Characterization of Near-Shore Marine Vegetative Habitat Throughout Fortune Bay and Bay d'Espoir (2023-2025)

Data collection began in 2023, on targeted components of coastal ecosystems throughout Fortune Bay, Connaigre Bay and Bay d'Espoir to develop a baseline dataset characterizing seagrass, macroalgae and other habitats created by structure-providing species. This effort will continue through 2027. Throughout ten sites of this region, transect data are collected detailing seagrass and macroalgae species frequency, abundance, and distribution. As part of this characterization, marine sediments are documented along each transect, and in-situ water quality measurements. Additionally, pole seines are conducted at each site to collect baseline data on the presence and diversity of fish and invertebrate species present within these habitats.

Seagrass and Macroalgae: Distribution, frequency, and abundance of seagrass and macroalgae are monitored at ten sites. Three transects are surveyed at each site semi-annually to record seasonal growth.

Species Inventory: Pole seines are conducted annually at each site to collect baseline data on nearshore fish and invertebrate assemblages. If aquatic invasive species are found during a survey, they are recorded and reported.

Marine Sediment: Throughout each transect surveys for seagrass and macroalgae frequency and abundance, estimates of the composition of marine sediment found present and its depth along each transect are recorded at 5 meter intervals.

Water Quality: In-situ water quality data is collected at the beginning and end of each transect surveyed. Parameters recorded include dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, conductivity, temperature and turbidity. 72-hour rainfall and wave conditions of the site at the time of each survey are also recorded.

This project is part of the Coastal Environmental Baseline Program Initiative under the Oceans Protection Plan of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.