3rd Bay of Fundy Science Workshop
Understanding Change in the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem
Poster
Abstracts
Quality of Bay of Fundy Sediments: Further Insights Using the
Microtox® Solid Phase Assay
Assessing Benthic Impacts from Marine Aquaculture
Toxic Contaminants In Mytilus edulis From the Gulf of Maine
Evaluating Measures of Sub-Lethal Stress in Mytilus spp.
for Contaminant Monitoring in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy Ecosystem
Seasonal Changes in Contaminant Levels in Nearctic Shorebirds:
Effects of Migration
The Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) and the Fundy
Marine Ecosystem Science Project (FMESP)
The Quoddy EMAN Site: Coastal and Atmospheric Monitoring and
Assessment
Community-Based Management Reveals the Need for Local Ecosystem
Research: A Bay of Fundy Case Study
Patterns of Flow and Suspended Sediment Concentration in a
Macrotidal Saltmarsh Tidal Creek, Bay of Fundy, Canada
Health of the Oceans Monitoring
The Bay of Fundy From the Perspective of Underwater Naturalists
Historical Patterns of Mercury Loading in the Bay of Fundy
Region
The Impact of Mercury Contamination on a Coastal Ecosystem:
Development of a Multimedia Mercury Cycling Model for Passamaquoddy Bay, NB
Where are all Those Harbour Seals?
Corophium volutator - Understanding a Keystone Species
in Mudflat Ecology
Fundy Forum
Intertidal Invertebrate Population Density and Diversity: Does
Salmon Aquaculture Play a Role?
Quality of Bay of
Fundy Sediments: Further Insights Using the Microtox®
Solid Phase Assay N.H. Cook¹, I. Blum² and P.G. Wells³,
¹Department of Chemistry, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax
NS
²Department of Mathematics, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax NS
³Environmental Conservation Branch, Environment Canada, Dartmouth NS
Abstract
The MicrotoxR Solid Phase Test (SPT) was used to describe the toxicity of Bay of Fundy sediments at three sites. The first objective of the study addressed the toxicity and its relationship to site, level, particle size, organic carbon (OC), and moisture content. Previous studies showed that the sediments were of low toxicity (~5,000-10,000 mg/L), with the IC50's correlated with level on the beach, particle size and OC content. The present experiment found IC50's ranging from 2,500-25,000 mg/L, with a mean of 7,700 mg/L. The mean IC50's varied with site, level, particle size and moisture content.
A second objective was to investigate the possible loss of bacteria in the assay and the effect of washing the sediment on this loss and the resulting IC50. The toxicity of autoclaved sediments (axenic particles) and autoclaved/washed sediments (axenic, stripped particles) was determined. At the same time, microbiological experiments determined the bacterial loss at two concentrations and the control sample after the filtration stage of the SPT. At the maximum concentration, the mean bacterial loss ± standard deviation (sd) was 48%±27%, while at the IC50 concentration the bacterial loss was 30%±24%, both significantly different from 0 (p<0.001). The difference between the bacterial losses at the two concentrations (18%± 23%) was also significantly different from 0. Bacterial losses and the difference did not vary significantly with washing or toxicity, nor with site, level on the beach, particle size, organic carbon, or moisture content.
The MicrotoxR SPT continues to be evaluated for accuracy, influencing factors and practicality in the context of sediment quality issues in the Bay of Fundy. The reasons for the bacterial losses, and effect of the bacterial loss on the accuracy of the IC50, require further investigation.
Assessing Benthic
Impacts from Marine Aquaculture B. Hargrave,
Dept. Fisheries & Oceans, Biological Station, Dartmouth NS
Abstract
The rapid development of salmonid aquaculture in the Bay of Fundy requires assessment of environmental impacts of this new industry. Analyses of sediment geochemical and benthic macrofauna community variables were carried out using diver-collected cores and grabs at 22 salmon farm sites in the Western Isles region of the Bay of Fundy and at 47 subtidal locations in Annapolis Basin to evaluate changes associated with salmon aquaculture. An imaging technique with a sediment-water interface camera allowed vertical gradients in sulfide accumulation in surface sediment layers to be determined. Total sulfide, redox (Eh) potentials, benthic oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release were the most sensitive indicators of organic enrichment under fish pens compared with reference locations >500 m away. Variability between replicate measurements under cages reflected spatial patchiness in sedimentation and accumulation of fecal waste and food pellets. Total biomass of macrofauna was not increased with organic enrichment but biomass of deposit feeders was enhanced. Temporal observations at a site with low to moderate currents in the Western Isles region showed that effects of organic enrichment persisted for 1-2 years following removal of fish pens.
Toxic Contaminants
In (Mytilus edulis) From the Gulf of Maine Peter Hennigar¹,
Stephen Jones², Margo Chase³, John Sowles4 and Peter Wells¹,
¹Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6
²University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH USA 03824
³Miami University, Oxford, OH USA 45056
4Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta ME USA 04333
Abstract
The Environmental Quality Monitoring Committee of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has used blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) for the past seven years as a sentinel species for habitat exposure to bioaccumulative, toxic contaminants in the Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy. Mussels were collected at 59 sites in the five jurisdictions boarding on the Gulf for spatial and temporal analysis. Tissue was analysed for PAHs and PCBs, pesticides, dioxins and furans, and trace metals and for measurements of growth and condition index. Results show a southward trend of increasing concentrations for organic contaminants and both silver and lead, reflecting major local and regional pollution sources while other trace metals showed relatively uniform geographical distribution. In the southern Gulf, concentrations were elevated at sites previously assumed to be uncontaminated and other areas have been identified that appear to be hot spots. While very few sites have mussel tissue contaminant concentrations that exceed US or Canadian seafood human health tolerances, some sites in the Gulf do exceed USEPA screening values for triggering more in-depth assessment of human health risk and several sites exceed a preliminary Environmental Canada tissue reference concentration considered harmful to avian and mammalian species. Gulfwatch has been useful to managers in a variety of ways and it provides unique Gulf-wide information that helps focus efforts to reduce contaminant loadings to the Gulf.
Evaluating
Measures of Sub-Lethal Stress in Mytilus spp. for Contaminant Monitoring in the Gulf of
Maine and Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Anne E. Monette¹ and Peter G.
Wells²,
¹School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie
University, Halifax NS
²Environmental Conservation Branch, Environment Canada, Dartmouth NS
Abstract
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's Gulfwatch program currently uses Mytilus spp. body burdens and tissue concentrations of contaminants (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated pesticides and trace metals) as indicators of marine habitat exposure. Such data from mussels are intended to reflect the ambient contaminant concentrations and the overall health of the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy ecosystem. In addition to contaminant measures, Gulfwatch also employs biological endpoints or measures; for example, mussel shell growth, condition index and gonad index. To enhance this biomonitoring program and better demonstrate an ecotoxicological connection, practical measures of sub-lethal stress in Mytilus could be added to the current monitoring approach. This project, still underway, evaluates promising biochemical (mixed function oxygenase activity, metallothionein induction), cytological (lysosomal membrane stability, condition of haemolymph cells) and physiological biomarkers (embryo-larval development, immune system health, filtration rate, scope for growth, condition index) in terms of their potential relevance, ease of use by community group volunteers, and practicality within the Gulfwatch monitoring framework. This poster summarizes the evaluation of MFO activity, MT induction, lysosomal membrane stability, condition index and filtration rate. By expanding the Gulfwatch monitoring approach to include additional endpoints with mussels and eventually other species, an assessment of both exposure (tissue burdens and concentrations) and effects (measures of sub-lethal stress) could be used in risk management within the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy ecosystem. This will also contribute to the broader goal of maintaining and enhancing coastal ecosystem health.
Seasonal Changes
in Contaminant Levels in Nearctic Shorebirds: Effects of Migration D.G.
Noble¹ and B.M. Braune²,
¹University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K.
²Canadian Wildlife Service, Hull QC
Abstract
We measured concentrations of contaminants in tissues of four Nearctic shorebird species, collected during five stages of their annual cycle: breeding (Cape Churchill MB), fall migration (Bay of Fundy NB), early and late overwintering in Venezuela, and spring migration (Delaware Bay NJ). Mean levels were below those associated with toxic effects. Semipalmated Plovers tended to be most contaminated followed by Lesser Yellowlegs, with Short-billed Dowitchers and Semipalmated Sandpipers being the least contaminated. Significant interspecific differences were found only for DDT compounds, total PCBs and renal cadmium. Significant effects of the stage of migration were found for DDT compounds, dieldrin, mirex, HCH, chlordane compounds, total PCBs and liver mercury. The highest levels of most compounds were found at Churchill MB, whereas dieldrin and DDD+DDT were highest at Delaware Bay NJ. Concentrations of chlordane compounds and total PCBs were highest on arrival in Venezuela in the autumn, but these compounds, like other organochlorines, declined while overwintering in Latin America. Seasonal patterns suggest exposure to North American sources during migration.
The Bay of Fundy
Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) and the Fundy Marine Ecosystem Science Project (FMESP)
Jon Percy,
Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership Granville Ferry NS
Abstract
The Bay of Fundy is a dynamic, productive and diverse coastal ecosystem with an abundance of renewable resources. However, there are disturbing signs that all is not well with the Bay. Many marine species and habitats are at risk and the sustainability of some living resources may be compromised. Scientists are questioning the adequacy of their understanding of the Bay's oceanographic and ecological processes underlying a number of pressing environmental issues. There is a growing recognition that ensuring a healthy ecosystem in the Bay requires the participation and commitment of a wide range of stakeholders including scientists, resource managers, industrialists, resource users and residents of communities all around the Bay. Forging bonds between all interested stakeholders was the impetus for the formation of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership. BoFEP is a "Virtual Institute", with no bricks and mortar, open to all interested citizens and groups who share its vision. Its principal objective is to foster wise conservation and management of the Bay's resources and habitats. It promotes this by disseminating information, monitoring the state of the ecosystem and encouraging communication and co-operation among its members and others. The Fundy Marine Ecosystem Science Project is a distinct but integral partner in BoFEP. FMESP is largely comprised of scientists and environmental managers and is chiefly dedicated to fostering information exchange and co-operative research among scientists of all research disciplines working in the Bay. It disseminates scientific information among all BoFEP partners by means of periodic publications and workshops.
The Quoddy EMAN
Site: Coastal and Atmospheric Monitoring and Assessment A.
Pilgrim1, G. Pohle2, P. B. Eaton3,
P.G. Wells3, J.H. Allen2, M.D.B. Burt2,
R.M. Cox4, J.L. Davies5, A.W. Diamond6,
G. Lonergan7 and T. Sephton8,
1New Brunswick Department of Environment,
Fredericton NB
2 Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews NB
3 Environment Canada, Dartmouth NS
4Canadian Forest Service, Fredericton NB
5 Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre, UNB,
Fredericton NB
6Department of Biology, UNB, Fredericton NB
7 Research and Productivity Council, Fredericton NB
8 Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews NB
Abstract
The Quoddy EMAN Site (QES) is one of five Ecological Monitoring and Assessment (EMAN) sites in the Atlantic Ecozone. It is located at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews NB. It focuses on coastal and atmospheric issues and their land, freshwater and sea linkages in Passamaquoddy Bay and adjacent coastal areas. An interdisciplinary Management Committee encourages cooperation among agencies involved in the use and management of natural resources and the environment, and collaboration in research and monitoring projects among local scientists and with the other EMAN sites. The overall research objective is the understanding of environmental stressors and their cumulative effects on cold temperate marine and coastal ecosystems. Current activities include i) the development and use of marine biodiversity monitoring protocols, ii) assessment of biodiversity with a focus on the Bay of Fundy, iii) monitoring of long range/transboundary atmospheric pollution, especially mercury, iv) quantifying presence, loadings and effects of toxic substances in fog and v) studying seabird ecology of the outer Bay of Fundy. The Quoddy Site also runs workshops and produces assessment reports to exchange data and information amongst scientists, managers and public stakeholders.
Community-Based
Management Reveals the Need for Local Ecosystem Research: A Bay of Fundy Case Study
Maria Recchia,
SWNB Fixed Gear Groundfish Board Box 167, St. Andrews NB E0G 2X0
Abstract
A group of independent fishermen conducting community-based management (CBM) determined the necessity of local ecosystem research to the management of their fisheries. The Southwest New Brunswick Fixed Gear Groundfish Board, a group of fisher representatives, work together to design, implement, and enforce fisheries management rules in their local communities. In the process of decision-making, the board members discovered that they needed detailed ecological information in order to make sensible conservation-minded rules. The desired information included predator-prey relationships, migration patterns, and local stock structure. Much of this information either had never been documented or was in scientific debate. Consequently, the group began conducting their own local-level research utilising both TEK (traditional ecological knowledge) and joint fisher-scientist research. The subject of the first project was a local run of very large cod. Initially, open-ended interviews were conducted with active and retired fishers to examine the possibility that this fish run is distinct from the larger regional stock. In the course of the qualitative phase of this research a variety of information emerged including the cod's relationship to feed species, migration patterns, the effects of pollution and oceanographic factors. The depth and breadth of the information gathered is of great interest and has led to several other research projects. This qualitative data served as a basis for scientific data collection, jointly conducted between the DFO and the local fishers. However, the interviews provided more than a focus for scientific study as the documented TEK gives valuable insight into the functioning of the larger ecosystem.
Patterns of Flow
and Suspended Sediment Concentration in a Macrotidal Saltmarsh Tidal Creek, Bay of Fundy,
Canada Laura Schostak1, Robin
Davidson-Arnott1 , Jeff Ollerhead2 and Ray
Kostaschuk1,
¹Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1
²Department of Geography, Mount Allison University, Sackville NB E4L1A7
Abstract
Measurements of velocity and suspended sediment concentration were carried out in a saltmarsh tidal creek network in the Cumberland Basin, Bay of Fundy, Canada. The study area was located on the north-west shore of the basin in part of an undyked marsh that is about 200 m wide with a simple reticulate creek network. The area is macrotidal with spring tides greater than 12 m and suspended sediment concentrations in the basin characteristically range from 150-300 mg l-1 . The purpose of the study was to determine vertical and along channel variations in these two parameters over individual tidal cycles and to use these data to assess the role of the tidal creeks in the import and export of water and sediment from the marsh surface. Measurements using a vertical array of co-located electromagnetic current meters and OBS probes for measuring suspended sediment concentration were carried out over 4 spring tides at a cross-section in the lower part of Middle Creek. Six sets of measurements were carried out at four locations along the length of the creek, a distance of about 200 m, over 6 tides ranging from spring to neap. Maximum mean velocities measured over sampling times of eight minutes did not exceed 0.1 m·sec-1 in Middle Creek and 0.15 m sec-1 in Main Creek. Transient high velocities associated with the overbank flows were weakly developed as a result of the absence of significant levees or embankments on the marsh surface. Suspended sediment concentrations in the creek generally decreased steadily over the period of inundation. Flow across the marsh margin occurred simultaneously with the achievement of bankfull conditions and the creeks themselves appear to play a relatively minor role in the movement of water and sediment onto and out of the marsh. Despite the fact that the marsh surface is still low in the tidal frame and active sedimentation is still occurring, the low flow velocities and observations in the field suggest that the tidal creek network is unable to flush itself and that it is contracting.
Health of the
Oceans Monitoring Peter Strain,
Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth NS B2Y 4A2
Information
During the Bay of Fundy workshop, I briefly described a discussion paper on Canadian ocean monitoring requirements relevant to health of the oceans (HOTO) issues, because I thought it would be of potential interest to a number of the participants. This discussion paper has been produced as part of the work of a DFO ad hoc working group tasked with examining Canadian ocean monitoring requirements. The mandate for this group is to identify requirements and to develop a detailed implementation plan for ocean monitoring to meet Canadian needs first, but also to satisfy Canada's commitments to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and other international commitments. Over time, it is intended that this discussion paper will evolve into a set of detailed specifications for a HOTO monitoring program. This preliminary paper has been distributed to solicit input on potential threats to HOTO, the priorities we have assigned to threats, identify suitable means for monitoring high priority threats, and to foster discussion on how the details of a monitoring program might be specified.
Anyone who is interested in this paper, or who wishes to comment on it, is welcome to a copy. Please contact Peter Strain at the following email address: strainp@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
The Bay of Fundy
From the Perspective of Underwater Naturalists Mike Strong and
Maria-Ines Buzeta,
Department of Fisheries and Oceans St. Andrews NB E0G2X0
Abstract
This photographic display is a work in progress; there will be further contributions by six more UW Naturalists. When finalized, the display will tour communities, museums, art galleries and educational facilities around the Bay of Fundy. This preliminary viewing is meant to provide an opportunity for organizations to contact us if interested in hosting the display for a period of time.
For underwater naturalists, each dive offers the thrill of exploring new communities, identifying the diversity of marine species, and the challenge of capturing these images on film. For those that do not dive, we hope that this display will serve as a dry and warm underwater nature trail. Beyond simply exhibiting the obvious beauty found below, we hope to convey a strong awareness of the fragility of this ecosystem and of how poorly it is understood. This display provides a snapshot, through the lenses of UW photographers, of the underwater world of the Bay of Fundy.
This project is a joint venture of The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Oceans Sector and Sundbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre. For further information on this display, please contact the Curators: Mike Strong (506) 529-5939 strongm@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or Tom Moffatt (506) 529-3386 sunshore@nbnet.nb.ca. For further information on Marine Protected Areas in the Bay of Fundy, please contact: Maria-Ines Buzeta (506) 529-8854 buzetam@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Historical
Patterns of Mercury Loading in the Bay of Fundy Region E.
Sunderland¹and G.L. Chmura²,
¹School of Resource and Environmental Management Simon Fraser
University,
Burnaby BC V5A 1S6
²Department of Geography and Centre for Climate and Global Change Research
McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal QC H3A 2K6
Abstract
We have compiled an inventory of historical mercury emissions in Maritime Canada that extends from 1800-1995. Preliminary analysis of marsh sediment cores taken from the New Brunswick coastline of the Bay of Fundy provides an indication of historical emissions in this region. Deposition of mercury recorded in dated sediment cores provides useful information on 1) "natural" levels of mercury in the Fundy region, and 2) the relative significance of local and long range sources of mercury to the Fundy region. We will present our preliminary results as well as future research plans.
The Impact of
Mercury Contamination on a Coastal Ecosystem: Development of a Multimedia Mercury Cycling
Model for Passamaquoddy Bay, NB E.M. Sunderland and F.A.P.C.
Gobas,
School of Resource and Environmental Management
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6
Abstract
Mercury is a known neurotoxin and can cause developmental and reproductive problems in exposed organisms. The accumulation of this contaminant in the tissues of aquatic organisms poses a serious threat to the long-term health of ecosystems. In the Bay of Fundy region, mercury contamination is a long-standing regulatory concern. Mercury levels in loons and seabirds in this area are among the highest in North America, while high levels of contamination have also been recorded in the tissues of porpoises, seals, fish and lobster. As managers, we attempt to control the risks associated with elevated levels of mercury in the environment. The principle objectives of this study are i) to develop a tool for managers concerned about mercury contamination issues, with a particular emphasis on coastal ecosystems ii) to clarify current and historical loading of mercury to the Fundy region from both local and long range sources and iii) to elucidate the link between anthropogenic emissions of mercury in the Maritime environment and contaminant concentrations in benthic organisms, fish and seabirds. A mass balance multimedia model is developed to forecast the mercury concentrations in biota resulting from a given "dose" or amount of contaminant input into the ecosystem. The model includes three main sub-components: 1. A chemical speciation model, 2. an environmental fate model and 3. a food-web bioaccumulation model. Physical and hydrological data from Passamaquoddy Bay are used to parameterize the model. The model will be tested using observed data collected in the region and applied to a number of relevant management questions within the region.
Where are all Those
Harbour Seals? J.M. Terhune and S. Jacobs-Goldner,
Centre for Coastal Studies and Aquaculture, University of New
Brunswick
P.O. Box 5050, Saint John NB E2L 4L5
Abstract
Semi-monthly aerial and shipboard surveys of hauled-out harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) were conducted along the New Brunswick coast of the Bay of Fundy (excluding The Wolves archipelago and Grand Manan Islands) during the fall and early winter of 1998. The maximum number of seals observed (1032) and the rate of population decline over the survey period (6.7 per day) were essentially unchanged from similar surveys in 1984 and 1987. Harbour seal populations in Maine have been increasing by 8 % per year since 1983 so we had expected that the counts would be considerably higher. Anecdotal evidence suggests that direct harassment of the seals has occurred. The distribution of the seals has not changed in the last decade. It appears that harbour seals are neither attracted to, nor repelled from, areas containing aquaculture sites.
Corophium
volutator - Understanding a Keystone Species in Mudflat Ecology P.G.Wells1,
C.M.Hawkins ², J.Grant ³, P.Hicklin 4 and V.Partridge5
,
1Environmental Conservation Branch,
Environment Canada, Dartmouth NS
²Triton Environmental Consultants, Dartmouth NS
³Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS
4Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Sackville NB
5Acadia Center for Estuarine Research, Acadia University,
Wolfville NS
Abstract
The amphipod Corophium volutator inhabits the mudflats of the upper Bay of Fundy and plays an important role in their ecology. Researchers joined together in 1997 to form a Corophium Working Group, under the auspices of the Bay of Fundy Ecosystems Partnerships and its science component, the Fundy Marine Ecosystem Science Project. The objectives of the Group are: i) to meet periodically and exchange information on research projects and new findings, ii) to summarize and assess existing knowledge on Corophium, maintaining an active electronic bibliography and preparing appropriate papers and fact sheets, iii) to identify new key research questions and approaches, especially utilizing models and iv) to facilitate research opportunities and mechanisms for cooperative research, especially for young researchers. Current work of members falls into four categories: ecological modelling, interactive role, habitat factors and biological issues.
Activities are described and the linkages between them are illustrated, emphasizing the holistic nature of Corophium ecology and the role of Corophium as a keystone species. The working group encourages all interested persons to join and participate in the group. For information, please email fundy@fundy.acadiau.ca or peter.wells@ec.gc.ca.
Fundy Forum
Maxine Westhead,
Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth NS
Abstract
The Fundy Forum is an internet-based communications service open to all. The Fundy Forum encourages dialogue, information sharing, partnering opportunities and activities that benefit the health of the Bay of Fundy and its coastal communities.
This interactive web site and discussion listserver supports all those who wish to exchange information or discuss issues related to the health and sustainable use of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. You are invited to use the Fundy Forum to connect with others interested in the Bay by: joining the discussion listserver, asking the questions about issues that concern you, sharing your previous experiences, lessons learned, techniques and more, looking for information on current activities, issues and research around the Bay. Benefits of participation include: easy access to a wide variety of perspectives and opinions, greater availability of information, expansion of your current information base, awareness of the Bay of Fundy coastal communities, keeping yourself ‘up to date' on Fundy related issues and activities, an enhanced understanding of the state of the health of the Bay of Fundy, and cost-effectiveness by using the Fundy Forum as a ‘messenger' via the discussion listserver and bulletin boards.
‘Surf on in' and ride the tide to keep the Bay of Fundy waters and communities healthy! Visit the web site, join the discussion and get involved!
Intertidal
Invertebrate Population Density and Diversity: Does Salmon Aquaculture Play a Role?
Melisa Wong, M.A. Barbeau and R.A. Aiken,
Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville NB
Abstract
Due to its location on the Bay of Fundy, Passamaquoddy Bay is subject to some of the largest tidal ranges in the world. During low tide, vertical zonation can be easily observed in the rocky shore intertidal zone. Both physical and biological factors play a role in determining zonation and intertidal invertebrate population dynamics. However, external factors such as pollution may also play a role. One such factor, salmon aquaculture, is prevalent in Passamoquoddy Bay. While it is well known that aquaculture activities produce a large amount of organic and inorganic waste, no studies have investigated the effect of this waste on the near-shore environment. The purpose of this project was to determine whether the proximity to salmon cages plays a role in intertidal invertebrate population dynamics. I used stratified random sampling to compare intertidal invertebrate diversities and densities at sites near (=<500 m) and away (>500 m) from salmon cages. Diversity was highest at away sites in core samples only, which may indicate that infaunal invertebrates are more sensitive to aquaculture activity than substrate invertebrates. Density of both core and substrate organisms showed little relationship to distance from salmon cages. Some inconsistent significant differences were found between location, site, and time and may be due to abiotic factors such as wave force, shore slope, rock type, or sediment composition.
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ktramsey@hotmail.comlast modified: September 16, 1999