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Study offers 'a bit of a window' into iconic young salmon stocks on East Coast
Building blocks of ocean food web in rapid decline as plankton productivity plunges
Building blocks of ocean food web in rapid decline as plankton productivity plungesSenior DFO scientist says the cause of the collapse is unknownJane Adey · CBC News · Posted: Dec 22, 2018 5:00 PM NT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago Falling plankton numbers is another blow for fisheries like crab and shrimp which have been in decline. (CBC) 7 comments They're teeny, tiny plants and organisms but their impact on ocean life is huge. Phytoplankton and zooplankton that live near the surface are the base of the ocean's food system. Everything from small fish, big fish, whales and seabirds depend on their productivity. "They actually determine what's going to happen, how much energy is going to be available for the rest of the food chain," explained Pierre Pepin, a senior researcher with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Pepin says over the past 3-4 years, scientists have seen a persistent drop in phytoplankton and zooplankton in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Based on the measurements that we've been taking in this region, we've seen pretty close to 50 percent decline in the overall biomass of zooplankton," said Pepin. "So that's pretty dramatic." Measuring 5 mm or less, phytoplankton contain chlorophyll to capture sunlight and use photosynthesis to turn it into chemical energy which is later eaten by ocean creatures. (Photo courtesy of DFO) Scientists say local testing reveals half the amount of plankton in a square metre of water today. It's not just a problem here, declining plankton numbers are a global phenomena. It's a difficult idea to convey to the average person who might not understand the ocean ecosystem, but Pepin likens it to walking into a grocery store and instead of seeing the shelves full, they're only half full. Listen to Jane Adey's coverage on CBC Radio's The Broadcast: Hear about the problems for plankton. Reaction time to an offshore oil blow out. Can it be improved? 23:16 "You know if you saw half the number of birds, if you saw half the number of fish in the water you'd pay attention. Well, this is a signal to say we need to pay attention." Alarm bells are going offSo what's causing this dramatic decline? Scientists here haven't detected anything in particular that can be linked to the plunge in productivity, but they are worried. Phytoplankton are tiny plants and zooplankton are tiny animals. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton near the surface of the ocean. (Photo courtesy of DFO) "When it persists — for in our case now for three or four years — in the back of my mind, at the very least, little alarm bells start going off because it means that something fundamental may have changed in the food web." Pepin says it is difficult to understand how long it takes the effect of this lack of basic food to make its way through the ocean ecosystem. Scientists have to advise managers on how to handle fish stocks but without clear evidence of causes and effects, it becomes a very difficult job. "How do we act on this, this is a real challenge." |
DFO orders fisheries closure in Bay of Fundy
DFO orders fisheries closure in Bay of Fundy after right whale sightingLobster fishermen fear for livelihood in wake of Monday’s announcement
Colin McPhail · CBC News · Posted: Jun 18, 2018 11:06 PM AT | Last Updated: June 18 The Grand Manan Basin is a critical habitat area for the whales. It's believed to be the first closure of its kind ever in the bay, according to Laurence Cook, chairman of the Grand Manan Fishermen's Association lobster advisory board. Cook was busy fielding calls and texts from "angry and upset" members after government informed the association around 6 p.m. Monday, he said. The association has been closely following the tension surrounding a series of closures in waters off northeastern New Brunswick after dozens of whale sightings in the area. Frustration is mounting with hundreds of fishermen concerned for their livelihood. A map showing where the fishing area closures are located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (CBC ) Those sentiments are now being shared with their counterparts in the island community off New Brunswick's southern coast. 'It's a massive hit'
About 40 boats, roughly a third of the Grand Manan fleet, will be impacted, Cook said, estimating about 150 workers — on and off shore— could be affected as they enter the "most prosperous time of the season." "The lobster is the engine that drives Grand Manan's economy," he said. "It's a massive hit." Cook said he was holding his breath after a right whale was spotted off Grand Manan on Saturday. The association argued its case with DFO officials in Dartmouth on Monday before Ottawa made the final decision. Cook said their unblemished track record to avoid harming whales fell on deaf ears. In 2006, fishermen voluntarily developed a mitigation strategy to not disturb whales, he said. That involved reporting whale movements and modifying equipment to reduce the chance of entanglements. "It isn't fair for the government to shut us down because crab gear 1,000 kilometres away killed two right whales last year," he said. 19 dead whales
Necropsies on seven of the whales that died last year showed four died of blunt force trauma from collisions with ships, while two more appeared to die from being entangled in fishing gear. Since January 2017, there have been 18 deaths of North Atlantic right whales in U.S. and Canadian waters — 12 off the Canadian coast and six off the U.S. A whale carcass found last week in Virginia is the 19th. Last year 17 North Atlantic right whales died in Canadian and U.S. waters. Another two have been found dead off the U.S. coast this year.(Shane Fowler/CBC) To date, there are only 100 breeding females remaining in a population of about 450 North Atlantic right whales. Up to 75 right whales have been spotted in the southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence so far this year, officials said. Since the beginning of the fishing season for lobster, snow crab and other species, the federal government has closed six fishing areas because of the presence of whales. More closures are scheduled to come into effect Thursday. The fishery closure is just one of the measures taken by the department to try to save North Atlantic right whales. New rules also require ships to slow down in some areas. Federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with representatives of the Maritime Fishermen's Union in Moncton last Friday but did not agree to relax the closures. RELATED STORIESSource: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/right-whale-fishermen-closures-fundy-bay-1.4711864 |
Gulf of Maine Council Annual Recognition Awards
Nancy Aiken receives - 2018 VISIONARY AWARD Gulf of Maine Council Annual Recognition Awards The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has over the years recognized efforts by individuals, groups or organizations that seek to protect, enhance and restore the ecosystem of the Gulf of Maine region and safeguard and improve the wellbeing of the communities that depend on its resources. The Council has established awards to bestow on individuals and organizations for their exemplary work as stewards of the ocean. Each year the Council accepts nominations for the awards which include: Visionary awards, the Sustainable Community awards, the Industry award, the Art Longard award, and the Susan Snow-Cotter award. A description of each award can be found below. Awards are presented at a special ceremony in June of each year. Nomination forms will be posted on this page during the annual awards nomination period. Gulf of Maine Visionary AwardsUp to two individuals, businesses, or organizations within each state and province bordering the Gulf of Maine will be selected to receive Visionary Awards (paid professionals or volunteers are eligible). The awards recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Recipients may work in the fields of environmental science, education, conservation or policy. They may be engaged in projects that involve public awareness, grassroots action, or business/manufacturing practices. Gulf of Maine Sustainable Community AwardEach year, the Gulf of Maine Council recognizes a community, or group within a community, for exemplary work in achieving sustainability outcomes related to the environment and economy, that are in line with the objectives of the Council’s Action Plan. Gulf of Maine Industry AwardThe Gulf of Maine Industry Award is made annually to one individual, company, or organization within the Gulf of Maine region (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia). The Award recognizes demonstrated innovation and leadership in efforts to improve the well-being of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that call it home. Nominations are sought from the following sectors: tourism; fisheries (commercial and recreational); aquaculture (finfish and shellfish); renewable energy generation (tidal, wave and wind) and; transportation (shipping, ferries, etc.). Longard Volunteer AwardThe Council presents this annual award to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed who has made significant contributions to conserving or managing the Gulf’s resources. Past recipients have been involved in stewardship projects, educational programs, volunteer monitoring and scientific research. The award is named in memory of Art Longard, a Nova Scotia resident and devoted conservationist who helped to conceive and launch the Gulf of Maine Council. Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership AwardThe Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award is bestowed in memory of Susan Snow-Cotter, a long-time friend of the Council and Working Group. The Award is given to an individual from one of the five states and provinces bordering the Gulf of Maine. The Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award honors those coastal management professionals who exemplify outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. As former Director of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Susan was recognized as a leader who exhibited unwavering passion, enthusiasm, and insight to develop pragmatic approaches to coastal management challenges. Congratulations to the Gulf of Maine Council’s 2018 award winners.
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New rules sprung on lobster fishermen to protect endangered whales
New rules sprung on lobster fishermen to protect endangered whalesSeason won't open at all in one area off northern coast of New BrunswickGabrielle Fahmy · CBC News · Posted: Apr 24, 2018 12:41 PM AT | Last Updated: April 24 ![]() Parts of the water off the coast of New Brunswick will be closed to lobster fishing this season to protect the North Atlantic right whale, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has told lobster fishermen. It's one of several new measures that will affect the lobster industry, after a historically deadly summer for the endangered whales. Until now, the focus was mostly on snow crab fishing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, after necropsies revealed at least three whales likely died as a result of entanglement in fishing gear.
But Tuesday's notice reveals many of the same measures announced in late March for the crab fishery will be applied to lobster fishing in the gulf as well. Lobster fishermen reacted with surprise and disappointment and suggested the new rules were mostly about the federal department's public image. Martin Mallet, executive director of the Maritime Fishermen's Union, said the lobster industry only found out two weeks ago that Fisheries and Oceans was contemplating restrictions on them to protect whales. He said lobster fishermen tried to suggest other solutions but the federal department didn't listen. 2 kinds of closuresAlthough lobster fishermen usually stay closer to shore than crab fishermen do, Ottawa believes they could venture into zones where the right whales will be found. A "static closure" will be implemented off the northern coast of New Brunswick from April 28 — two days before the season begins and for its duration, until June 30. The closure area is one where where 90 per cent of the right whales were observed last ummer. The yellow zone in the Gulf of St. Lawrence represents the one that will be off access all season to lobster fishermen. (DFO) Fisheries and Oceans will also enforce what it calls "dynamic closures" in other areas, meaning wherever a right whale will be spotted this season, the area around it will be closed for a minimum of 15 days. Those closures would be lifted once two consecutive aerial surveillance missions confirm the whales have moved on. Other measures lobster fishermen will now have to follow include:
The 2017 summer was a historically deadly one for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. (Stephan Savoia/Canadian Press) These measures will affect all lobster fishermen in the gulf region in fishing zones 23, 24, 25 and 26. Mallet, of the Maritime Fishermen's Union, said its members are experts in fishing, and the union has scientific experts as well, yet Ottawa didn't seek their collaboration in coming up with a plan. "It is mainly the process that is deplored," he said. "Our members do not feel listened to and feel excluded, as if it is taken for granted that these measures do not concern them." At least 18 north Atlantic right whales have been found dead since last year — 12 in Canadian waters and six in U.S waters. Necropsies on seven of the carcasses found last year determined four whales died of blunt force trauma from collisions with ships, and the other three likely died from entanglements in fishing gear. Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/lobster-restrictions-right-whale-1.4632862 |
New Protections For Fish and Their Habitat
Government of Canada introduces new protections for fish and their habitatNews ReleaseFrom Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa, Ontario – From coast to coast to coast, Canadians have signaled their strong passion for protecting the fish and fish habitat that play such a vital role in our environment, our communities and our livelihoods. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced amendments to the Fisheries Act that would restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards to protect our fish and their habitat for generations to come. The Government of Canada is putting in place better rules to protect our environment. The proposed amendments introduced today would restore the protections to all fish and fish habitats that were lost with changes that were made in 2012. Proposed changes would also put in place new modern safeguards to help our communities by better managing projects, enhancing marine protection and allowing the sustainable use of our resources while protecting them for our future. The government will invest up to $284.2 million to support restoring lost protections to fish and incorporating modern safeguards. As part of the Government of Canada’s Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes, the Government of Canada is restoring protections and rebuilding trust. Fisheries and Oceans Canada consulted broadly, hearing from thousands of Canadians, to ensure changes to the Act focus on the areas that matter most to Canadians. The new Fisheries Act reflects what we heard from two rounds of online public consultations, over a hundred meetings with partners, stakeholders and Indigenous groups, and recommendations from the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. Photo legend: The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announces amendments to the Fisheries Act that would restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards to protect our fish and their habitat for generations to come. Additional Multimedia![]() Quotes
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New snow crab fishing rules
At least 17 of the endangered mammals were killed in Canada and U.S. waters last yearBy Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon, CBC News |
Minister LeBlanc considers all options to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale from further harm
Minister LeBlanc considers all options to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale from further harmNews Release - 2017-11-10From Fisheries and Oceans Canada Moncton, New Brunswick – Canada’s commitment to protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale was front and centre at a roundtable meeting led by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Minister LeBlanc met with representatives from fishing organizations, marine transportation industries, cruise lines, ferry associations, Indigenous peoples, whale experts and scientists, as well as the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to discuss concrete actions which can be taken to better protect the right whale in Canadian waters. This roundtable is just one part of a comprehensive approach to ensure these marine mammals are protected for future generations. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will work with partners on many of the specific proposals that were discussed throughout the day, which include: • Actively exploring opportunities to adjust existing fishing gear immediately to reduce the risk of entanglements. The collective expertise gathered in this forum and the proposed actions will help inform government policy on reducing the impacts of human activity on right whales and to protecting our waters and marine life for generations to come. Quotes
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Associated LinksContactsFOR MORE INFORMATION: Media Relations Laura Gareau NR-HQ-17-41E Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FisheriesOceansCanada/ Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/DFO_MPO |
Government of Canada is investing in science capacity and jobs at the St. Andrews Biological Station
Government of Canada is investing in science capacity and jobs at the St. Andrews Biological StationNews Release - July 2017From Fisheries and Oceans Canada ![]() St. Andrews, NB - The Government of Canada is committed to using scientific evidence to inform marine management decisions. Investments in science will help protect our oceans and ensure that our fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide meaningful employment for Canadians for generations to come. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard today announced that the Government of Canada continues to implement investments of $8.9 million at the St. Andrews Biological Station, Atlantic Canada’s oldest marine research facility. The investments continue to focus on upgrades to the laboratories to support ocean science research and improve the building’s accessibility, safety and security. Minister LeBlanc also announced that 15 new scientists, biologists, hydrographers and other science professionals will be located at the Station. These new employees will support healthy fish stocks and ecosystems, and sustainable aquaculture. They will also do important work to help protect our marine environments and communities from the potential effects of oil spills and day-to-day vessel operations. Some of these new employees will be hired under the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, which will improve marine safety and responsible shipping, and protect Canada’s coastal habitats, ecosystems and marine species. Others will be hired under the $197.1 million Budget 2016 investment in ocean and freshwater sciences. Through the Oceans Protection Plan and Budget 2016 investments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is hiring 254 science professionals across the country. Photo legend: The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced funding in support of scientific research and 15 new science positions at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Quotes
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Huntsman Marine Science Centre receives $6.6 million to boost N.B. aquaculture sector
Huntsman Marine Science Centre receives $6.6 million to boost N.B. aquaculture sector![]() WATCH ABOVE: A key component of the aquaculture sector in New Brunswick is receiving millions of dollars in government funding to go toward two projects. As Global's Andrew Cromwell reports officials believe it will result in more business and new jobs.
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A significant investment in the aquaculture industry in southwestern New Brunswick could mean dozens of new high-paying jobs. The federal and provincial governments announced $6.6 million for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews for a pair of projects. Ottawa, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is contributing about $5 million. The provincial government will come up with most of the rest of the money. The Huntsman Centre and Northern Harvest Sea Farms are also investing in the projects. READ MORE: New Brunswick government releases its vision plan for economic growth One of the projects will see the amount of salt water pumped into the centre for various research projects tripled, which officials hope will attract more research. “We have potential clients that we are waiting to have the asset in place to entice to come and increase our business here at the Huntsman,” said Science Centre chairman Fraser Walsh. It’s hoped business will double over the next four years and that more than 20 new jobs are created. Currently, more than 45 people work at the centre. The other project involves new programs that aim to increase fish health and disease resistance. “We’re in a global industry so these kind of programs are being done and supported significantly by governments in countries like Norway, Scotland and Chile, so we have to do it to keep up,” said Larry Ingalls, president of Northern Harvest Sea Farms in St. George. The Huntsman Marine Science Centre is hoping to see the business growth over the next four years. |