3rd Bay of Fundy Science Workshop
Understanding Change in the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem
Highlights
The three day meeting involved scientific paper and poster sessions, a heartfelt public lecture by author Harry Thurston, a panel discussion and several group discussions including a series of informal presentations by members of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The workshop was attended by 80 people including 10 students and was a success by most measures. The only real disappointment was the low number of people from community groups and other NGOs unable to attend.
The most difficult issue tackled at the workshop was that of trying to identify all of the relevant changes which should be considered in any assessment of the ‘health' of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. There are numerous realms within which change may be occurring (biological, sedimentary, economic, social, cultural, etc.) and each must be considered in concert with the others. It became clear as discussions evolved that no single group or organization can measure the ‘pulse' of the Bay in isolation and then draw meaningful conclusions. A consensus was reached that a holistic approach to assessing change is essential and that the only way to achieve this is to involve as many interested stakeholders as possible (this might even involve working to convince some people and/or groups that they are in fact stakeholders).
The frequent absence of good baseline data and/or long-term measurements was identified as a significant hurdle to identifying change in many cases. Methods of addressing these challenges were discussed including the use of key informants who may have witnessed change over the years or decades and the role that community groups might play in longer-term monitoring projects that other agencies either cannot or will not undertake. The activities of many groups (e.g., the Conservation Council of New Brunswick) are generating much valuable data that may be accessible to researchers should they seek it. Coming to appreciate the valuable role that such groups can play in research and monitoring was a definite highlight of the meeting.
A principal outcome of the meeting was an enhanced appreciation by many attendees that identifying, monitoring, and responding to change in all of its various facets is a monumental task. At times the magnitude of such an undertaking led some speakers to despair. It was concluded that the key to making headway is to act strategically and undertake projects that are manageable, meaningful, and which might attract broad support and input from all interested parties.
Page designed by Kate Ramsey,
ktramsey@hotmail.comlast modified: September 16, 1999