Research Document - 2003/114

Integrating Scientific and Local Ecological knowledge to identify Potential Critical Habitats:
A Case Study in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland

By Sjare, B., Nakashima, B. and Mercer, D.

Abstract

Placentia Bay is a large, biologically productive bay that supports a diverse range of marine species as well as valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. Over the next two decades there will be significant coastal and marine developments in the Bay area associated with offshore oil production and transportation. The Oceans Programs Division in Newfoundland and Labrador has identified the region as a priority for the development of an integrated management (IM) plan. Although there is a considerable amount of baseline ecological data available for a few commercial fish, sea bird and marine mammal species, little is known about many others and an integrated knowledge base for the coastal region is not available. We initiated a research program to document the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers and community members regarding marine mammals (primarily harbour seals), pelagic fish (capelin and herring), and the location of environmentally significant or sensitive areas/habitats in Placentia Bay. A total of 38 participants, the majority being current and retired fishers, were interviewed by Department of Fisheries and Oceans personnel familiar with marine mammals and pelagic fishes. The questions and discussions were designed to obtain comprehensive information on the seasonal distribution, relative abundance, reproductive biology, habitat use and sensitivity of a particular species and/or habitat. Coastal areas covered by those interviewed overlapped so that information could be cross-validated. All data were compiled in a relational database and map locations provided by residents were digitized using MapInfo. Locations of capelin spawning beaches, winter and spring aggregations of herring and harbour seal pupping and haul-out sites throughout the Bay were identified. However, more importantly, there were clear spatial and temporal links between pelagic forage fish distribution, marine mammal distribution and resident's perception of environmentally sensitive areas in the Bay. These productive ‘hot spots’ were associated with a high diversity and biomass of marine species at certain times of the year and they warrant further study as potential critical habitats.

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