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Science Response 2014/044

Information on Potential Sensitive Benthic Areas in the Bay of Fundy: Head Harbour/West Isles/Passages and the Modiolus Reefs, Nova Scotia Shore

Context

In 2012, a number of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) were identified in the Bay of Fundy through the DFO Maritimes Region Science Advisory Process (DFO 2012; Buzeta 2014).  In 2013, Resource Management requested DFO Science advice on the following question, “What coordinates would enclose the portions of the EBSAs listed below that meet the criteria for sensitive benthic areas (SBAs) (as described in the Sensitive Benthic Areas Policy)?

A Science Response process was used to respond to this request, as this response was only intended as a summary of the available information.

A review of the available information indicates that the Head Harbour/West Isles/Passages EBSA has a number of features that support its consideration under the SBA Policy.  Vulnerable structure-forming invertebrates, which have significantly declined in the Bay of Fundy, are present.  A fragile tube-dwelling anemone is present.  A new, endemic species of encrusting sponge has been recorded in the area.  Geographically rare sponge species and a rare anemone species are present.  While there is some information available on the predicted distribution of upright and massive sponges, many of which are not considered to be vulnerable to bottom contact fishing, there is a lack of spatial data on vulnerable benthic species.  For this reason, precise coordinates for a potential SBA could not be provided at this time.  Research is required to further understand the relationship between the predicted sponge distribution and the distribution of vulnerable species in order to more precisely map an SBA within the Head Harbour/West Isles/Passages EBSA.

Modiolus (horse mussel) reefs in the Nova Scotia Shore EBSA have been identified and mapped by visually inspecting multibeam bathymetry and backscatter strength maps, as well as through analysis of underwater video.  A map of these locations and a boundary that encompasses the majority of the horse mussel reefs has been delineated.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of 17 June, 2014, on the Delineation of Sensitive Benthic Areas in the Bay of Fundy. 

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