Digby Neck
(Photo Credit: Laura Hussey)
Digby Neck and Islands
On Nova Scotia’s Fundy coast, this area which is made up of the narrow peninsula of Digby Neck, Long Island, Brier Island, and surrounding marine waters has many features that would make it an ideal NMCA candidate. Its high conservation value, its culture and history, and some early indications of local support for the idea.
NMCA Candidate Site
Nova Scotia’s Fundy coast has long been recognized as an area of ecological significance. A 1975 Parks Canada study identified Brier Island and its surrounding marine waters as a candidate site for a marine park (now known as a NMCA) in the Bay of Fundy. However, Parks Canada has not taken steps to identify a candidate NMCA site for the Bay of Fundy region since the unsuccessful West Isles Marine Park proposal in the mid-1980s.
The Bay of Fundy Region is at risk from mushrooming industrial and other development (e.g. large coastal quarries, LNG plants, shipping, aquaculture, tidal power, etc). This spectacular marine region is in urgent need of protection before it’s too late.
Ecological Significance
The Digby Neck and Islands Region is home to:
· Many species of fish, whales and other marine mammals
· An abundance of coastal and marine plants,
· A number of species at risk (highly endangered North Atlantic right whale, harbour porpoise, fin whale, and Atlantic Cod).
· A productive lobster area, providing habitat for spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding
· A variety of groundfish such as cod, haddock, Pollock and flounder.
· A more diverse group of migrant land and shorebirds, including rare species, than anywhere else in the Bay of Fundy (Brier Island)
Benefits of an NMCA
The Digby Neck and Islands area is feeling the effects of fisheries declines and other factors affecting many rural areas in Nova Scotia, and is in need of economic development and diversification. This has lead to proposals for large-scale industrial developments, which were met with great resistance from the local communities. Most recently, the community was successful in preventing the development of a coastal quarry which would have led to severe adverse ecological impacts to the area. They want to see development for the region that would not threaten remaining fisheries, a growing ecotourism industry, or the cultural character of the place.
The creation of an NMCA in the Digby Neck and Islands Region could:
· Be compatible with, and beneficial to, existing local fishing and tourism industries.
· Bring improved infrastructure and job opportunities.
· Benefit fish populations and other marine life.
How can you help:
Creating an NMCA in the Digby Neck and Islands region will require local support, ongoing research, and the cooperation of various federal and provincial government departments, as well as other stakeholders. CPAWS-NS is committed to working with local communities and organizations to explore conservation opportunities for this region. If you are interested in protecting this important marine region, and would like to learn more or get involved, please contact the CPAWS-NS marine coordinator at marine@cpawsns.org
(Photo Credit: Laura Hussey)