Cold Seeps
Cold Seeps is proposed as a Tier 2 site for the Marine Conservation Network in the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion.
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Location
Cold Seeps is located in the deep waters (about 4,000 m depth) of Canada's offshore, approximately 1,000 km east of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Map of proposed Cold Seeps network site
Simplified site coordinates
Boundaries are preliminary and subject to change following the public engagement.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 43°9' 44.1" N | 55°28' 39.8" W | Starting at point 1 in the southeast corner of the site |
| 2 | 43°9' 25.3" N | 55°52' 7.0" W | Connect to point 2 in the southwest corner |
| 3 | 43°43' 12.8" N | 55°53' 3.4" W | Connect to point 2 in the northwest corner |
| 4 | 43°43' 30.8" N | 55°29' 23.0" W | Connect to point 4 in the northeast corner and connect point 4 to point 1 |
Size
1,990 km2
Features
- Unique cold seep communities where hydrocarbon-rich fluid seeps up from below the sea floor and creates highly productive and diverse communities
- Representative example of the Laurentian Fan, continental rise and abyssal (flat) plain habitats
Species
Historic surveys and similar seep communities around the world suggest the area supports species, including:
- Clams and other bivalves
- Gastropods
- Crabs
- Polychaete worms
Use
- Use of this area is minimal due to its remote offshore location.
- Current fisheries include swordfish and tuna.
- There is a moratorium on fishing cod and haddock on the Eastern Scotian Shelf.
- This area is in the jurisdiction of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.
- Date modified: