Nova Scotia, a beautiful province on the east coast of Canada, has a rich marine biodiversity that needs to be preserved and protected for future generations and to maintain the balance of surrounding ecosystems. The province’s location along the Atlantic Ocean with vast coastlines provides a unique opportunity for ocean conservation efforts. Over the years, various organizations, governments, and communities have made significant steps towards protecting Nova Scotia’s biodiversity.
One of the most significant conservation efforts in Nova Scotia is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to conserve and protect marine life and ecosystems. Nova Scotia is home to five MPAs, each with unique ecological features and protected species. The MPAs are the Gully, St. Anns Bank, Georges Bank, Fundy, and Eastern Shore Islands. These areas protect critical habitats for endangered species, such as leatherback turtles, North Atlantic right whales, and Atlantic salmon. The federal and provincial governments have worked together to establish these MPAs, and they are managed through various partnerships between government, industry, and conservation groups.
A large conservation movement in Nova Scotia has been the protection of marine mammals, particularly the endangered North Atlantic right whale. These whales are one of the world’s most endangered species, and the waters off Nova Scotia are critical breeding and feeding grounds for them. In recent years, the government of Canada has implemented several measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale. These measures include reducing the speed of ships in critical whale habitats, rerouting shipping lanes, and implementing fishing restrictions in areas where the whales are known to feed. These measures have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of whale deaths due to entanglements and collisions with ships.
The Nova Scotia government has also implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable fishing practices. The province’s fishing industry is a significant contributor to the local economy, but overfishing and unsustainable practices can harm the marine ecosystem. To address this issue, the government has established fisheries management plans that regulate fishing activities, including quotas, closed areas, and gear restrictions. These plans are developed in partnership with industry, Indigenous groups, and conservation groups, and they aim to ensure that fishing practices are sustainable and do not harm the marine environment.
In addition to government-led efforts, various conservation groups and organizations are also working towards ocean conservation in Nova Scotia. One such group is the Ecology Action Centre (EAC), a non-profit organization that works towards sustainable solutions to environmental issues. The EAC has several programs focused on marine conservation, including their Ocean Program and Sustainable Seafood Program. The Ocean Program focuses on ocean protection, with a focus on MPAs and sustainable fishing practices. The Sustainable Seafood Program works with local fishermen and seafood businesses to promote sustainable fishing practices and educate consumers about sustainable seafood choices.
Another organization working towards ocean conservation in Nova Scotia is the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS). MARS is a non-profit organization that responds to marine animal strandings, including whales, seals, and turtles. The organization’s work is critical in understanding the health of marine species and identifying potential threats to their survival. MARS also educates the public about marine conservation issues and works with the fishing industry to reduce the risk of accidental entanglements.
Most importantly, community-based conservation efforts are also significant in Nova Scotia. Several coastal communities in the province have established community-led conservation initiatives, such as beach cleanups, shoreline restoration, and education programs. These initiatives are essential in raising awareness about ocean conservation issues and encouraging individuals to take action to protect the marine environment.
Nova Scotia’s ocean conservation efforts are significant and growing, with various organizations, governments, and communities working towards preserving the province’s marine biodiversity. The establishment of MPAs, protection of endangered species, sustainable fishing practices, and community-led conservation initiatives are all essential in ensuring that the province’s marine ecosystem is protected.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media