Coastal Restoration Fund: Projects in Newfoundland and Labrador

Coastal Management and Restoration of Elmastukmek (Bay of Islands), NL

Recipient: Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc.

Project Achievements: In collaboration with project partners, a total area of 700 m² of eelgrass was transplanted. In now hosts ecologically valuable habitats supporting diverse communities of marine fish and invertebrates along the coastal habitat of the Elmastukmek region.

The identification and restoration of eelgrass meadows and areas of erosion have increased the presence of Banded killifish and American eel throughout the area.

Fund allocation: $1,200,000 over 3 years

Partners:

• Nova Scotia Sportfish Habitat Fund
• Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation

Media Release:

Government of Canada invests in aquatic habitat through the Oceans Protection Plan

Restoring a healthy Placentia Bay coastal ecosystem

Recipient: Memorial University of Newfoundland – Fisheries and Marine Institute

Project achievements: Eelgrass restoration via sod transplantation proved successful in 4 of 5 project restoration sites. Using learned methods of seed dispersal and sod transplantation, and with the continual monitoring of 10 ha of new eelgrass coverage, restoration successes will continue into the future with the assistance of the Miawpukek First Nation.

The project mitigated stressors to the eelgrass beds and restoration sites by removing 375 metric tonnes of the invasive European green crab. Enhanced coastal habitat within the project was secured with the installation of 57 artificial reefs in the deeper waters surrounding the restoration sites.

Fund allocation: $4,779,255 over 5 years

Partners:

• Miawpukek First Nation
• Local fish harvesters
• ACAP Humber Arm
• Salmonid Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Memorial University scuba-diving team

Media Release:

Significant coastal restoration fund investment in Newfoundland and Labrador to restore a healthy ecosystem in Placentia Bay

Video:

New artificial reefs for cod and lobster

River bank restoration Miawpukek First Nation

Recipient: Mi'kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association

Project achievements: The project constructed a bio-remediation structure along the river bank of the Conne River. The structure reduced further erosion at the Clay Bank Site, resulting in the restoration and stabilization of 1,240 m² of river clay bank erosion.

Together with their partners, project goals were achieved through the excavation, construction and placement of cages along the embankment toe on the Conne River.

Fund allocation: $404,100 over 2 years

Partners:

• Miawpukek First Nation
• Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation

Media Release:

Significant coastal restoration fund investment in Newfoundland and Labrador to restore a healthy marine ecosystem in Conne River, NL

Stewarding coastal habitats monitoring and restoration for priority species

Recipient: WWF-Canada

Project achievements: The project addressed significant data gaps on nearshore habitats for priority species, including capelin. Across NL, WWF-Canada and its partners effectively reduced the number of beaver dams being removed from salmonid-bearing streams. Designed by the Beaver Institute, fish-friendly flow devices were installed and monitored. They allow fish to travel upstream regardless of dam size, preserving the fish-rearing habitat upstream essential for young salmonid survivability.

In partnership with NCC, successful identification of habitat threats and barriers to fish migration were used to prioritize site restoration for:

• capelin
• Atlantic salmon
• Arctic char
• other priority fish habitats

Fund allocation: $3,789,720 over 5 years

Partners:

• NunatuKavut Community Council
• Memorial University of NL
• University of Manitoba
• The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of NL
• The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union
• The NL Environmental Association
• The Shorefast Foundation
• Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program
• Humber Arm Atlantic Coastal Action Program

Media Release:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada commits over $3 Million for World Wildlife Fund coastal habitat project in Newfoundland and Labrador