/information displays session. For more information and to register contact:
pmdservices@eastlkink.ca visit: www.fsrs.ns.ca or phone 902-876-1320
 
b) Overview of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society
Established in January 1994, the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society (FSRS) is a non-profit organization which is an active partnership between fishermen and scientists. The FSRS was developed with the overall objectives to promote effective communication between fishermen, scientists and the general public, and to establish and maintain a network of fishermen and scientists capable of conducting collaborative research and collecting information relevant and necessary to the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries. The current membership consists of 380 members, including 253 fishermen members and 127 scientists/other members. Scientist members have come from both the government (e.g. Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and academic communities, as well as from the private sector.

The FSRS was formed out of the recognition by both fishermen and scientists that each had valuable contributions to make to the effective long-term stewardship of living marine resources. A partnership based on effective communication and common goals was a necessary prerequisite to realising the FSRS's objectives. This partnership has enabled valuable joint projects that are important to the advancement of assessment and management of our fisheries resources.

The Objectives of the FSRS have been defined as:

      • To establish and maintain a network of fishing industry personnel to collect information, for use by members of the FSRS, relevant to the long-term sustainability of the marine fishing industry in the Atlantic Region.
    • To facilitate and promote effective communication between fishermen, scientists, and the general public.
    • To participate, as appropriate, in research projects of other agencies and institutions which require the collection of information relevant to fisheries and marine environmental monitoring.
    • To generate revenue, where possible, from activities related to information gathering, sample collection, and environmental monitoring to promote the continuation of the FSRS.
    • To analyze and disseminate information generated through the activities of the FSRS.
    • To facilitate the provision of training to members of the FSRS as may be necessary or desirable in the carrying out of the objectives of the FSRS.
    • To avoid, by action or inaction on the part of the FSRS, the perception that the FSRS is a lobby group representing the interests of either the fishing industry or the scientific community over that of the long-term sustainability of the fishery as a whole.

For more information about the FSRS and its activities visit: www.fsrs.ns.ca

6. New RARGOM Website
The Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM) has a new Web Site that is hosted by the University of New Hampshire. NH. Visit it at www.rargom.org . It provides information regarding upcoming regional events, funding opportunities, directories, regional research and reports from all of the RARGOM theme sessions. RARGOM was founded in 1991 as an association of institutions that are actively involved in research, management and stewardship activities related to the Gulf of Maine and its watershed. It is an advocate for regional research and stewardship of the Gulf of Maine. Its basic missions are to facilitate a coherent program of regional research, promote scientific quality and encourage regional coordination and collaboration among researchers and environmental decision-makers residing at its member institutions.
7. Benthic Ecology Meeting in Atlanta
The 2007 Benthic Ecology Meeting will convene this March 21st -25th, 2007 at the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta to learn the newest developments in marine and benthic ecology and related fields (and explore Atlanta!). We anticipate a diverse audience of students and researchers from around the United States that will create an engaging scientific and social atmosphere. Plus, the weather should be pretty good! We hope you’ll join us. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is Jan 26, 2007.
For further information contact: benthicecologymeetings@biology.gatech.edu.
or visit: http://www.biology.gatech.edu/bem2007/ for on line registration, abstract submission and information about accommodations.
 
8. Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability - Website/Newsletter
The Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability (SGSL) has recently given their Website a new look. To check it out go to: http://www.coalition-sgsl.ca
The winter issue of the SGSL Newsletter can be downloaded at:

C. Fundy and other news:

9. The Joggins Fossil Cliffs Project
The residents of Joggins had long recognized that the development of a strategy to manage and promote the world famous fossil cliffs as an educational and tourism attraction was the key to realizing the potential of both the site’s and the community's future. They set out to seek a partner who shared their vision and approached the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) to assist them to build on this idea. Their efforts have finally paid off, with the Federal and Provincial governments contributing almost $7 million towards the construction of the Joggins Cliffs Interpretive Centre. The 13,000 square foot centre, which will comprise exhibition space, gift shop, café, multi purpose room and lab, is scheduled for completion in late summer. In addition, the partners have recently completed a detailed proposal to UNESCO to have the Joggins Fossil Cliffs designated a World Heritage Site. For more information about these exciting developments visit: http://www.creda.net/~jfcliffs/vision.htm
 
10. Right Whales Linger in Bay of Fundy
A fisherman and whale-watcher says he has the answer to the question that's stumping the experts -- why at least two dozen right whales are still [Mid November] in the Bay of Fundy. "There's not enough food," said Harold Theriault, a lobster fisherman for more than 35 years who owns Petit Passage Whale Watch. For the last 12 years, Theriault, also the Liberal MLA for Digby-Annapolis, has operated a whale-watching business with his wife and three sons. The family business covers the Digby Neck, George's Bank and Brown's Bank areas in search of the endangered right whales of which only about 350 still exist.

One of the right whales' food sources is krill, a reddish, shrimp-like invertebrate. Theriault says the organism has become extremely scarce in the Digby Neck area. "It used to be a few years ago that you would see the krill all over the surface of the water," he said. "It would gather all over the bottom of the boat. Now, if you go out, you can barely see it. It's as though it's gone. "What used to be normal was to see 125 to 130 whales a season. Now, we're lucky to see half that." He thinks the department of fisheries and oceans should do an intensive study to find out why the right whale's food stocks have been depleted and seek ways in which they can be brought back to acceptable levels. He's convinced the right whales remaining in the Bay of Fundy are making a last ditch effort to fatten up before migrating south for the winter. "I don't think they¹re gluttonous mammals. They're there trying to build up 18 inches of fat, and they won¹t migrate south until that happens."

Christopher Taggart is a fisheries oceanography professor at Dalhousie University and an expert on right whales. He said it is extremely rare to see whales in the Bay of Fundy at this time of year; he could cite fewer than 10 documented cases. But Taggart would not say the whales are staying to continue feeding. Taggart says typically 20 to 100 right whales congregate in the Grand Manan Basin, which includes waters off the coast of Digby, in July, August, and September. There, they feed off a particular plankton, copepod Calanus finmarchicus, rich in fat, and found between 120 and 180 metres below the surface. The whales quickly accumulate the fat they need for their migration. They also feed on surface plankton. Taggart said no research supports Theriault's food shortage hypothesis, but the professor called the question intriguing. "There is no evidence yet that suggests anything about the quality or quantity of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus or the krill," he said. "But he is asking a very good question." Taggart says many factors influence the right whales' migration pattern including light, temperature, and food.

By Andrew Rankin, The Valley Today [Windsor, N.S.], Friday, Nov. 17/06

[Tidings Editor's footnote: On Nov. 7, 2006 CBC Radio's "Maritime Noon" featured an interview with Jerry Conway of DFO who expressed concern about the pod of 50 Right Whales still present from the area of Point Lepreau and Grand Manan Island. He said that usually most right whales leave Fundy in September, and he speculated that lots of plankton in the water might explain the continued late presence of the whales.]

D. ADMINISTRIVIA

Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly (winter, spring, summer, autumn) to all registered members [go to www.bofep.org/join.htm ) of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of others who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy, periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You will also find back issues of Fundy Tidings archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org . The submission deadlines are:

Winter - January 1st; Spring - April 1st; Summer - July 1st; Autumn - October 1st.


~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


May, 2007 ~ Spring Issue

For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm


HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:
1. BoFEP Facing Funding Crunch
2. BoFEP 7th Workshop Proceedings Nearly Ready
3. Fishermen Concerned about Impacts of Minas Basin Tidal Power
4. Report on GOMCME Publications and their Use
5. Thierry Chopin New President of International Seaweed Association
6. In Memoriam - John Gibb
 
B. Partners and other organizations:
7. Tidal Energy Workshop
8. 2007 Conference of the Atlantic Coastal and Estuarine Science Society (ACCESS)
9. New editor at GOM Times
10. GOMCME Action Plan Grants Program 2007 - RFP
11. 34th Aquatic Toxicity Workshop
 
C. Fundy/GOM and other News:
12. Musquash Estuary - Canada's Newest Marine Protected Area
13. Nova Scotia Acquires More of Cape Split
14. International Sewage conference in Moncton
15. Massachusetts Publishes Draft of Wetlands Restoration Plan
16. Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques in New Hampshire
17. New Journal on North Atlantic
18. Illustrated booklet on the American Eel Available
D. Administrivia - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP Facing Funding Crunch
The end of the 2006-2007 fiscal year finally arrived without BoFEP receiving its long anticipated funding from Environment Canada. The organization is thus facing a serious financial crunch. In spite of this, several working groups are pushing ahead with their meetings and other activities and the Management Committee is meeting regularly by conference call to address the funding issue and ensure the continuation of core BoFEP activities and functions. However, a meeting of the Steering Committee is long overdue - travel funds are non-existent and it is just not feasible for such a large group to participate meaningfully in a conference call. A meeting will be scheduled as soon as circumstances permit. A revised application for funding for 2007-2008 has been prepared and submitted to Environment Canada.
In the meantime, a newly created Outreach Committee has also been working actively to identify and develop ways for BoFEP to broaden and strengthen its links with industry, First Nation and other government agencies. It is particularly looking to find ways to tailor BoFEP's considerable expertise and knowledge resources to the needs of such potential partner groups. The Committee is also tasked with identifying new funding sources and also developing new initiatives for raising funds in support of ongoing BoFEP operations and programs. One possibility being considered is expanding our very successful efforts at organizing local forums and workshops on important issues confronting the Bay and its coastal communities. Another controversial approach that may have to be reconsidered is charging a membership fee for BoFEP.
 
2. BoFEP 7th Workshop Proceedings Nearly Ready
Peter Wells and Susan Rolston have been working diligently on the final editing/formatting of the Proceedings of the 7th Bay of Fundy Workshop held last October is St. Andrews NB. It is now essentially ready for publication. However, the above mentioned funding crunch precludes printing paper copies at this time and even digital copies on CD are beyond our reach at the moment. The plan is, for the time being at least, to make the Proceedings available on the BoFEP Website in PDF format. Hopefully, sufficient funding will eventually be found to allow us to make it available in other formats.
 
3. Fishermen Concerned about Impacts of Minas Basin Tidal Power
Late in February, BoFEP received a letter from Mark Taylor, a fisherman in the Minas Basin who has concerns about the proposed tidal power developments in that area. Mark has given us permission to share his letter with the broader BoFEP membership. It highlights the economic importance of the fisheries in the Basin, something that is not widely appreciated. BoFEP's Minas Basin Working Group is also reviewing Mark's letter and assessing how it might be able to help address this particular issue.

"To Who it May Concern:
I am writing in regards to a meeting I attended in Wolfville Nova Scotia February 22 regarding the Tidal Power Project
[ed: see item x below]. I am a lobster and scallop fisherman in the Minas Basin. I have fished there for over 30 years and have just recently heard about the turbines being put in the Minas Basin. Nova Scotia Power and Open Hydro proposes the turbines to be put in between Cape Split and Parrsboro, crossing the entire channel.

I have concerns with the exclusions of fishing for this entire zone. The lobster, Northern Shark (dogfish) and the fish dragging fishery in the Minas Basin is a successful fishery for a large number of fisherman. It will directly effect eleven Class A lobster licenses and one Class B lobster license. It will also directly effect twelve ground fish long line licenses and four ground fish generalist licensees. Closing the proposed area will affect all of District 35 as these boats will have to find new fishing ground. This as it stands at present, is an eight to ten million dollar a year industry. I have spent over a quarter of a century to become successful in the lobster fishery in the Minas Basin.

Nova Scotia power in my opinion, is hiding behind the environmental issues, claiming it will not hurt the environment. In fact, it is just the opposite. The Minas Basin is where fish and lobster go to migrate, molt and spawn due to the warmer waters of the Minas Basin. I have concerns on how this will affect the lobster migration due to the generators, electrical fields and the cables on the ocean floor. It is unknown what can happen when the tides are disturbed, using the Windsor Causeway in NS and the Petticotiac River in Moncton, NB for an example.

Kings, Cumberland and Colchester Counties may be known for their agriculture but in fact it is also a viable fishing industry with no environmental cost. The proposed turbines will only generate a small amount of power and to myself and the other fisherman, this is a high price to pay to consider wiping out the entire future of the Upper Bay of Fundy Fishery.
Sincerely,
Mark Taylor"

4. Report on GOMCME Publications and their Use
Ruth Cordes, Bertrum MacDonald and Peter Wells, members of BoFEP's Fundy Informatics Working Group and also with the School of Information Management and the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University, recently produced a report entitled "Gulf of Maine Council Publications and Their Use". The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has produced a large and diverse body of publications since it was established in 1989. The authors of this report conducted an extensive citation analysis to understand usage of the Council's publications. This report includes a bibliography of Council publications and recommendations for improving the Council's publication practices. A copy (PDF, 2.64 MB) can be downloaded from the Council Website at: http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/publications.
 
5. Thierry Chopin New President of International Seaweed Association
BoFEP extends hearty congratulations to one of its members, Thierry Chopin, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, on being elected (for a three-year term) President of the International Seaweed Association (ISA) during the 19th International Seaweed Symposium, held in Kobe, Japan, March 26-31, 2007. The ISA is an international organization dedicated to the encouragement of research, development and commercialization of seaweeds and seaweed products. Its mission is to promote applied phycology on a global basis, and to stimulate interactions among researchers and industrialists involved in basic and applied biology, ecophysiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, responsible resource management and conservation, and cultivation and processing of seaweeds and their products.
 
6. In Memoriam - John Gibb
BoFEP was saddened to learn of the passing in mid March of one of its members, John Gibb. John was a hydrogeologist with Environment Canada for 28 years until his retirement on May 10, 2006. He was a member of Atlantic Well Drillers Association and many other organizations having to do with his work. John was also an active member of the Minas Basin Working Group and had been collaborating with Peter Wells in producing a report entitled: "Groundwater Quality in the Minas Basin Watershed - An Overview of Issues and Groundwater Water Quality Information". It is anticipated that once final editing is completed this report will be made available on the BoFEP Website.
 

B. Partners and other organizations:

7. Tidal Energy Workshop
On the evening of February 22nd a public forum on Tidal Power was held at Acadia University , with 180-200 people in attendance. This forum, jointly organized by the NS Department of Energy, the Offshore Energy and Environmental Research group and the Arthur Irving Academy of the Environment, was moderated by Graham Daborn, Director of the last organization. Overview presentations on the technology, the policy implications and the environmental effects of the proposed development were given by Nancy Rondeaux of NS Department of Energy, Sandra Farwell, a provincial government energy policy analyst and Andre Casavant, an Environmental Consultant. A panel comprising NS Power spokesman Terry Toner, Les Smith of the Clean Annapolis River Project, and Mark Taylor, a local fisherman provided additional commentary on the presentations and fielded many questions from the audience. The Provincial Government has identified tidal power as one of its top priorities and dedicated 2.6 million dollars to assessing its potential in the Minas Basin region. On the following day there was an invitation only workshop, hosted by the Arthur Irving Academy on the Environment, to discuss in more detail various aspects of tidal power development. It is anticipated that a Proceedings document summarizing these deliberations will eventually be published.
 
8. 2007 Conference of the Atlantic Coastal and Estuarine Science Society (ACCESS)
The 2007 Conference of the Atlantic Coastal and Estuarine Science Society (ACCESS) will be held 16-17 May 2007, in Sydney, Nova Scotia - For more details visit: http://faculty.capebretonu.ca/mjones/access/.
 
9. New editor at GOM Times
Earlier this year, Andi Rierden stepped down as editor of the Gulf of Maine Times after six years of exceptional journalistic and editorial activity. We thank her for her dedication and enthusiasm in putting together so many wonderfully informative issues and wish her well in her new journalistic endeavors. The new editor is former staff writer and assistant editor Lori Valigra. Cathy Coletti has joined the publication as assistant editor. Starting this year, The GOM Times will be produced three times a year, rather than quarterly. This is largely attributable to changing reader preferences from printed to online electronic publications.
Speaking of which, the new editor invites you sign up for a free electronic subscription to the Times. Periodically you will be notified by e-mail about a newly minted edition of the periodical, which you can then read online at your convenience. To subscribe visit: http://www.gulfofmaine.org/quicksubscription.php , where you will be able to either sign up for an electronic subscription only, or choose to have a free printed copy mailed to you as well. The Gulf of Maine Times is circulated to some 10,000 people with a professional or personal interest in the Gulf of Maine. Through feature articles, profiles, book reviews, and essays, the Gulf of Maine Times covers social, environmental, and scientific issues that affect the Gulf.
 
10. GOMCME Action Plan Grants Program 2007 - RFP
A reminder that proposal submissions the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Action Plan Grants Program for 2007 are due by May 15, 2007. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment seeks applications from non- governmental organizations to achieve specific outcomes in its new five-year Action Plan (2007-2012), www.gulfofmaine.org/actionplan and its three long-term goals:
            Goal 1: Coastal and marine habitats are in a healthy, productive, and resilient condition.
            Goal 2: Environmental conditions in the Gulf of Maine support ecosystem and human health.
            Goal 3: Gulf of Maine coastal communities are vibrant and have marine-dependent industries that are healthy and globally competitive.

The Council invites eligible organizations to apply for funding made available through a US Congressional appropriation administered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work toward these goals. Online applications are preferred, please submit them at: www.gulfofmaine.org/actionplan/grant/apply/overview.php

Hard copy versions of the RFP can be downloaded and printed from:
2007 Action Plan Grants RFP 3.26.07.pdf (Adobe Acrobat, 140 Kb)
 
11. 34th Aquatic Toxicity Workshop
The 34th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop will be held at the Westin Nova Scotia Hotel, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd, 2007. This year, the theme is "Navigating New Waters". This multidisciplinary meeting brings together 300-350 students and researchers from academia, non-government, government and industry with interests in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental, geochemical, geology, immunology, microbiology, modelling, physiology and other related fields. You can find more information about proposed sessions and registration at www.atw.ca.

C. Fundy/GOM and other News:

12. Musquash Estuary - Canada's Newest Marine Protected Area
On March 7, 2007 the Musquash Estuary became Canada's Newest Marine Protected Area and the first MPA in New Brunswick. An MPA is a unique marine area designated for special management and protection under Canada’s Oceans Act. Located on the coast of the Bay of Fundy, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Saint John, the Musquash is one of the last ecologically intact estuaries in the Bay of Fundy region and is an area of high biological productivity and varied coastal habitats. The New Brunswick provincial government has transferred 1150 hectares (or 11.5 square km) of Musquash Crown lands to the federal government. There are now six MPAs throughout Canada.
For the complete press release about the designation visit:
and for detailed background information about the Musquash Estuary visit:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2007/mar01_e.htm
 
13. Nova Scotia Acquires More of Cape Split
On March 15, 2007 the NS Department of Natural Resources announced that the province is finalizing the purchase of another 147.5 hectares (364.5 acres) adjacent to Crown land at Cape Split, Kings Co., as part of its special property acquisition program. Eight parcels of land are being purchased from several owners for a total of $1,042,000. The province acquired 280 hectares (700 acres) at the tip of the Blomidon peninsula in 2002. Earlier, on Feb. 22, the province had confirmed that it had also purchased 699 hectares (1,727 acres) of prime Nova Scotia property for recreational and tourism opportunities, coastal access, inland waterways and wildlife habitat. [Based on DNR Press release]
 
14. International Sewage Conference in Moncton
An International Water Association Specialist Conference entitled "Moving Forward: Wastewater Biosolids Sustainability - Technical, Managerial, and Public Synergy" will be held June 24-27. 2007 in Moncton NB. The organizers note that "As not all countries, or areas within countries, are producing, treating or disposing of biosolids/sludge with the same degree of knowledge, quality, public acceptance, success, or management and operational controls, it is our intent to host a ‘Big Picture’ conference".
 
Wastewater operators, managers, administrators, scientists, researchers, regulators and other stakeholders will all benefit from knowing about the concerns and challenges of each other. History has shown that the best science in the world is not sufficient if the general public lacks confidence in the science; so there will be conference "streams" dealing with the management and public relations sides of biosolids/sludge. On the science/technical side, the conference will feature leading research and scientific papers on advancements in the science of biosolids/sludge treatment. For more information visit the conference website at:
 
15. Massachusetts publishes Draft of Wetlands Restoration Plan
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management has just posted a draft of its Great Marsh Coastal Wetlands Restoration Plan. The Draft Plan is an online web site intended to help communities in the Great Marsh region identify and facilitate the restoration of degraded and former coastal wetland habitats. The web site presents maps, photos, and descriptions of 121 potential and completed salt marsh restoration sites.
For additional information on the Draft Plan contact Beth Suedmeyer at: beth.suedmeyer@state.ma.us
 
16. Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's Regional Planning Commissions, in conjunction with the NH Department of Environmental Services and others, have been working on the development of an innovative land use guide that will serve as a toolkit for municipal officials concerned with managing sustainable growth in their communities. It is anticipated that the guide, which will include a 2nd volume focusing on Water Resource Management, will be ready for release in the fall of 2007. Currently several chapters are available in their final draft form at: http://www.swrpc.org/assistance/guide.htm.
 
17. New Journal on North Atlantic
The Journal of the North Atlantic (JONA) is a new multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed and edited scientific journal focusing on the peoples of the North Atlantic, their expansion into the region over time, and their interactions with their changing environment. The first issue will appear in March 2008. For information about the new journal visit: http://www.eaglehill.us/jonageninf.html
The "First Call for Papers and Subscriptions" and "Instructions for Authors" are available on this site as a PDF downloads.

The Journal of the North Atlantic is intended to serve as a forum for researchers, and as an information resource for teachers, students, and the intellectually curious who would like to learn about the latest research and study opportunities within the region. The journal will be published in print and online versions. The journal will publish a wide diversity of research papers, as well as research summaries and general interest articles in closely related disciplines, which, when considered together, will help contribute to a comprehensive multidisciplinary understanding of the historical interplay between cultural and environmental changes in the North Atlantic world. Specifically, the journal's focus will include paleo-environmental reconstruction and modelling, historical ecology, anthropology, ecology of organisms important to humans, archaeology, human/environment/climate interactions, climate history, ethnography, ethnohistory, historical analyses, discussions of cultural heritage, and place-name studies. The journal will also publish field observations, notes, and archaeological site reports, as well as book reviews, summaries of important news stories, opinion papers, and free brief announcements of meetings, symposia, conferences, and grant opportunities.
 

18. Illustrated booklet on the American Eel Available
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has created a twelve-page booklet entitled "American eels: Restoring a vanishing resource in the Gulf of Maine" that describes the American eel and the challenges and methods for its restoration in the Gulf of Maine region. The American eel presents challenges to conservation because its vast range spans political boundaries and habitats. Written for resource managers and other coastal decision makers in government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, the beautifully illustrated booklet includes maps, graphs and an extensive bibliography. Topics include the biology of eels, migration and life cycle, current state of the fishery, effects of ecosystem quality and challenges posed by non- native species and climate change. The booklet provides an in-depth look at this complex animal – the only catadromous species in the Gulf of Maine. Currently the booklet is available in pdf form and can be downloaded from the GOMC website at:
 

D. ADMINISTRIVIA

Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly to all registered members of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of others who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also find the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org .

The submission deadlines are: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st..



~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)


July 2007 ~ Summer Issue

For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm


HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. Barry Jones steps down as BoFEP Chair
2. BoFEP Steering Committee meeting planned
3. BoFEP funding/activity update
4. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop Proceedings available
5. BoFEP 8th Science Workshop in Spring 2009
6. Report on GOMCME-BoFEP Cooperation Agreement available.
7. New BoFEP - GOMCME Agreement signed

B. Partners and other organizations:

8. EAC announces return of "Coastlines"
9.
Salt Marsh Workshop Proceedings available
10. Nature Canada Conference " Time and Tide"

C. Fundy/GOM and other News:

11. Whites Point Quarry hearing winds up.
12. Resource guide for sustainable tourism available
13. Whale protection paper by the late Ransom Myers
14. NB climate change action plan available
15. EIA guidelines for NB oil refinery available
16. Right Whale Website launched

D. ADMINISTRIVIA - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.


A. BOFEP and its activities

1. Barry Jones steps down as BoFEP Chair
In a June 6th e-letter to the BoFEP Management and Steering Committees Barry Jones announced his resignation as Chair of BoFEP effective immediately. He noted "I have served as Chair for almost three years, and been with BoFEP on its executive since its inception over a dozen years ago. Though I have very much enjoyed my time with BoFEP, my heart is no longer in it; there is no longer any "fire in the belly" which BoFEP needs at this time in its development." He goes on to explain that "Although it may seem as such, this is not a hasty decision. I have recently come to the conclusion that I want to spend my time more involved with my family, my friends, my home and my little farm."

Barry offered to continue to assist the BoFEP Executive as needed, in particular "I will stay on the Finance Committee to assist the Treasurer in managing current and future funding possibilities, and in particular, the 2007-08 Environment Canada funding application. In spite of our recent past disappointments with EC funding, I still have hopes that this year will be more successful." He concluded by expressing "My thanks for your past support, and good luck."

According to the BoFEP Constitution the Vice Chair, Peter Wells, automatically assumes the role in an acting capacity until confirmed or replaced by the Steering Committee at a meeting called for this purpose. Peter has agreed to accept this challenge and is actively involved in pushing forward with a number of BoFEP initiatives.

In an e-letter to the BoFEP Management and Steering Committees on June 18th , Peter expressed appreciation to Barry for his efforts on behalf of BoFEP. "I would like to thank Barry for his long and outstanding service to BoFEP as Treasurer, Chair, and continuing member of the Finance committee. His many day to day contributions to the running of BoFEP over the past few years as Treasurer and Chair, conducted with great skill and humour, have been and are greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Management Committee and all his friends in BoFEP, I wish Barry all the best and every success in his future endeavours.

2. BoFEP Steering Committee meeting planned
As a result of budget restrictions eliminating funds available for travel, the BoFEP Steering Committee has not met for an unacceptably long time. A number of important issues (funding, programs, new initiatives, next steps, AGM planning etc.) need to be considered by the SC without further delay. Therefore, there will be a SC meeting on Wednesday, July 25th, 11 am – 4 pm. (the date most convenient for the majority of committee members). To accommodate both NS and NB members the meeting will be held at a central location; namely, the Board Room of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Sackville, NB. As there are no funds to reimburse travel costs, members will have to make an effort to carpool as much as possible.

3. BoFEP funding/activity update
The acting Chair of BoFEP notes that the BoFEP-EC application is steadily moving through EC and may be successful this year. As well, the Strategic Development and Funding Committee has been very active in developing ideas and actions for more diversified funding, and in making presentations on our behalf to potential funders. This extra effort by Marianne Janowicz, Owen Washburn, Hugh Akagi, Peter Fenety and others is very much appreciated. We remain optimistic that the current funding challenges will be met and overcome, with everyone contributing whenever and wherever they can to BoFEPs funding envelope and its programs. BoFEP continues to operate, thanks to the hospitality and patience of ACER (site of our Secretariat) and the continued work of Jon Percy on the web site, newsletter and fact sheets on important issues confronting the Bay of Fundy.

4. BoFEP 7th Science Workshop Proceedings available
The Proceedings of the 7th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop held in St. Andrews, NB in October 2006 is now available for download in PDF format on the BoFEP Website at: http://www.bofep.org/bofep_workshops.htm. A gallery of photographs taken at the workshop is also available for download. The site also features a brief overview of the workshop and information about the winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award and the award recipients for the best papers and posters presented by students. CD copies of the 2006 Workshop Proceedings are being prepared by Bounty Print, along with a report cover with a CD sleeve (budgetary restrictions preclude the possibility of a paper version of the Proceedings at this time). The CDs will be sent to all those who participated in the workshop as soon as they are available. Sue Rolston deserves a very special thank-you for her dedicated effort to complete the Proceedings in a timely manner.

5. BoFEP 8th Science Workshop in Spring 2009
The 8th BoFEP workshop to be hosted by the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research in Wolfville, NS has, for a number of reasons, been rescheduled from the autumn of 2008 to May 26-29, 2008. The theme for the Workshop is "Resource Development and Its Implications in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine".

Session topics currently being considered include the following:

    • Fisheries, coastal and offshore
    • Aquaculture
    • Mining, coastal and land-based
    • Resource development and sustainability of coastal communities
    • Tidal power
    • Oil and gas
    • Watershed issues
    • Cross-border issues
    • Impacts on coastal wildlife
    • Environmental monitoring and indicators
    • Education and public awareness
    • Information and knowledge integration
    • First Nations and community-based programs

Suggestions for other session topics are always welcome and can be sent to communications@bofep.org

6. Report on GOMCME-BoFEP Cooperation Agreement available.
Pat Hinch, BoFEP's principal liaison to the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has prepared a three-year summary report of progress under the 2004 - 2007 GOMC-BOFEP Cooperation Agreement. This agreement provided funding for a variety of innovative projects in the Fundy Region, including:

  • Mapping persistent features in SW New Brunswick for use in habitat and diversity conservation.
  • Developing an information and knowledge repository for Fundy
  • Preparing historical digital mosaics of changes in the intertidal habitats of Minas Basin
  • Evaluation of salt marsh habitat around the Annapolis Basin
  • Measuring vegetation distribution and production in relation to hydrology in a recovering salt marsh.
  • Development of a Fundy tidal barriers GIS database

A copy of the full summary report is available online at: www.bofep.org/gomcme_bofep_agreement.htm

7. New BoFEP - GOMCME Agreement signed
Pat Hinch also reports that the GOMCME has recently signed an agreement entitled "Statement of Support for the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership". A firm "pat" on the back to Pat for her dedicated efforts in working closely with the Council to achieve this agreement. This agreement states that:

"We affirm our commitment to work with and seek counsel of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership. Through consultation or contractual agreement, BoFEP will work with Council Committees in three areas:

    1. Advice on ecosystem science issues – The Council will work closely with BoFEP in identifying and pursuing priority ecosystem science issues.
    2. Stewardship of the Bay - The Council will work in close partnership with BoFEP to enhance local stewardship of the Bay of Fundy by facilitating regional communication and cooperation about the Bay’s ecological resources; and
    3. Social well-being and economic sustainability of the Bay’s coastal communities The Council will work with BoFEP, local communities and others to ensure the Bay’s communities are vibrant and have marine-dependent industries that are healthy and globally competitive.

Signed this 14 day of June 2007
Byron James, Council Chairman
NB Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture"
A copy of the full agreement is available on the BoFEP website at:   www.bofep.org/GOMCME_support.htm

B. Partners and other organizations

8. EAC announces return of "Coastlines"
The Coastal Issues Committee of the Ecology Action Centre is pleased to announce the return of "Coastlines". This popular natural history column about beaches and the critters that love them will appear monthly in weekly and biweekly papers around the province. You can also read past and current Coastlines articles at:  www.ecologyactioncentre/coastlines


9. Salt Marsh Workshop Proceedings available

The Coastal Issues Committee (CIC) of the Ecology Action Centre is please to announce the release of two workshop reports. 

a) "Six Years in the Mud. Restoring Maritime Salt Marshes: Lessons Learned and Moving forward". Proceedings of the Salt Marsh Restoration Workshop, Dartmouth NS, Feb 1-2, 2007. (Interactive CD). 

b)" Changing Climate, Changing Coasts: Report from the June 6th 2007 Learning Circle on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Nova Scotia". June 2007. This workshop was organized jointly with the Coastal Communities Network and the Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia. To view the keynote presentation from the workshop by Gary Lines (Climate Change Meteorologist Environment Canada): "Nova Scotia Coastal Impacts and Adaptation Issues" visit the CCN's website: http://www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca/hot_topics.php

A Summary of "Six Years in the Mud" and the full workshop report of "Changing Climate, Changing Coasts" are available in downloadable form from the Ecology Action Centre’s Website: http://www.ecologyaction.ca/coastal_issues/coastal_publications.shtm

If you would like the full workshop proceedings (interactive CD) for "Six Years in the Mud" contact the Coastal Coordinator coastal@ecologyaction.ca or call 902-442-5046.

10. Nature Canada Conference " Time and Tide"
A reminder that the Nature Canada Conference and Annual General Meeting is being held at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS from August 1-5, 2007. This conference will bring together naturalists from all across Canada and features a wide range of speaker presentations and field trips with an upper Bay of Fundy focus as well as a goodly round of social events with a Maritime flavour. Nature Nova Scotia is organizing the conference, with assistance from the Blomidon Naturalists Society and other naturalist groups. Details about the Conference program as well as the registration forms are available online at the conference Website: www.nature2007.ca .

C. Fundy/GOM and other News:

11. Whites Point Quarry hearing winds up.
The public hearing portion the joint Federal-Provincial Environmental Impact Assessment on the controversial proposal for a mega quarry at Whites Point on Digby Neck came to end on Saturday, June 30th. The 13-day review hearing at the Digby Pines Hotel featured a plethora of passionate presentations by those for and against the quarry (overwhelmingly weighted in favour of the latter group) as well as by dozens of scientists and other experts commenting on various details of the proposal. Transcripts of all the presentations made at the hearings, as well as written submissions, can be viewed on the Canadian Environmental Agency Website at: http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/hearings_e.htm

The Public Registry for the EIA closed on Friday July 13th and no new information will be accepted for consideration. The three-member panel has 90 days from the Registry closure to submit its report and recommendations to the Federal Minister of the Environment and the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Labour.

Jon Percy's presentation to the review panel can be downloaded at:
http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/001/WP-1784-055.pdf

and an opinion piece based on this presentation entitled "Whites Point Quarry Hearings - Shed a tiny tear for Bilcon!" can be viewed at:
www.bofep.org/jons_blog.htm .

12. Resource guide for sustainable tourism available
The "Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism in Down East Maine and
Southwest New Brunswick"
covers the marine environment, water conservation,
building design, energy conservation, air pollution prevention, ecological
landscaping, waste management and recycling, green purchasing and
information on certification and membership programs. The guide, which includes
several case studies, is available at:
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/coastcom/sustour.htm.

13. Whale protection paper by the late Ransom Myers
A paper by Ransom Myers et al entitled "Saving endangered whales at no
cost",
published in Current Biology Vol 17 No 1, concludes that right whales
as well as fishermen in the American side of the Gulf of Maine would benefit
from seasonal closures and lobster trap limits at or below Canadian levels.
http://myweb.dal.ca/bworm/#_Publications.

14. NB climate change action plan available
The New Brunswick climate change action plan 2007-2012 focuses on actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions; adaptation strategies to address the economic, social and environmental effects of the Province's changing climate; and engagement with communities and individuals to implement adaptation and GHG-reduction efforts. The Plan also includes actions in renewable energy and efficiency; transportation; waste reduction and diversion; industrial sources; adaptation; and implementation and accountability. A copy of the plan is available at:
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0369/0015/0001-e.asp.

15. EIA guidelines for NB oil refinery available
The final guidelines for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed construction and operation of an oil refinery and related facilities and infrastructure in east Saint John (Red Head area), New Brunswick are now available at: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0377/0002/0029-e.pdf.

16. Right Whale Website launched
Moira (Moe) Brown, with the New England Aquarium and the Canadian Whale Institute
recently announced the launch of a Canadian bilingual Website for right whales. This website was made possible with funds from the Habitat Stewardship Program of Environment Canada, New England Aquarium and Canadian Whale Institute. You can access the site through:
www.rightwhale.ca
www.baleinenoire.ca
www.baleinefranche.ca
It is also accessible through the new Canadian Whale Institute Website:
www.canadianwhales.org

D. ADMINISTRIVIA

Fundy Tidings is circulated Quarterly to all registered members of BoFEP and other individuals who have expressed an interest in BoFEP and its activities. If you know of others who might like to receive Fundy Tidings or if you would like to be removed from the Fundy Tidings mailing list, simply e-mail a request to communications@bofep.org .

For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also find the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org .

The submission deadlines are: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st..


~ FUNDY TIDINGS ~
The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP)

October, 2007 ~ Autumn Issue

For up-to-date information about BoFEP meetings and other events visit: www.bofep.org/calendar.htm

HEADLINES:

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP Annual General Meeting
2. BoFEP Receives Funding from EC
3. Article on Climate Change in Bay of Fundy
4. Concerns about Industrialization of Bay of Fundy

B. Partners and other organizations:

5. New Fundy Biosphere Reserve Designated by UNESCO
6. Fundy Tidal Power Strategic Environmental Assessment
7. Report from Ecosystem Indicators Partnership Meeting Available
8. New e-newsletter on Ecosystem-based Management in GOM
9. New Report on Morphodynamics of Avon River Estuary

C. Fundy/GOM and other News:

10. EIA Panel Recommends Against Whites Point Quarry
11. Fact Sheets on NB Watersheds Available
12. Report on Sustainable Coastal Tourism in NS
13. NB Climate Action Fund RFP
14. Comments Invited on Report on NB Fisheries Renewal
15. Salt Marsh Restoration and Sea-level Rise

16. Report on Sustainable Lobster Fishery in Maritimes
17. New Website Features Fundy Park Hiking Trails
18. Joggins Fossil Site visited by UNESCO team

D. ADMINISTRIVIA - Receiving, canceling or contributing to Fundy Tidings.

A. BoFEP and its activities:

1. BoFEP Annual General Meeting
The BoFEP Annual General Meeting will be held during the last two weeks in November in Sackville New Brunswick, most likely at the CWS offices. The BoFEP Steering Committee will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Annual General Meeting will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You will be notified shortly of the precise date and location. We are also planning a short informative speaker program before the AGM and final details will also be announced soon. It is important that as many members of BoFEP as possible participate in this AGM so that we can establish the general orientation and program activities of BoFEP during the coming year. The Sackville location was selected to facilitate participation by members from both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

2. BoFEP Receives Funding from EC
The BoFEP Management Committee was pleased to learn in mid August that Environment Canada would be providing financial support for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Hopefully, this will permit many of the working groups to pursue some of their activities that were put on hold as a result of funding delays. A full report of the BoFEP budget and an update on the current financial situation will be presented to members at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

3. Article on Climate Change in Bay of Fundy
BoFEP's Communications Coordinator Jon Percy has an overview article on climate change and the Bay of Fundy in the September issue of "Éléments", the online environmental magazine of the New Brunswick Environmental Network. The article entitled "A Rising Tide of Change" is one of several in the theme issue "Our Endangered Coasts: The Effects of Climate Change". All of the articles can be found on the NBEN Website at: http://www.elements.nb.ca/theme/theme.htm  

4. Concern about Industrialization of Bay of Fundy
The August 2nd edition of Steve Hawboldt's environmental column in the Annapolis County Spectator focused on BoFEP and its efforts in the face of industrialization of the Bay of Fundy. He began "at a press conference held last week on environmental concerns in Nova Scotia, Peter Wells, Acting Chair of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP), talked about the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy. This is an apt description of what is happening ton the Bay of Fundy". He goes on to note that, "BoFEP is a well respected network of academic and government scientists, community organizations and others who are concerned about the Bay of Fundy. They have sponsored several workshops and other events on environmental issues facing the Bay. When one looks at the range of projects being developed or proposed around the Bay, it is easy to see why some within the BoFEP network might be concerned about the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy". The column describes some of the activities currently threatening the health of the Bay and concludes "Wells put it quite simply, knowledge about the stresses facing the Bay is critical to using these vast resources in a sustainable way. This work is critical for we are witnessing the industrialization of the Bay of Fundy". The complete column can be read as a PDF file at:
http://www.bofep.org/PDFfiles/industrializationBoF.pdf  

B. Partners and other organizations:

5. New Fundy Biosphere Reserve Designated by UNESCO
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve is finally a reality! It is one of twenty-three new sites in 18 countries that was recently added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that aim to promote solutions to reconcile biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use. The new Fundy Reserve is located on the New Brunswick side of the upper bay. Some of the earliest colonial settlements in North America occurred in this region. Artifacts from previous aboriginal generations that inhabited this Bay of Fundy region date back more than 6,000 years. The total area is 432,000 hectares, of which 9,940 hectares of estuarine coastal habitat, with a very diverse topography, which ranges from towering cliffs to broad sweeping salt marshes at the head of the bay. The stakeholder group called 'Fundy Biosphere Regional Network' is providing innovative practices for sustainable development. Congratulations to the dedicated team who spent years carefully creating the successful submission. For more information visit the UNESCO Website at:
http://www.unesco.org/mab/BRs/new_BRs2007.shtml

6. Fundy Tidal Power Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association provides detailed information about the Fundy Tidal Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment on its Website below.
"Nova Scotia has committed to generate almost 20 per cent of the province’s electricity through renewable energy by 2013. The Nova Scotia Department of Energy has commissioned the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association (OEER) to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process to help answer these questions. The SEA is an environmental assessment process carried out before decisions have to be made about specific projects. It involves the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the general public, and will result in recommendations to the provincial government on whether, where and how to develop tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. At the same time, the Province of New Brunswick will be carrying out its own tidal energy SEA, and OEER will collaborate with the New Brunswick Department of Energy to share information and ideas."
Issues of the Fundy SEA Newsletter "Currents" can also be accessed on this Website:
http://www.offshoreenergyresearch.ca/Portals/0/SEA%20Newsletter%20July_D4.pdf

7. Report from Ecosystem Indicators Partnership Meeting Available
The Gulf of Maine Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) and Climate Change Network held a joint meeting on 11 June 2007 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. ESIP is a committee of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment responsible for developing indicators for the Gulf of Maine and integrating regional data for a new Web-based reporting system for marine ecosystem monitoring. Activities of ESIP initially center on convening regional practitioners in six indicator areas: coastal development, contaminants and pathogens, eutrophication, aquatic habitat, fisheries and aquaculture, and climate change. Two presentations from the June meeting and a summary of the ESIP portion of the meeting are available on the ESIP Webpage at: http://gulfofmaine.org/esip/index.php

8. New e-newsletter on Ecosystem-based Management in GOM
A new email newsletter is being launched to share news, analysis and points of view about ecosystem-based management in the Gulf of Maine. To subscribe (free) or to contribute information, email Peter Taylor at gulfofmaine@ecosystembasedmanagement.net.  

While on the subject of Ecosystem-based Management, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is planning on holding a one day forum on the topic in conjunction with the Council and Working Group meetings in Boston, December 3-6, 2007. Further details will be available shortly on the GOMCME website www.gulfofmaine.org  

9. New Report on Morphodynamics of Avon River Estuary
Researchers at St. Mary's University in Halifax have just (September 30th) released a report entitled "The Intertidal Morphodynamics of the of the Avon River Estuary. The report, prepared for the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works, was authored by by Danika van Proosdij of the Department of Geography and Greg Baker of the Maritime Provinces Spatial Analysis Research Centre (MP_SpARC) at the University. The 186 page report concludes (amongst other things) that: "The river has likely now achieved a new equilibrium state and any modifications to the system (e.g. construction or modification of tidal barriers) will likely disrupt the equilibrium with no guarantee as to how the system might respond. The risk to the causeway from storm surges or wave effects is low due to the presence of the salt marsh, which acts as a natural form of coastal defense. However, with the approach of the Saros Tides [~18 year tidal cycle] in 2012-13, the risk will increase and should be assessed further. Additionally, there is a greater risk to the causeway from freshwater flooding, depending on the timing of the storm relative to high tide. Additional research and high resolution data, particularly lidar and high resolution satellite imagery as well as modern measures of the sediment dynamics of the system will be required before any predictions can be made regarding the impacts of modifying the existing causeway and identifying specific areas at risk from flooding."

C. Fundy/GOM and other News:

10. EIA Panel Recommends Against Whites Point Quarry
The Panel reviewing the proposed Whites Point Mega-Quarry on Digby Neck has come out very strongly against proceeding with the project. They state that "the Project is likely to cause adverse environmental effects that, in the opinion of the panel, cannot be justified in the circumstances". Encouragingly the panel also "recommends a moratorium on new approvals for [quarry] development along the North Mountain until the Province of Nova Scotia has thoroughly reviewed this type of initiative within the context of a comprehensive coastal zone management policy". Of even wider import is the panels welcome recommendation that "the Province of Nova Scotia develop and implement a comprehensive coastal zone management policy or plan for the Province". This is something that BoFEP and many other groups have been advocating for a long time. Hopefully, this will stimulate the Province to finally deal seriously and competently with this important issue. While the Provincial Government will be making the final decision, it appears that this report will be virtually impossible for a minority government to ignore. The Executive Summary (pdf format 416kb) of the panel report is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Website at:
http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/010/0001/0001/0023/summary_e.pdf  
A copy of the full report (pdf format 4.1 MB) is available on the NS Department of Environment and Labour Website at:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ea/whitespointquarry/WhitesPointQuarryFinalReport.pdf  

11. Fact Sheets on NB Watersheds Available
The New Brunswick Environment Department has prepared a series of ten informative fact sheets (in PowerPoint and PDF formats) about various watersheds in the Province, including the Saint John, the St. Croix and the Petitcodiac. Each fact sheet provides information about the watershed location, physical setting and climate, fish community, land use, geology as well as various water quality indicators and details about community involvement in stewardship of the watershed. The fact sheets can be downloaded at:
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0013/index-e.asp

12. Report on Sustainable Coastal Tourism in NS
A report entitled "Nova Scotia Strategy for Sustainable Coastal Tourism Development" includes recommendations that are grouped under Leadership, Product and Experience Development, Economic Viability, and Conservation and Stewardship. The goal of the Strategy is to protect Nova Scotia's natural, cultural, social and built coastal tourism assets while enhancing their tourism potential. For more information visit the NS Vision for Tourism Website at:
http://www.nstourismvision.com/vision/coastalstrategy.php

13. NB Climate Action Fund RFP
The deadline for submitting project proposals to the New Brunswick Climate Action Fund for funding this fiscal year is November 2nd , 2007. The New Brunswick Climate Action Fund (EcoTrust) provides financial support for eligible projects that support the emissions reduction objectives outlined in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan. The $34 million provided by the Government of Canada's EcoTrust is to be distributed over a three-year period. Projects must result in greenhouse gas and related air emissions reductions and/or avoidance of future emissions in support of the New Brunswick Climate Action Plan. Fund objectives and application forms can be found at::
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/index-e.asp

14. Comments Invited on Report on NB Fisheries Renewal
The deadline for submission of comments on the NB Fisheries Stakeholder Action Group reports is November 9th , 2007. The reports, which form part of the Fisheries Renewal Framework for New Brunswick, include reports on marketing, harvesting, processing and governance and recommend strategies and priorities for securing the viability and sustainability of New Brunswick's fishing and seafood processing industry. "These reports reflect the views of many knowledgeable industry stakeholders, who generously devoted numerous hours to participate in this important process of renewal." The various reports can be viewed at:
http://www.gnb.ca/9999/0003-e.asp

15. Salt Marsh Restoration and Sea-level Rise
The Coastal Wetlands Institute and the Rural and Small Town Programme at Mount Alison University have released a report on salt marshes in relation to sea-level change. Entitled "Examining Community Adaptive Capacity to Address Climate Change, Sea-level Rise and Salt Marsh Restoration in Maritime Canada", the report was prepared for the Canadian Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program. It focuses on the ecological, economic, social and policy conditions under which a community might employ dyke removal and salt marsh restoration as an adaptive response to future climate change and sea level rise. The full report can be found at:
http://www.mta.ca/rstp/CCIAP_Project_A1106_Final_Report1.pdf

16. Report on Sustainable Lobster Fishery in Maritimes
The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) of Canada has released its report entitled "Sustainability Framework for Atlantic Lobster, 2007". The report proposes directions and options to minimize risk and to enhance the sustainability of the fishery. The FRCC believes that it is very important for the industry to adjust and control fishing effort to maintain balance with the available resource. Many factors – higher fishing costs, larger vessels, etc. - have exacerbated the pressure for additional landings and are becoming threats to sustainability of the lobster fishery. The report can be found on the FRCC Website at:

http://www.frcc-ccrh.ca/NEWSREL/2007/releaseE.htm

17. New Website Features Fundy Park Hiking Trails
A new Website may be of interest to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those visiting Fundy National Park. Self-styled SherpaJeff (Jeff and Donna Gray of Fredericton) has created a fascinating website about the Park and its trails. He writes, "Although I have hiked and geocached on many trails in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, I have an affinity for a couple of areas: Fundy National Park (I have hiked every inch of trail there); Cape Chignecto and Kenomee Canyon. Please enjoy the photo gallery, which includes many photos from these areas. I would also be glad to share any insights I have with you. Review some of the essays included in the "On the Trail " section where I have attempted to include useful information. I have added a NEW Geocaching section in "On The Trail" where I will continue to build information on this fun outdoor activity." The site also includes a collection of links to Fundy-related hiking, other regional parks and trail organizations. Check it out at: http://www.sherpajeff.com/index.cfm

18. Joggins Fossil Site visited by UNESCO team
The Halifax Chronicle Herald reports that a team of field advisors from UNESCO visited the world famous fossil cliffs and surrounding area for 6 days recently as part of the ongoing application process for having the site designated as a World Heritage Site. The team was tight-lipped about their recommendations that will be included in a report to UNESCO that should be available ton the public next May. UNESCO will consider these recommendations and a final decision will be made at a meeting to be held in Quebec next July. Various levels of government have already committed about 9 million dollars for the design and construction of an interpretation centre that should be ready for opening in December. The complete story can be found online at:
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/973905.html  

D. ADMINISTRIVIA
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For more news items about BoFEP, its partners and the Bay of Fundy periodically check the BoFEP What's New page at: http://www.bofep.org/fundynews.htm. You can also find the back issues of Fundy Tidings that are archived there.

If you would like to post an item in Fundy Tidings pertaining to BoFEP, its partners or the Bay of Fundy send it along to communications@bofep.org .

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