Research Document - 2016/044
Identification and characterization of important areas based on fish and invertebrate species in the Coastal Waters of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
By A. Rondeau, J.M. Hanson, M. Comeau, and T. Surette
Abstract
Identification and designation of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) is recognized both nationally and internationally as a useful tool for aquatic resource conservation, management, and planning. In eastern Canada, previous work focused on offshore waters with the highly productive coastal areas intentionally excluded. The aim of this study was to apply the EBSA criteria of uniqueness, aggregation, and fitness consequences to the coastal area of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The criteria were applied to 32 fish and 23 benthic invertebrate taxa to identify important areas (IA). Based on data from multi-species surveys and literature reviews, three IA were identified in order of precedence: Northumberland Strait, St. George’s Bay, and water at the eastern end of Prince Edward Island. These IA stood out primarily due to the presence of likely-endemic species (i.e. lady crab and winter skate), and all three IA had previously been identified as EBSA. Although not identified as IA, special consideration could be assigned to Chaleur Bay and the Shediac Valley for their importance in the migration of several anadromous species.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: