Special Marine Elements
CPAWS-NS defines special elements as species, habitat and geological formations that have high conservation value because they are unique, rare, endangered, and/or biodiverse. This can include things such as deep sea coral forests and reefs, mollusc reefs, glass sponge aggregates, and gas vents. CPAWS-NS is interested in identifying these special and/or unique areas or elements in the region for the purpose of conservation.
CPAWS-NS has worked to protect special marine elements including the deep-sea corals found in the Atlantic. These cold water deep-sea corals were only recently discovered and CPAWS-NS has worked to ensure their protection by working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to identify these areas and to promote their protection. There are now two coral conservation areas offshore of Nova Scotia which are protected from destructive fishing methods by fisheries closures. Dr. Martin Willison, a member of the CPAWS-NS Board of Directors and professor of Biology and the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University, has been instrumental in this work by raising awareness of the corals and promoting their protection. CPAWS-NS continues to promote the protection of these special elements within our waters by advocating for their permanent protection.
Currently, CPAWS-NS is undertaking research of the special marine element, the horse mussel reefs in the Bay of Fundy.
Horse Mussel Reefs in the Bay of Fundy