Research Document - 2013/065

Identification and Review of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas in the Bay of Fundy

By M-I. Buzeta

Abstract

The Bay of Fundy forms a significant part of the Gulf of Maine. Massive tides and water flow result in the cycling of nutrients out of the marshes, mudflats, and estuaries of the upper bay to the mouth and beyond. Anthropogenic disturbances in some areas have resulted in significant changes to the biodiversity. This report provides a summary of available ecological and species information for selected areas in the Bay of Fundy which have been determined to be ecologically and/or biologically significant according to criteria defined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Convention on Biological Diversity. This report builds on previous efforts to identify ecologically important areas in the Bay of Fundy (Buzeta et al. 2003a; Buzeta and Singh 2008; AECOM Canada Ltd. 2011). Based on substantial evidence from published literature, the sum total of scientific and local knowledge, previous Fisheries and Oceans Canada workshops, and the recent peer-reviewed evaluations of significant areas (DFO 2012), the following sites in the Bay of Fundy are concluded to be Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas:

• Long Eddy, Grand Manan
• Flagg Cove and Whale Cove, Grand Manan
• Southern Grand Manan, including Northeast Bank, Old Proprietor Shoal, Murr Ledges, Clark’s Ground, and Kent Island
• Machias Seal Island
• Grand Manan Basin Right Whale Critical Habitat
• Whole of Quoddy Region
• Sam Orr’s Pond, St. Croix Estuary, Passamaquoddy Bay
• Tongue Shoal, Passamaquoddy Bay
• Head Harbour Passage, West Isles archipelago, and The Passages
• The Wolves and White Horse Island
• Maces Bay
• Musquash Estuary
• Mary’s Point, Grindstone Island, and Chignecto Bay
• Evangeline / Cape Blomidon and Minas Basin
• Horse mussel reefs North of Digby, off Margaretsville, NS
• Brier Island / Digby Neck

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