Terms of Reference

Regional Advisory Process

Status of Basin Head Marine Protected Area

November 26-27, 2008

Moncton, N.B.

Chairperson: Marc Lanteigne

Context

Basin Head was established as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in October 2005. Basin Head contains a unique variant of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) found nowhere else in the world.  The objective of the MPA designation is to protect and conserve this unique strand of Irish moss and its habitat.

Research and monitoring programs in Basin Head have been in place for a number of years. In November 2007, a dramatic decline in abundance of the Chondrus bed was noted. The specific cause(s) for this decline are currently unknown.

Advice is required for the fall of 2008 and will be used to enhance monitoring programs, investigate specific reason(s) for decline and to inform management actions in support of the long-term management objectives of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area.

Objectives

The objectives of the meeting are to assess the status of Chondrus crispus in Basin Head, identify factors that might be affecting the abundance, review current monitoring programs, identify knowledge gaps and advise on possible actions to promote the objectives of the MPA.

The review on the status of Basin Head will address the following questions/issues:

• Assess the status of the Irish moss in Basin Head MPA including the present distribution and abundance and changes in these over time.
• Characterise the environmental and ecosystem requirements of Irish moss.
• Identify factors which may be affecting the abundance, structure and distribution of Irish moss in Basin Head, including:
• whether Ulva or other vegetation may be displacing the Irish moss,
• whether changes in nutrient levels are affecting the Irish moss abundance and distribution,
• whether changes in water circulation patterns, particularly in terms of flushing rates for the estuary, are affecting the abundance of Irish moss, and
• other factors which may be impacting Irish moss, for example, invasive green crab and their effects on the mussel population.
• Review present monitoring programs for their effectiveness at tracking the status of the ecosystem components in this MPA.
• To identify knowledge gaps which are critical to achieving the objectives of the MPA.
• To advise on the actions which could be taken to promote the objectives of the MPA designation, particularly in light of the reported decline in Irish moss at Basin Head.

Outputs

• Science Advisory Report summarizing the information and conclusions of the science review
• Proceedings report of the meeting
• Research documents (or other published series) in support of the science advisory report.

Participation

Participation at the meeting may include:

• DFO Oceans and Science (Gulf and Maritimes Regions)
• National Research Council of Canada
• Province of PEI- Dept of Fisheries and Aquaculture,  Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry
• Members from Basin Head MPA Advisory Board
• Members of Basin Head Lagoon Ecosystem Conservation Committee
• Island Nature Trust
• Academia

The meeting will be chaired by Marc Lanteigne (DFO Oceans and Science, Gulf Region)