Climate change is beginning to affect Nova Scotia fisheries and impacts are expected to increase. Understanding where and how local fisheries are vulnerable to climate change is a critical step to guide planned adaptation. To better expand our understanding of climate change threats to Nova Scotia fisheries, a rapid climate change vulnerability assessment was implemented
The American lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery is the most profitable commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada, valued at ~$1.5 billion in 2019. Due, in part, to the chaotic nature of the beginning of the lobster season, immobile lobster can arrive at lobster pounds. Under current Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidelines, these lobsters are considered unfit
Climate change is increasing global ocean temperatures and causing reduction in pH and oxygen. Global sea level is also rising at an accelerating rate, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Nova Scotia is highly dependent on coastal resources for employment and infrastructure,and climate change is a threat to coastal communities and industries.
Planning adaptation
CMAR is part of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s project to centralize oceanographic, biological and socioeconomic data into the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS).
Through collaboration between the aquaculture and renewable energy sectors, oceanographic sensors will be deployed
CMAR collects data on Essential Ocean Variables to support and inform science-based development of coastal industry, guide government policy and management decisions, encourage environmental stewardship, and ensure preparedness for climate change.
Since 2017, CMAR has conducted high-resolution monitoring of Nova Scotia’s coastal waters. This monitoring primarily includes temperature, dissolved oxygen, and intermittent salinity measurements, recorded
CMAR works with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) and marine service providers to deploy Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) to measure current speed and direction at coastal locations throughout Nova Scotia.
Deployment locations and downloadable reports can be accessed below in the ADCP map.
The Province of Nova Scotia and the Municipality of the District of Argyle have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the potential of an Aquaculture Development Area (ADA) for shellfish and marine plant
Developing aquaculture facilities further offshore, in the open ocean, has the potential to significantly increase production while avoiding some of the environmental issues and conflicts currently being faced by the coastal aquaculture industry. Due to its size and proximity to key markets, there is strong potential to develop offshore aquaculture in Canadian waters, particularly off
Eelgrass is the primary seagrass species in Atlantic Canada. It is an ‘Ecologically Significant Species’ and protected under federal legislation through a prohibition on the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat. The Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR) has produced a comprehensive report on the potential for interaction of shellfish and finfish aquaculture
A challenge for sustainable development on Nova Scotia’s coastal areas is that information on the province’s infrastructure and service support is not readily accessible. While most of the required information exists in various forms and locations, it takes considerable amounts of effort to consolidate and package this data into usable information. The objective of this