The State of the Ocean Report for the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Annual multi-species bottom-trawl surveys are key to monitoring the health of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and other Canadian marine ecosystems. Photo: DFO

The report on the Gulf of St. Lawrence concisely summarizes the most recent scientific information relevant to six key issues that have a considerable impact on the ecosystems of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Large Ocean Management Area (LOMA):

1. Hypoxia in the deep waters,
2. Ocean acidification,
3. Changes in seasonal sea-ice cover and its effect on marine mammals,
4. Aquatic invasive species,
5. Impacts of fishing and climate-driven changes in exploited marine populations and communities, and
6. Potential impacts of grey seal predation on groundfish populations.

Organization of the Report

The information is presented according to the "Drivers, Pressures, State Impacts and Responses" approach to the identification and management of the environmental effects. Existing reports on the structure, state, and management of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Large Ocean Management Area are also reviewed with the aim of highlighting the manner in which the present report complements that information.

Key Learnings

In addition, a brief discussion on what should constitute the structure and content of an effective State of the Ocean report is presented as an explanation for the nature of the present report and as a guide for future State of the Ocean reporting in the area. The report results from collaboration between ocean scientists and managers in support of integrated management in the St. Lawrence Large Ocean Management Area.

At least 25 aquatic invasive species have become established in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The tunicate fouling the bottom of this fishing boat is Ciona intestinalis. The mussel aquaculture industry in the Gulf has been severely affected by invasive tunicates and has also played a pivotal role in their spread. Management strategies have been developed to reduce the transport of aquatic invasive species when seed stock is moved from one body of water to another and when harvested product is transported to processing plants. Photo: DFO

Shot in March 2012 from a helicopter over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this photo shows seals (the small black dots on the ice) as far as the eye can see. Photo: DFO