Research Document 2020/023

Assessment of nearshore features in the Northern Shelf Bioregion against criteria for determining Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs)

By Rubidge, E., Jeffery, S., Gregr, E.J., Gale, K.S.P., and Frid, A.

Abstract

Canada is committed to maintaining biological diversity and productivity in the marine environment under the Oceans Act (Government of Canada 1997). Identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) is a key component of this commitment. Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have developed guidelines and eight combined criteria to identify EBSAs. In 2006, EBSAs were identified in the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB) using a two-phase expert-driven approach. In response to a science advice request from Oceans Sector and to address a nearshore geographical gap in the previous process, we assess five nearshore features (canopy-forming kelp forests, eelgrass meadows, estuaries, surfgrass meadows, and high current tidal passages) against the CBD and DFO EBSA criteria. We also summarize the available spatial datasets for each feature, outline feature condition and trends, and note species of particular ecological importance that inhabit the features. Upon assessment of the eight combined DFO and CBD EBSA criteria, there is scientific support to designate canopy-forming kelp forests, eelgrass meadows, and estuaries as nearshore EBSAs. There was insufficient evidence to designate surfgrass meadows as nearshore EBSAs at this time. Similarly, there is not enough spatial or biological information to designate all high tidal current passages in the NSB as nearshore EBSAs. However, three specific high tidal current areas with associated biological information do have strong support for EBSA designation: Hoeya Head Sill, Nakwakto Rapids, and the waters around Stubbs Island. The five features considered here are an initial assessment of nearshore features and are not the only potential nearshore EBSAs in the NSB. Future work in nearshore EBSA identification should consider other nearshore biogenic or physical features against the EBSA criteria such as  clam beds, mussel beds, and rocky reefs.

Research Document 2020/023 (PDF, 3,373 KB)

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