Blog

August 29 2019

5 Right whale questions answered

In the last few years, we New Brunswickers have become more and more aware of the North Atlantic right whale and the dangers facing this small, but special, population. Each year, the right whale migrates into Canadian waters for a feeding frenzy. Despite years of attention from Canadian governments and conservation groups, right whales are dying in Canadian waters and need our devoted and strategic action for protection. Here we answer five common questions you might have asked about the right whale this summer as it frequented the news.

1. Why are right whales endangered?

Right whale rolling in the Bay of Fundy, photo by Nick Hawkins.

Before the 1972 ban on commercial whaling in Canada, the North Atlantic right whale was a popular species for whalers. Nicknamed the “right whale to hunt”, right whales were hunted to near extinction for their valuable blubber. Right whales are slow swimmers that meander along the coasts near the ocean’s surface, putting them in close contact with humans and our activities at sea. Right whales are most threatened by the risk of deadly strikes by ships (imagine hitting a bumblebee with your car) and by the risk of entanglement in fishing gears, though new risks like increasing noise in the ocean may also threaten this species.

2. Why are right whale populations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence now?

Since 2015, right whales have been spotted in higher numbers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence as they follow their favourite food, a tiny cold-water animal called a copepod. This change might be a response to climate breakdown, as waters to the south get warmer, copepods might be more abundant for eating in the Gulf. Currently, critical habitat for the right whale, areas that are legally protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), are designated near Grand Manan and southeast of Nova Scotia. As right whales become common visitors in other regions of Atlantic Canada, it is important that conservation actions can protect right whales in new critical habitats.

Right whale Critical Habitat areas designated, map by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

3. How are we able to tell individual whales apart?

You may have noticed that scientists and conservation groups speak about right whales as if we know them—because we do! Right whales have unique white lumps and bumps on their heads that allow us to tell them apart like the tail of a humpback whale or our own fingerprints. They are the only whale species that has a symbiotic relationship with whale lice that form these “callosities”. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium manages a database of right whales from photos, videos, and, more recently, from fecal and skin samples. These databases have been in place for over 30 years, allowing us to track right whale families, whale health, and even give names to mothers and calves.

4. What is Canada doing to protect the right whales?

Right whale in the Bay of Fundy, notice the callosity pattern giving the whale a unique ID. Photo by Nick Hawkins.

Since 2017, our federal government has taken action to slow down big ships in more and more areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence when whales are present, reducing the risk of deadly collisions between ships and whales. To reduce the risk and impacts of entanglement, new temporary fishing closures are in place and support has been given to organizations who respond to distressed whales, including whales that need to be disentangled. New efforts have also been made to monitor the Gulf, looking for right whales from overhead flights and funding research aimed at understanding and protecting the whales. While these new actions are encouraging, there is still a lot of work to do! Right whales are at a very real risk of extinction, and this has caught the attention of governments, conservation organizations, and communities across Atlantic Canada.

5. How can I help to protect the right whales?

Hearing of another right whale entangled, another ship-struck individual, another floating carcass makes us wonder what we can do to help this hurting species. Here are a few ideas:

If you’re lucky enough to get to watch right whales, remember to stay far enough away to enjoy their presence from a respectful distance.
Take action by supporting our friends at the Marine Animal Response Society in their current fundraising campaign to support programs for marine animals in distress. Hurry, the campaign closes this Friday, August 30. Donate here.
Keep reading up on the right whale and share news with your family and friends. We need everyone to understand the urgent need to vocally support action to protect this endangered species!
Tell your government representatives that protecting the right whale is important to you – your voice in standing up for wildlife is important!

You can support the conservation work of CPAWS-NB to get more people standing up for ocean and whale conservation here.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins.

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Master’s research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.

August 1 2019

Celebrating New Brunswick’s wilderness all year!

Steve Reid Blog

As New Brunswick Day festivities unfold over the weekend, there could be no better time to celebrate the astounding wildlife and wilderness of our province. At CPAWS-NB, we celebrate nature all year round and we invite you to share in the celebrations with our social media pages, community events, and our very own blog. Next week, our blog will reach its first major milestone: one year of celebrating New Brunswick’s wilderness through stories, science, and advocacy!

This year our blog has come to life to share New Brunswick’s nature and our conservation mission with you! Through 27 blog posts written by four dedicated volunteers, we’ve been able share our work with you – encouraging New Brunswickers to explore ecosystems from forests to coasts, to make conservation a part of our daily lives, and to engage with decision-makers when it comes to protecting New Brunswick’s natural areas.

We have explored our forest ecosystems, from the importance of conservation and sustainable forestry management in New Brunswick to the Top 10 Underrated Species of the Acadian Forest. If you’re out enjoying forests over the summer months, don’t forget to check out our post on spotting forest birds! Out of the forest and into the sea, our focus on increasing marine protected areas in the province has shone through the blog. This June, we listed 5 Reasons to Protect the Bay of Fundy and have given you reason to turn from sightseer to supporter of conservation projects, like marine protected areas, in the Bay. We’ve even broken down what exactly a marine protected area is in Canada! Our projects across ecosystems in New Brunswick inspires us and we hope it inspires you, too!

Protecting wilderness on land and in the ocean should be important to all New Brunswickers – in many ways, our culture and our identities are tied to nature! This year we have encouraged you to take action for protecting nature in your daily lives, from low impact ways to connect with nature in provincial parks to setting your New Year’s conservation resolution. Through the stories we share and the lists we curate, we hope to inspire New Brunswickers to get outside for their daily dose of Vitamin N(ature) and to enjoy nature in all seasons! We also hope to strengthen your voice when speaking up for nature as we all work together to protect our province’s beautiful and important places.

This year we shared the work of scientists to tell the Canadian conservation story: Canada is a Conservation Super-Nation with an important responsibility for taking action, and most Canadians agree that about half of our land and ocean areas should be protected. Conservation is a smart insurance policy in New Brunswick and across Canada for a sustainable future where our communities and wildlife thrive in a healthy environment.

As our blog continues to blossom in the coming year, we hope to ignite a love of nature and a passion for conservation action among New Brunswickers. The staff and volunteers of CPAWS-NB wish you a happy and safe New Brunswick Day, and hope you’ll enjoy some time outside in the wilderness this weekend!

Interested in contributing to our blog? We’re looking for help! Fill out a quick volunteer application today!

Header photo of New Brunswick’s Black-Capped Chickadee on Grand Manan by Nick Hawkins.

July 18 2019

Meet our amazing summer students!

Steve Reid Blog

Each year as June approaches our office is energized and preparing for a busy summer of conservation work. At the same time, as the weather warms, as the migratory birds return, as the flowers bloom, students get busy searching for the perfect summer job. This year we are lucky to have had four passionate students as unique as their favourite New Brunswick species and ecosystems join the CPAWS-NB team. Meet Benuelle, Grace, Lauren, and Rachael!

We are so fortunate at CPAWS-NB to have the help of these young women, and we thought you would want to get to know them, too! With that in mind, we asked each of them to answer a few questions about their experience with CPAWS-NB (so far) and what inspires their love of nature in our beautiful province.

What makes you passionate about conservation in New Brunswick?

Meet Benuelle! Benuelle is entering her fourth year of study at the University of New Brunswick.

Benuelle: New Brunswick has been my home for the last 10 years and this place holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I think about what mother nature looks like, I always picture New Brunswick in my mind. This province has so much to offer, not only its beauty, but also the species that live here. We are lucky to live in a very beautiful place with plenty of untouched nature. I think it is important conserve what we have so that the next generation will also get to experience the natural beauty of New Brunswick, as well as preserve the health of our wild ecosystems.

Grace: From a young age I have had a strong connection to nature and have known early on that this was an important part of my purpose on this planet. Growing up surrounded by New Brunswick’s beautiful wildlife has made me all the more passionate about protecting my home for future generations to thrive in.

Lauren: Ever since I was a child, I loved nature and the outdoors. You could always find me running around outside, climbing trees and getting my hands dirty. The intrinsic value of nature was instilled in me from a very young age. As I got older, I really began to appreciate all the natural areas we have in New Brunswick – beautiful old forests, pristine rivers, rising mountains and vast beaches. As an adult, I hope to preserve the nature that I fell in love with as a child, for the wildlife that lives there and for my future children to enjoy one day.

Rachael: Living in St. Martins, I was constantly surrounded by nature. My family was always going for hikes in the woods behind my house, going to the beach to play in the mudflats, heading to the Fundy Trail to explore the hiking trails there and even kayaking in and around the St. Martins sea caves. I’m passionate about conservation in New Brunswick because I want to ensure that people for generations to come can enjoy the amazing nature that I experienced growing up!

What is your favourite New Brunswick species or ecosystem?

Benuelle: My favourite NB ecosystem is found at New River Beach Provincial Park.

Meet Grace! Grace is entering her second year of study at St. Thomas University.

Grace: My favourite NB species, an unpopular opinion, is the dandelion because of their underrated medicinal and healing properties.

Lauren: I am a huge fan of forests and birds. My favourite bird is the red breasted nuthatch – it’s small but mighty!

Rachael: My favourite NB ecosystems are wetlands!

What have you learned about conservation work during your time with CPAWS-NB?

Benuelle: My time with CPAWS-NB made me realize how much of New Brunswick is unprotected and how important it is to protect these areas. New Brunswick natural areas are home to many diverse wildlife and unique plant species, and it is very unfortunate that with all the beautiful things our province has to offer, we hold the worst record in Canada for protecting nature. We need to conserve the diversity of natural areas in New Brunswick. This is why I love working with CPAWS-NB: this organization promotes the protection of New Brunswick’s wild ecosystems.

Grace: Working with CPAWS-NB has truly been one of the most valuable experiences I have had. I have learned so much about the importance of working collaboratively with government, Indigenous Peoples, and other organizations as a team to enact change. I have also come to understand just how important sharing my love of nature can be, helping others to gain respect for our planet, encouraging them to cultivate their own harmonious relationships with the natural world. Leading by example and with love is crucial to conservation work, and CPAWS truly embodies this practice.

Meet Lauren! Lauren is entering her fourth year of study at the University of New Brunswick.

Lauren: I’ve learned a lot about ocean conservation and marine protected areas during my time with CPAWS-NB. I’ve learned that in the last three years Canada has made tremendous progress in protecting more ocean areas; however, New Brunswick is lagging – protecting less than 1% of our coastal areas, which is far from our goal of protecting at least 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020. This really put into perspective for me how influential the work we do at CPAWS-NB is, and how valuable works like the CPAWS Dare to be Deeper report are for making a difference in our province.

Rachael: During my time at CPAWS NB, I have learned a lot about the challenges currently facing conservationists in New Brunswick, but also a lot about the positive work being done in our province! There are so many wonderful organizations working to protect nature, some of which I hadn’t heard of before joining CPAWS-NB. Working here has taught me how important it is to get more people involved in the conversation about protecting our province’s natural areas!

What will you be doing come September?

Benuelle: In September, I will be going into the final year of my undergraduate degree in Biology at UNB and will be taking the marine block to learn more about the ocean ecosystems. My experiences with CPAWS-NB has inspired me to keep advocating for the things I am passionate about and hopefully to engage in more volunteer work related to conservation in the fall.

Grace: In September, I will be heading into the second year of my Bachelor of Arts degree at STU where I plan to complete a double major in Environment and Society and Women’s and Gender Studies. This will combine my passion for the environment and social justice, helping me to continue to acquire the knowledge and skills I need for creating the world I wish to see.

Lauren: In September I will be heading back to UNB to finish the last year of my degree in Environment and Natural Resources. I’m looking forward to completing my education and to get out in the working world – and to hopefully make a difference for wildlife in New Brunswick!

Meet Rachael! Rachael is entering her fourth year of study at the University of New Brunswick.

Rachael: In September, I will be starting the last year of my Bachelor of Science in Environment and Natural Resources with a specialization in water resources management at UNB Fredericton.

Having one student join our team can be a great help each summer; but having four students as dedicated and enthusiastic as these four young women has been an experience we won’t forget! Now that you’ve met the summer students, you’ll surely agree that we hit the jackpot this year!

Look for the CPAWS-NB team and Benuelle, Grace, Lauren, and Rachael at our events around the province this summer! You can even join us this Saturday, July 20 for Parks Day at New River Beach Provincial Park.

Check our Facebook page for regular updates on CPAWS-NB events.

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

July 4 2019

What does “endangered” mean anyway?

Steve Reid Blog, Wildlife Campaigns

“Endangered species” is a term most of us are familiar with. We know that endangered species need to be protected, that they are often threatened by human activities, and that we risk losing these plants and animals from our ecosystems. Around the world, more than 27,000 species are at risk of going extinct, but what does it really mean for a species to be “endangered” in Canada?

Global assessment of species threatened with extinction by organism group provided by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

What some of us might not know is that legal actions to protect these species are taken through Canada’s Species at Risk Act, often called “SARA”. Under SARA, a species can be listed as “extirpated”, “endangered”, “threatened”, or a “species of special concern”. Each of these categories means something a little different and changes the amount of protection given to a species.

Extirpated species no longer exist in one region of Canada, but they do exist in the wild in another area. Before the end of the 1800s, Atlantic Canada had its own population of grey whales. We know that this species existed here, but also that it doesn’t anymore, making the grey whale extirpated in Atlantic Canada.

Photo by Nick Hawkins

Endangered species are those are that likely to become extirpated or extinct in the near future. These are the species that need our attention and fast action to protect habitat and eliminate threats. Our struggling friend the North Atlantic right whale has been listed as endangered under SARA since 2003 and the iconic piping plover has been listed as endangered since 2001.

Threatened species are those that are likely to become endangered if we don’t do anything to reduce or eliminate the threats that are impacting the population. New Brunswick’s own wood turtle has been listed as threatened under SARA since 2010, though was only listed as threatened under the New Brunswick Endangered Species Act in 2013.

Here is where it gets more complicated (yes, more complicated). The final category of SARA is a “species of special concern”. Under this category, species are given much less protection than species that are listed as extirpated, endangered, or threatened.

Photo “harlstretch” by peggycadigan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Species of special concern are those that might become threatened or endangered in the future because of their biology, like what they eat or what they need for habitat, or because of human activities. Some species of special concern in our province include the harlequin duck and the monarch butterfly.

Extirpated, endangered, and threatened species are protected from being killed, harassed, harmed, or captured by humans, while species of special concern are not given this same insurance. Similarly, the most important habitats, called “critical habitat”, are protected for extirpated, endangered, and threatened species only. When a species is listed as extirpated, endangered, or threatened, SARA requires that the government creates a “recovery strategy”. This requirement is one of the most important aspects of SARA because it requires the government to make an action plan that will help the species population rebound back to a healthy number. The recovery strategy for the North Atlantic right whale has resulted in some important actions in New Brunswick, like the creation of a protocol for rescuing whales caught in fishing gear and the relocation of shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy to reduce the number of whales struck by commercial ships [1].

Photo “Freeing Entangled Right Whale” by Georgia Wildlife Resources Division is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

As a piece of federal legislation, SARA is only able to protect species in federal lands and waters, which leaves some species in provincial land, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems exposed to threats. We all know that wildlife doesn’t pay attention to our human boundaries, so New Brunswick needs to work just as hard to ensure that species at risk are protected in our province and fast action is taken toward conservation.

SARA is designed to protect the plants and animals that need our help the most, but it is not as strong at protecting species that might need our help in the future as climate continues to breakdown and ecosystems shift. This is why it is so important to protect all sorts of habitats that are home to all sorts of species: we need to ensure that all New Brunswick wildlife have what they need to survive and thrive in an unknown future.

CPAWS-NB is working tirelessly to support action from our governments to see the creation of protected area networks on land and at sea. These networks can help species at risk in all SARA categories by reducing threats from human activities and ensuring healthy habitat now and into the future. But to reach this goal, we need your help! By speaking up for nature and telling our governments that we need protected areas, we can help to protect New Brunswick’s wildlife and the ecosystems that make our province special.

If you’re worried about the North Atlantic right whale like many Canadians, take action with our friends at the Sierra Club Canada Foundation in an emergency letter-writing campaign here.

Header photo: “Piping Plover” by GregTheBusker is licensed under CC BY 2.0

References

[1] Brown, M.W., Fenton, D., Smedbol, K., Merriman, C., Robichaud-Leblanc, K., and Conway, J.D. 2009. Recovery Strategy for the North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in Atlantic Canadian Waters [Final]. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. vi + 66p.

June 20 2019

10 Underrated species of the Acadian Forest

Steve Reid Blog

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

Spreading north across the Maritimes to meet the Boreal treeline, lies an ecosystem deeply intertwined with the identity of New Brunswick and its people. Surrounded by the sea, dotted with wetlands, and providing habitat for all sorts of flora and fauna, the Acadian Forest breathes life into our region. As New Brunswickers, many of us grow up exploring amongst the trees of the Acadian Forest. Picking colourful leaves as they fell in autumn and collecting pinecones from the evergreens, we may not have known that we were living in such a unique ecosystem.

The Acadian Forest makes up just 2.2% of Canada’s total forest but is home to a great diversity of plants and animals, from the tall and towering trees to the microbes of the forest floor. Of course, there are many plants and animals in the forest that deserve celebration, but these ten species, while some are quite common, are deserving of some extra special recognition as unsung heroes of New Brunswick’s Acadian Forest.

“Aegolius acadicus (Northern Saw-whet Owl)” by Andrew Hoffman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

1. Northern saw-whet owl – I don’t know about you, but when I think of owls, I picture a big bird with a bigger head and even bigger eyes. Named for its unique call, which sounds like the whetting, or sharpening, of a mill saw, the northern saw-whet owl weighs in at just 65-151 grams and about 20cm tall, not much bigger than a Tim Horton’s medium cup of coffee. As a bird that prefers to nest in deciduous trees, but sleep in the conifers, while enjoying a nearby lake or river, the Acadian Forest is the perfect habitat for this little owl.

2. Eastern hemlock – When we think of New Brunswick’s trees, many people would think of the impressive white pine or the sweet sugar maple, but lying lower in the canopy is the shade-tolerant eastern hemlock, another champion of the Acadian Forest. Living to be more than 800 years old, this tree is among the most important species in the forest. The eastern hemlock provides food and habitat to more than 120 wildlife species from insects to mammals.

“Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander)” by Andrew Hoffman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

3. Red-backed salamander – An often-forgotten amphibian, the red-backed salamander is just one of several salamander species native to New Brunswick. This small salamander takes up residence in moist habitats of the Acadian forest, like in rotting wood or under leaf litter on the forest floor. When under attack, the red-backed escapes from predators by dropping its tail! It will eventually grow a new one, though the new appendage may be duller in colour. No tail, no problem!

4. Little brown bat – Bats are amazing animals and the little brown bat that calls the Acadian Forest home is no exception. This tiny species weighs less than 15 grams and can eat more than 1000 mosquitos in just one hour! Historically this bat has been abundant in Canada and not a concern in conservation, but in 2014 the species was emergency listed as endangered under Canada’s Species At Risk Act due to very fast population declines as the infamous white-nose syndrome swept across the country. This fungus-caused disease continues to plague bat populations across the country, including our local little brown bats.

5. Lowbush blueberry – Is there anything better than fresh picked blueberries in your morning muffins or weekend pancakes? The Acadian Forest is home to many edible plants, but perhaps none as delicious as the lowbush blueberry. A favourite food to humans and animals alike, this species is more than just a yummy treat in the forest! Lowbush blueberry can live in acidic environments, is fire-tolerant, and can spread to dominate large areas of the forest where there is lots of sun.

“chicken of the woods 10 14” by smileycreek is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

6. Chicken-of-the-woods mushroom – Growing on tree trunks in clusters of bright orange, fan-shaped mushrooms, you’ve probably seen this common species on many afternoon strolls through the Acadian Forest. While the mushroom is named for its chicken-like flavour, others describe it as lemony, meaty, and lobster-like! With that flavour profile, it’s no surprise that this species is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. While this mushroom is edible, it can cause upset stomach and can absorb the oils of the host tree, which can be toxic to people. Always consult an experienced professional before picking and consuming fungi!

7. Ruffed grouse – A common bird that we often associate with hunting, the ruffed grouse gets outshined by its flashier cousin, the ring-necked pheasant. This species is hearty and thrives in younger forests where some light disturbance, like logging, occurs. An expert in camouflage, the ruffed grouse is cryptically coloured to match the forest and makes slow and purposeful movements to avoid detection by predators. In the winter, this bird will bury itself in the snow to roost, sometimes surprising visitors to the forest by emerging from a crisp blanket of snow!

8. Wood frog – As the most widely distributed amphibian in Canada, the wood frog is found in every province and territory! While it may not be unique to New Brunswick, this species thrives in the Acadian Forest where there is lots of leaf litter and a damp habitat. The wood frog even does well through our tough winters by hibernating under logs or leaves on the forest floor. This frog is even freeze-tolerant and can change to a darker colour to absorb the sun’s rays! It is no surprise that the wood frog thrives in this forest, especially since they lay up to 2000 eggs in a breeding season.

“IMG_5288” by -Fil is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

9. Purple pitcher plant – Two words: carnivorous plant. The purple pitcher plant thrives in nutrient-poor environments because of its ability to feed on nutritious insects. Using bright colours and sweet nectar to attract insects like ants and flies to the liquid-filled pitcher, bugs are trapped and digested for their nutrients. The purple pitcher plant is one of only 18 carnivorous plants in all of Canada and the only pitcher plant in our country!

10. Canada lynx – You may not think the lynx is underrated, but as a ferocious predatory cat this species doesn’t get enough credit! As an expert hunter, this medium-sized cat makes up for what it lacks in speed with exceptional hearing, keen eyesight, and a build made for stealth in the snowy Canadian winters. In New Brunswick, very little is known about this elusive species. The Canada lynx is currently listed as endangered in our province, and with its need for a large territory this species could benefit from greater protection of wilderness in the Acadian Forest.

While these ten species may be just a few examples among many that deserve their 15-seconds of fame, the Acadian Forest is bursting with life – full of vibrant communities and important ecosystems that connect New Brunswickers to nature. By preserving wilderness and protecting our forest ecosystems from ever-increasing threats, we can ensure that all plants and animals can thrive now and into the future. This is why CPAWS-NB is working hard to see an increase in protected area coverage that will support healthy and lively ecosystems in our province.

Header photo “Canada Lynx Walking” by Eric Kilby is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

June 6 2019

5 reasons to protect the Bay of Fundy

Steve Reid Blog Bay of Fundy

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

A deep breath of salty air, the shimmer of schooling sardines, the unmistakable sound of a whale’s blow: this is what comes to mind when I think of the Bay of Fundy. My Bay of Fundy. Our Bay of Fundy. As New Brunswickers, many of us have warm memories of the Bay, from enjoying the delicious catch of the day to exploring the ocean floor at low tide. We can all agree that the Bay of Fundy is a special place in our province, which is just one of many reasons why it should be protected! Read on as I highlight just five of the reasons why CPAWS-NB is advocating for a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in this favourite New Brunswick place.

A minke whale breaches near Head Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada.
The Bay of Fundy is a rich ecosystem that is teeming with wildlife thanks to a phenomenon called “upwelling”. The strong tides of the Bay create intense mixing from the water’s surface to the deep depths, bringing nutrients that have settled on the ocean floor back to the surface where photosynthesizing plankton and algae can combine nutrients with the sun’s energy to grow. Upwelling triggers a chain reaction in the food web, creating new life and supporting the migratory wildlife that we welcome home to the bay each summer. Protecting habitats in this ecosystem means ensuring that year-round resident wildlife and visiting fish, sharks, whales, and birds can all thrive into the future.

The impacts of climate breakdown are becoming more apparent each year as Fundy waters warm [1]. Changes in temperature, ocean currents, and ocean chemistry are being driven by climate breakdown, impacting ecosystems at multiple scales from the growth and development of individual organisms, like fish and corals, to large-scale changes in the food webs of the Atlantic Ocean [2]. These changes are concerning not only for ecosystems, but for the many families and communities in our region who depend on oceans for work and wellbeing. MPAs, especially a network of MPAs, are our strongest tool for ensuring oceans remain healthy and resilient to climate breakdown [3].

Lobster fisherman hauling traps in the Bay of Fundy, by Nick Hawkins
The heritage, culture, and economy of New Brunswick are entwined with the Fundy coastline. Many New Brunswickers develop strong ties to the coast through family traditions: visiting Hopewell Rocks each summer, enjoying lobster on special occasions, taking a stroll down the St. Andrews wharf. The Fundy coastal region spans the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy Peoples who relied and continue to rely on oceans for cultural practices. The ocean sector in New Brunswick provides tens of thousands of jobs in diverse industries from fisheries and aquaculture to tourism to shipbuilding [4]. It is undeniable that healthy oceans are important to the prosperity of our province, and we need MPAs to protect our futures.

The Bay of Fundy is exposed to many threats and faces building pressure from industrial activities. Talk of tidal turbines, LNG terminals, and expanded aquaculture put this important ecosystem at risk of negative impacts affecting the wildlife that make the Bay of Fundy special and unique. Despite these growing concerns, the Bay of Fundy still has just one small coastal MPA in Musquash Estuary supporting conservation! As industries look to expand and climate continues to breakdown, a network of MPAs that strongly protect the ecosystem from harmful impacts should be a top priority for the Bay of Fundy.

Sea star and sea urchins photographed off Deer Island Point, New Brunswick, Canada. By Nick Hawkins
The Bay of Fundy is internationally recognized as a unique ecosystem where balancing conservation and sustainable use is essential. Since 2007, the Bay has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 2011, the Bay of Fundy featured as Canada’s only candidate in a worldwide campaign to name the New 7 Natural Wonders of Nature! New Brunswickers, Canadians, and people from all around the world know that the Bay of Fundy is a special place that not only deserves protection, but one that offers many benefits by being strongly protected.

The new CPAWS 2019 Report on Protecting Canada’s Oceans calls on Canada to “dare to be deeper” by protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030. With Canada on track to achieve the 10% protected area target for oceans by 2020, in the coming decade we need to work harder than ever to set aside an additional 20% for nature. Scientists around the world agree that 30% protected area is the minimum needed to ensure that plants, animals, and ocean ecosystems thrive into the future [5]. At CPAWS-NB, our aim is to see that the Bay of Fundy is included in Canada’s 30%.

Read our recent news release on progress for protected areas in New Brunswick and listen to a CBC Shift interview with our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater here.

Join us this Saturday, June 8 on UNB Fredericton campus to celebrate World Ocean’s Day with a free viewing of Blue Planet II. Let us know you’re coming here!

Check out the new CPAWS 2019 Report on Protecting Canada’s Oceans here.

Learn more about the Bay of Fundy through beautiful photos in a storymap here.

Add your voice to our campaign to protect the Bay of Fundy here.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins.

References

[1] Markey, M. (2018). Impact of warming seas felt by northeastern fisheries. The Blade. Retrieved June 3, 2019 from https://www.toledoblade.com/MattMarkey/2018/02/26/Climate-change-Impact-of-warming-seas-felt-by-northeastern-fisheries.html.

[2] Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). (2019). Canada’s Oceans Now: Atlantic Ecosystems, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2019 from http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/publications/soto-rceo/2018/atlantic-ecosystems-ecosystemes-atlantiques/index-eng.html

[3] International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2017). Issues Brief: Marine Protected Areas and Climate Change. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland. Retrieved June 3, 2019 from https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/mpas_and_climate_change_issues_brief.pdf

[4] Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists Ltd. (2010). Economic Impact of the New Brunswick Ocean Sector 2003-2008. Prepared for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Retrieved June 3, 2019 from https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Publications/Fish-Peches/ocean.pdf

[5] Dinerstein, E., Vynne, C., Sala, E., Joshi, A.R., Fernando, S., Lovejoy, T.E., . . . & Wikramanayake, E. (2019). A global deal for nature: guiding principles, milestones, and targets. Science Advances, 5, eaaw2869.

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Masters research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.

May 23 2019

Spotting New Brunswick’s forest birds this spring!

Steve Reid Blog

By: Heidi Harding

New Brunswick is home to hundreds of bird species, many who migrate south in the winter, then return to New Brunswick to nest and raise their young in the spring. This makes New Brunswick an amazing place for both amateur and professional birdwatchers! As our migratory friends return to their summer homes, get familiar with some of their unique traits and be prepared to keep an eye (and an ear) out for them throughout the spring and summer months!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The only hummingbird native to the Maritimes, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird appears in New Brunswick in mid-May and stays into September. Males have emerald green heads and backs, while females are green-grey. Both have white bellies, but only males have the iridescent ruby throats that give the species their name. These tiny birds can usually be found along the edges of woodlands, or in orchards and gardens. Sightings are increasing around humans as hummingbird feeders become more popular.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Listed as a threatened species in Canada, the Olive-sided Flycatcher can be found in New Brunswick between May and September. Coloured mostly greys and whites, their most distinctive features are their crested heads and long wings. They prefer to live in moist forests and the edges of wetlands, bogs, and beaver ponds, and tend to perch in the highest branches they can find. The beaver pond trails at Mactaquac Provincial Park provide this kind of habitat, and offer an opportunity to see beavers, frogs, ducks, and many other species.

Bicknell’s Thrush

Bicknell’s Thrush is also a threatened species in Canada. With a small population and a very limited range, the best place to find these elusive birds is in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, where Bird Studies Canada has run surveys to learn more about this rare bird. These birds are mostly brown above and white below, with brown speckles across the throat and breast. They spend winters in the Dominican Republic then migrate north, arriving in New Brunswick in late May. They prefer young, dense forests made up of fir and spruce.

American Robin

The arrival of robins is one of the surest signs of spring, as robins are one of the most familiar and most common birds in New Brunswick! Their bright red breasts and brown backs make them quite distinct, and you can often see them hopping around lawns and fields searching for insects and worms. Robins arrive in New Brunswick as early as March and linger until November, when they head south to visit our neighbours in the United States.

Northern Parula

The Northern Parula is one of 38 species of warbler that have been recorded by our friends at Nature NB in their Birds of New Brunswick list. Grey-blue above, with yellow throats that fade to white bellies, the Northern Parula loves damp, mature forests. Old trees covered in mosses and lichens are their favourite, as they commonly use “old-man’s beard” lichen in their nests. Try Fundy National Park, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, Sugarloaf Provincial Park, or the Carriage Road hiking trail in Herring Cove Provincial Park for mossy forest environments to sight these birds. Parulas arrive in New Brunswick in May and stay until October.

Magnolia Warbler

Many warblers share similar colours with the Magnolia Warbler, with greyish backs and yellow around the throat, though the Magnolia Warbler’s yellow extends all the way down their bellies. The Magnolia Warbler is one of the most common warblers in the province, appearing in May and staying until October. They prefer to nest in younger pine forests, like those that grow up on old farmland.

American Redstart

Another common warbler in New Brunswick is the American Redstart. Like the Northern Parula and the Magnolia Warbler, Redstarts return to New Brunswick in May and stay until October. Unlike these warblers, they will happily nest in neighbourhoods with lots of taller trees and shrubs, as well as forests. Redstarts are quite distinctive among New Brunswick’s warblers, as they have a solid black head and throat, with splashes of red on their shoulders and back.

Purple Finch

Purple finches are common sights in both woodlands and neighbourhoods with bird feeders, and some will brave the winter weather to stay in New Brunswick all year round, though most prefer to migrate south in the fall, reappearing here in April or May. For a park-like setting where these smaller birds can be common, try the New Brunswick Botanical Garden in République Provincial Park. Male purple finches are easy to spot, with their bright reddish-purple heads and backs. Females are mostly brown, with brown speckles across a white breast and belly. They are fairly easy to confuse with other species of finch or sparrows. Look for a slight crest or “peak” on their heads – if its there, it’s a purple finch!

New Brunswick’s provincial parks provide important habitat for forest-loving birds and opportunities for human visitors to meet them! CPAWS-NB hopes you will take advantage of the parks to get closer to nature this spring and summer. Remember that the parks are meant for all New Brunswickers and visitors to enjoy, and that we are responsible for taking care of our environment. When you visit, be sure to take all garbage and refuse with you when you leave, keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them, and respect nature by leaving it in the park. We want all of the migratory visitors to enjoy the parks as much as we do!

All you need to begin bird-watching in New Brunswick is a pair of binoculars and a spirit ready to get outside and start your birding adventure!

Visit here for more information on New Brunswick Provincial Parks.

Resources:

Nature NB Birds of New Brunswick: An Annotated List

A full listing of birds who regularly, occasionally, and rarely visit New Brunswick. Published by The New Brunswick Museum, as a project of the New Brunswick Bird Records Committee.

New Brunswick Birdwatching Hotspots

Tourism New Brunswick’s guide to some of the best birdwatching spots and resources across the province.

Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces

A partnership between Bird Studies Canada, the Maritime provinces, and the Canadian Wildlife Service, this atlas documents bird who regularly breed in the Maritimes, including photos, descriptions, maps, and more.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Photo by Matt Tillett/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

Olive-sided Flycatcher Photo by Bettina Arrigoni / Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

Bicknell’s Thrush photo by Aaron Maizlish/ https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/ CC-BY-2.0

Northern Parula photo by User:cuatrok77/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

Magnolia Warbler photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

American Redstart photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

Purple Finch photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0

May 9 2019

Celebrating 7 of New Brunswick’s Wildlife Super-Moms

Steve Reid Blog

by Jess Baxter

Spring is in the air and the natural world is waking up, bringing cheery sounds, fresh smells, and new babies into our backyards. New Brunswick is home to all kinds of special animals, each with their own unique way of raising and protecting their young. Animals take on diverse strategies to ensure that their offspring survive: some species stay with their new babies for as little as a few weeks, while others stay together for a few years; some species stick close by their young to watch over them, and others leave them on their own to trick predators.

Mother Nature has produced lots of animal Super-Moms who keep our wildlife populations growing. In honour of Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate these 7 amazing mothers in New Brunswick’s animal kingdom!

1. White-tailed deer – White-tailed deer will typically give birth to one or two fawns, but can have up to three fawns if the conditions are right. Until a fawn is strong enough to keep up with its mother, the doe will hide it and leave it alone while searching for food. The doe cares for their young by drawing scent away from the new fawn so that predators will not be able to find it as easily.

Photo “Bear Time 01” by Ken McMillan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. Black bear – Like deer, a mother black bear will leave its cubs while hunting and collecting food. Whenever possible, Mother Black Bear will leave her cubs at ”daycare”, leaving them at the base of a white pine tree. This way, she can make a nest for her cubs at the base of the pine, and her cubs are able to climb the tree at the first sign of danger.

3. Brown-headed Cowbird – Brown-headed cowbirds are known as “nest parasites” because females don’t actually build a nest of their own. Instead, this bird lays its eggs in the nest of other species, often a species that produces smaller eggs than its own! Brown-headed cowbirds rely on the parenting skills of other bird moms for their offspring to survive, selecting the best adoptive mothers to feed and care for their fast-growing chicks.

Harbour seal pup, West Isles Bay of Fundy photo by Nick Hawkins

4. Harbour Seal – Unlike many species of seal, the harbour seal does not forego eating while she is nursing her pup. Mother seals are very attentive during the nursing period, playing with pups and teaching them how to swim and fish; however, after 4-6 weeks when the pup is weaned, the mother pays it no mind and will seek a new mate.

5. North American porcupine – Porcupines are very independent animals, being solitary for most of the year. Young porcupettes can survive on their own just two weeks after being born and learn to climb trees shortly after! Our local North American porcupines will continue to nurse their young for 3-4 months, which is a long time for a member of the rodent family.

Atlantic puffin, Machias Seal Island photo by Nick Hawkins

6. Atlantic Puffin – Atlantic Puffins build their nests in-land and must travel long distances to the coast to hunt for food. Though both the male and female puffins are involved in raising chicks, the female does most of the hunting while the male primarily guards the nest. Mama Puffin catches an average of 10 fish per trip, and has to make the trip several times a day to keep the growing chick fed! That’s a lot of trips to the grocery store!

7. Mallard Ducks – To keep their babies cozy and warm, the female mallard duck will pluck down feathers from her own breast to line the nest and cover the eggs. Once Mother Duck has laid her eggs, she rarely leaves the nest until her ducklings hatch, about 28 days later. At this point, the hard work is just beginning! The mother will lead her ducklings to water within the first 24 hours of being born, increasing their chance of survival. The nest can be located several kilometers away from the water, but this Super-Mom will guide her ducklings safely to the nearest water.

Moms of the natural world come in all shapes, sizes, and parenting styles, from helicopter moms to adoptive moms to fiercely protective moms. All of these mothers have one thing in common: they go to great lengths for their babies thrive! CPAWS-NB wishes a Happy Mother’s Day to all moms of the world, furry, winged, and otherwise!

Header photo “Following mum” by Roger Bunting is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Jess Baxter is the Program Support person at the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick and a volunteer of CPAWS-NB. As an avid nature lover, Jess enjoys getting outdoors and spends her free time hiking, camping and exploring New Brunswick. Jess is passionate about environmental and animal welfare and is excited to be contributing to the CPAWS-NB blog!

April 25 2019

How much of Canada should we protect?

Steve Reid Blog Parks and Protected Areas, protected natural areas

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

For decades protected areas have been championed as the best way to preserve the natural world from harmful human impacts. Protected areas ensure healthy habitat, allow plants and animals to thrive, and keep ecosystems functioning. In addition to benefiting nature, protected areas provide lots of benefits to our wellbeing and health. As the world’s second largest country, Canada has an important responsibility when it comes to protecting wilderness!

A new survey of over 2,000 people from across the country has found overwhelming support among Canadians for protected areas, ensuring space for wildlife and preserving our natural landscapes [1]. When researchers asked Canadians about just how much should be protected, most survey participants thought that between 45 and 51% of Canada’s land and sea area, and the planet at large, should be set aside in protected areas. This research shows that Canadians believe in the value of protected areas, but also that current targets in Canada and beyond for protecting nature fall short of our expectations.

Targets set by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity call for 17% protected area on land and 10% in marine and coastal areas by 2020. Canada has set the same targets and several other conservation goals for the coming year. As target deadlines fast approach, efforts to increase the coverage of protected areas around the world has increased, though national and global coverage still falls short of targets. This new research also revealed a gap between how much of Canada’s nature is currently protected and how much the surveyed Canadian’s believed is protected. While most survey participants believed that between 20 and 25% of Canada are currently protected, as of 2017 only 10.6% of terrestrial and 7.7% of marine environments were protected [2].

Map of Canada’s protected areas by the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System of the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA), accessed from https://ccea.org/download-carts-maps/.

It is likely that many Canadians believe our wilderness areas to be healthy and protected from urban sprawl and industrial development, but total protected area in Canada was only 9.5% as of 2017 [2]. It is clear that we need to take urgent action to meet current conservation targets – and be looking past 2020 to much more ambitious targets. If 93% of Canadians agree that protected areas are needed to ensure our special landscapes are healthy and abundant for the future [1], It is not beyond our grasp to see 50% of Canada, on land and at sea, protected for nature, for all its benefits.

CPAWS-NB is committed to working with Indigenous Peoples, and the provincial, federal, and territorial governments to increase protection of Canada’s wilderness. Now is the time to stand up for nature and tell our communities and leaders just how important protected areas are to New Brunswickers and Canadians alike!

You can support CPAWS-NB in our conservation mission with a donation!

Read the research paper here (access may be restricted).

Header photo by Nick Hawkins

References

[1] Wright, P., Moghimehfar, F., & Woodley, A. (2019). Canadians’ perspectives on how much space nature needs. Facets, 4, 91-904.

[2] CARTS. (2017). Report of protected areas in Canada. Retrieved April 23, 2019 from https://ccea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CARTS2017ReportEN.pdf

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Masters research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.

April 11 2019

Don’t be bugged, we need insects!

Steve Reid Blog

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

Insects are tremendously important to a healthy planet—they are pollinators, supporting plants in creating new life, they are a food source for plants, animals, and humans, and they are crucial for recycling nutrients important to all life on earth. They are the most diverse group of animals in the world, with more than 900 thousand kinds of insects making up about 80% of all of the world’s species [1]! They are also one of the most threatened groups, being in fast decline all around the globe.

A recent study of worldwide insect loss finds a dramatic and very concerning rate of decline, so much so that the scientists predict a possible extinction of 40% of the world’s insects in the next 20 to 30 years [2]. The proportion of insect species with declining populations is double that of all species with a backbone, like mammals, birds, and fish [2]. One third of all insect species are threatened by extinction as habitats are lost due to intense agriculture and urban expansion, pollution and pesticide use continue to be the norm, disease and invasive species continue to spread, and climate continues to break down [2, 3]. This research should have us all on edge.

Photo by Steve Reid

Insects are often the “primary consumers” in an ecosystem, turning the sun’s energy captured by plants through photosynthesis into another form that supports the rest of the food web. A rapid loss of insects might mean less food for birds, small mammals, and even fish as many insects, such as dragonflies, have an aquatic life stage. Making matters worse, losing native insect species might open the door for non-native species to become invasive, causing further problems for local forests and forestry – similar to the negative impacts of the emerald ash borer, an invasive and destructive insect in North America. As climate continues to break down, temperatures and humidity that are so important to insects will also continue to change. This means that insects might behave differently, which might be bad news for local crops. If insects don’t behave in the same ways that we’ve come to expect, crops might not be pollinated resulting in fewer fruits and vegetables produced. Abundant and diverse insects are absolutely essential to a productive and sustainable agriculture industry.

There are other industries in New Brunswick that depend on bountiful crops, like the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries. New Brunswick’s agricultural sectors provides more than 13,000 jobs in the province and supports a more than $1 billion industry [4]. With some New Brunswick crops being highly dependent on pollinators, like apples, cranberries, blueberries, and beans [5,6], the loss of insects is a serious concern. Beyond economics, a threatened agricultural sector means more risks for food and water security, the wellbeing of animals, and strong protections for our ecosystems [5].

Photo by Steve Reid

When we design protected areas, we need to carefully consider all species and their role in creating a healthy ecosystem. CPAWS-NB is advocating for a network of protected areas that includes all of New Brunswick’s most important flora and fauna for sustaining a healthy ecosystem, and a network that makes ecological sense so that all species, including insects, can survive and thrive. At home, you can support your friendly insect neighbours by building gardens full of local species, by avoiding weeding, and by ditching chemical products.

You can help CPAWS-NB and support our work in protecting New Brunswick’s nature with a small donation! Take action here!

References:

[1] Smithsonian Institute. (2019). Numbers of Insects: Species and Individuals. Department of Systematic Biology, Entomology Section, National Museum of Natural History. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/bugnos.

[2] Sánchez-Bayo, F. & K.A.G. Wyckhuys. (2019). Worldwide decline of entomofauna: A review of its drivers. Biological Conservation, 232, 8-27.

[3] Hood, M. (2019). World seeing ‘catastrophic collapse’ of insects: study. Phys.org. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from:https://phys.org/news/2019-02-world-catastrophic-collapse-insects.html.

[4] Government of New Brunswick. 2019. Agriculture. Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture.html.

[5] Pielke, R.A. Sr. (2013). Climate vulnerability: understanding and addressing threats to essential resources, 1^st edition. Elsevier Inc., Academic Press: Oxford, UK.

[6] American Beekeeping Federation. (2018). Pollination facts: honey bees are pollinators. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from: https://www.abfnet.org/page/PollinatorFacts.

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Masters research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.