Research Document 2017/080
Information in support of the evaluation of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) in the Eastern Arctic Biogeographic Region
By Schimnowski, O., Paulic, J.E., and Martin, K.A.
Abstract
The identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas (EBSAs) is an important tool for highlighting areas that have particularly high ecological or biological importance. Periodic re-evaluation of EBSAs to integrate information and/or data from new studies and/or enhanced techniques in the application of EBSA criteria is prudent and essential to the Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) approach. This will assist in ensuring management decisions are made with the best available information. Canadian Arctic EBSAs were identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in 2011. DFO Oceans Program requested that DFO Science re-examine the EBSAs within the Eastern Arctic Biogeographic Region using DFO’s national criteria.
Twelve EBSAs in the Eastern Arctic Biogeographic Region, originally identified in 2011, were re-examined as part of this review. The re-evaluation resulted in the identification of 20 EBSAs in the Eastern Arctic Biogeographic Region considering the three main EBSA criteria (uniqueness, aggregation and fitness consequences). Two EBSAs were unchanged. Several EBSAs were subdivided into multiple EBSAs and others were reduced in size. The modified EBSAs are generally smaller and focused on their key ecological/biological features.
An additional four EBSAs from 2011 (Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Hatton Basin offshore areas) were not included in the re-evaluation as they require further data analysis.
Uncertainties with EBSA identification and boundary delineation remain as a result of limited data for the Arctic, changing climate and environmental conditions, and seasonal and annual variability in habitat use (e.g., ice-associated species, migratory species). As a result, EBSAs will continue to require re-examination as new information becomes available.
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