Marine enhancement options for the north shore of Prince Edward Island

Conroy, Dale (2007) Marine enhancement options for the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Marine Habitat Enhancement projects have been conducted in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence for the last fifty years. In recent years, habitat enhancement has been required as a compensation measure for the loss of habitat due to marine or coastal destruction. The compensation has been required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada under Section 35 of the Federal Fisheries Act. The policy for managing compensation prefers enhancement to be conducted in 'like for like' habitat, in the same ecological unit. This research includes information from local fish harvesters from coastal communities along Cascumpec and Tracadie Bays along the north shore, non-government organizations, and provincial and federal agencies. Suitable enhancement practices for Tracadie Bay include salt marsh creation and sea lettuce abatement. Suitable enhancement practices for Cascumpec Bay include shellfish enhancement in the upper estuaries, salt marsh creation, and sea lettuce abatement. Beach nourishment for sedimentation abatement in the inner estuaries was not a viable option for either Tracadie or Cascumpec Bay. The stable barrier dune system along Tracadie Bay is within Prince Edward Island National Park. At Cascumpec Bay, the barrier dune system was considered to be too unstable, making the enhancement efforts a major gamble. Socio-economically, salt marsh enhancement and sea lettuce abatement were the two most beneficial options, as they would help enhance the commercial and recreational fisheries in both areas.

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