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Terms of Reference

Regional Advisory Process

Status of Basin Head Marine Protected Area

November 26-27, 2008

Moncton, N.B.

Chairperson: Marc Lanteigne

Context

Basin Head was established as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in October 2005. Basin Head contains a unique variant of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) found nowhere else in the world.  The objective of the MPA designation is to protect and conserve this unique strand of Irish moss and its habitat.

Research and monitoring programs in Basin Head have been in place for a number of years. In November 2007, a dramatic decline in abundance of the Chondrus bed was noted. The specific cause(s) for this decline are currently unknown.

Advice is required for the fall of 2008 and will be used to enhance monitoring programs, investigate specific reason(s) for decline and to inform management actions in support of the long-term management objectives of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area.

Objectives

The objectives of the meeting are to assess the status of Chondrus crispus in Basin Head, identify factors that might be affecting the abundance, review current monitoring programs, identify knowledge gaps and advise on possible actions to promote the objectives of the MPA.

The review on the status of Basin Head will address the following questions/issues:

Outputs

Participation

Participation at the meeting may include:

The meeting will be chaired by Marc Lanteigne (DFO Oceans and Science, Gulf Region)

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