Marine Affairs Program, Graduate Projects
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Item Open Access Wicuhkemine: Revive the Bay of Fundy Water Back in the Quoddy Region, Peskotomuhkati lessons from 14,000 years of honouring Samaqan(2024-12) Pohl, BethanySamaqan, Water – we are all connected. The Peskotomuhkati Peoples have lived in a reciprocal relationship with the Lands, Waters, and Wildlife of the Skutik River watershed, the Quoddy Region, and Monahnuk (Grand Manan Archipelago)–southwestern Bay of Fundy – since time immemorial. Wildlife populations, including Peskotom (pollock) the Peskotomuhkati’s namesake, have struggled for the past two centuries. The Canada-U.S. border divides the Skutik River and Peskotomuhkati territory, a meaningless border to Wildlife, but one that complicates protection and restoration of culture and habitat. The Quoddy Region is rich in nutrient upwellings, supporting a range of biodiversity, yet has no formal marine protection west of Musquash Marine Protected Area (MPA), in either country. With rising calls for action, yet no formal marine protection plan, there is an incredible opportunity to advance Indigenous-led marine conservation through a Water Back framework, return of Water rights and responsibility to Indigenous Nations (Leonard et al., 2023). Understanding that MPAs are not a silver bullet, this project explores appetite for Peskotomuhkati-led marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and defines elements required for collaborative ocean governance. A legislative review of conservation tools and IPCAs, interviews, and talking circles with Peskotomuhkati and non-Indigenous practitioners outlined conservation values, restoration needs, policy and management changes required to repair the health of the Bay and all relatives. Peskotomuhkati community members interviewed from Sipayik wish to see the entire Quoddy Region protected and revitalized – through Peskotomuhkati leadership. Concerns includeland and ocean-based cumulative impacts, inadequate monitoring, rockweed harvesting, overfishing, gear types, a need for temporal closures, and finfish aquaculture practices. Revival of the Quoddy Region will require interdisciplinary, interjurisdictional efforts grounded in Indigenous leadership through Water Back principles. Wicuhkemine – help us. Holistic thinking, honouring Treaty integrity by addressing power imbalances, and a values shift are necessary for true effectiveness in reviving the Quoddy Region, to welcome Peskotum home.Item Open Access HARBOURING LIFE: EXAMINING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AROUND THE PORT OF HALIFAX TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING & MANAGEMENT(2024-12) Christopher, AbbyOver time, Halifax Harbour has undergone significant alterations due to human activities, impacting sediment composition, biodiversity, species distribution, seabed morphology, and sediment transport pathways. Despite these changes, the harbour remains integral to Nova Scotia's history, culture, and economy. In 2022, the Port of Halifax contributed $4.87 billion to the provincial economy, generating $2.5 billion in GDP and supporting over 25,300 jobs. As a global shipping hub connected to over 150 countries, it also serves as a vibrant arts and cultural destination. However, ongoing port operations and expansions threaten the local aquatic ecosystems. While the port acknowledges these risks, there remains a critical gap in understanding and monitoring the harbour's aquatic environment. This study addresses that gap by reviewing existing literature on the harbour’s geology, bathymetry, oceanography, species, and habitats, supplemented by data collected from local divers on habitat types, species distribution, and sediment conditions. The goal is to guide the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) in improving its aquatic environmental management practices. The study identifies key ecological areas and species, highlights socio-economic considerations, uncovers knowledge gaps, and proposes actionable recommendations for more effective management and monitoring. To support the HPA’s decision-making, an interactive GIS map was created to visualize key ecological data. Ultimately, this study aims to enhance the management of aquatic ecosystems within the Port of Halifax, ensuring a balance between environmental sustainability and the port's vital economic and cultural roles.Item Open Access Charting the Progress on Ecosystem-Based Management of Fisheries in NAFO Division 4X: Integrated Fisheries Management Plans through the Lens of the Maritimes Region EBM Framework(2024-12) Silver, KaylaGiven the decline of key commercial stocks over the last few decades and significant changes to the overall structure and function of the marine ecosystem, it is time to adopt an ecosystem-based approach that considers ecological, economic, social/cultural, and governance objectives into management decisions, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of fisheries. These considerations are reflected in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Framework. The EBM Framework offers an integrated management and decision-making support tool for all sectors of DFO Maritimes Region to apply an EBM approach to decisions related to fisheries, oceans, estuarine, and freshwater management. This paper examined to what degree the Maritimes Region EBM Framework objectives are reflected in the language used in nine Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMPs) for NAFO Division 4X (Western Scotian shelf and the Bay of Fundy). Examining current IFMPs through the lens of the Maritimes EBM Framework will contribute to the understanding of how well fisheries in NAFO Div. 4X are currently adopting an ecosystem-based approach and explore how a broader suite of objectives can contribute to more successful management. The results showed that language used in the IFMPs varied considerably, but all IFMPs demonstrated some use of language that aligned with the objectives of the EBM framework. The IFMPs language strongly reflected the Ecological objectives and aligned weakest with the Social/Cultural objectives. It is recommended that IFMPs adopt EBM objectives that reflect preserving population structure and genetic diversity, address economic opportunities for industry and communities, economic equity, fostering social and cultural health and well-being, addressing climate change, and improving governance through inclusivity and diverse knowledge. Adopting these recommendations will contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, aligning more closely with the comprehensive objectives of the EBM Framework.Item Open Access Buffer Zones in Canadian Marine Protected Areas: Design Process to Date and Future Recommendations(2024-12) Tsomik, GitaMarine Protected Area (MPA) practitioners and decision-makers spend a long time and substantial effort establishing an MPA. Yet, pressures outside of the MPA boundaries remain. Surrounding activities and edge effects can limit an MPA's conservation potential and minimize its ability to achieve conservation objectives. To mitigate the pressure of external activities and reduce edge effects, some MPA practitioners include buffer zones within MPAs. However, their design processes are not well documented in Canada nor internationally, and existing literature on buffer zones is limited. For these reasons, this project aims to determine 1) what the process has been to design buffer zones for select MPAs in Canada with buffers, 2a) if any tools exist to support the design of MPA buffer zones, 2b) if new tools could be developed to support buffer zone design in MPAs such as decision trees, frameworks, assessments, or processes, and 3) what processes or elements MPA practitioners should consider in the future when designing buffer zones within MPAs. To answer these questions, the buffer systems of three different MPAs were used as case studies and compared: the Gully MPA, the Hecate Strait/Queen Charlotte Sound MPA, and the Tarium Niryutait MPA. For each MPA, interviews with practitioners were conducted to document each design process that was used and identify the remaining knowledge gaps. Based on the collected information, the main recommendations outline the need for a defined process to ensure consistency between regions and development of guiding principles for buffer zone design.Item Open Access Tuna today, taking from tomorrow: An economic assessment and policy analysis of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission management of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)(2024-12) Schrempf, ScottIn 2015, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) assessed that the yellowfin tuna (YFT) stock was overfished and subject to overfishing, meaning the population would decline without effective management. Since then, the recommended maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of YFT in the Indian Ocean has decreased by 17%, while catches have remained the same. This is despite IOTC Resolutions instituting catch limits. As States prioritize short-term economic benefits, I looked to understand how this influences the economic outlook of the fishery from 2014-2022 by valuing actual catches versus catch at the recommended MSY using import price data for fresh, frozen, and canned markets. Additionally, I looked to understand actions taken and level of compliance with YFT measures taken over this period. These analyses occur in 3-year increments coinciding with the IOTC’s YFT stock assessments in 2015/2016, 2018, and 2021. As time has progressed, the gap between economic outputs of actual catch and catch at recommended MSY continues to grow, with varying levels of compliance to new management measures. As this occurs, IOTC decision-making has become more complex as Member States attempt to maximize their portion of a decreasing catch and enact measures which do not reach the scientifically advised threshold necessary for YFT recovery. The lack of an allocation regime, uncertainties surrounding stock assessments and catch reporting, and the potential socioeconomic impacts from recovery efforts exacerbate these issues. As the IOTC continues to debate the best course, they may risk a stock crash that causes economic devastation, particularly for Coastal States.Item Open Access Global Goals versus Local Values: Applying an Interest Convergence Lens to Panama’s Marine Conservation Commitments(2024-12) Sansome, EmmaThe subjectivity of marine conservation is the result of personal values, opinions and societal constructs of nature. Thus, marine conservation is rooted in cultural identity and livelihoods. Personal and political interests, power, and perceptions add much weight when considering how to approach protection of natural areas. In many regions of the world, marine conservation is not just perceived as a scientific or environmental process but is inherently linked to the livelihood, recreation, and the cultural fabric of the community. In Bocas del Toro, Panama, this is exemplified whereby there exists an intrinsic connection between the natural environment and daily life, highlighting how nature provides both material and emotional value. This research examines a series of marine conservation policies and commitments made by Panama, in their effort to be viewed as a “Blue Leader”, through an interest convergence lens by exploring to what degree these actions by the government (i.e. majority) align with the interests of its coastal communities (i.e. minority). Through semi-structured interviews conducted in Bocas del Toro, Panama, in the summer of 2024, the study identifies some areas of convergence between local community values and marine conservation goals, particularly in the shared recognition of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources; yet, a disconnect is present that renders marine conservation initiatives, such as Panama’s adherence to the ‘30x30’ global conservation target, impractical in serving the interests of the community. Findings reveal that, while national and international conservation agendas highlight the importance of ecosystem protection, local communities often perceive these efforts as exclusionary and unrepresentative of their needs. The research suggests that sustainable marine conservation in Bocas del Toro requires integrating local voices, addressing power dynamics, and balancing global ecological goals with local priorities. This approach could foster a more equitable conservation paradigm, ensuring both the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of the community.Item Open Access Arctic Development Futures: Perspectives on Arctic Marine Development in the Canadian Arctic(2024-12) Rolseth, ErlingThe Canadian Arctic is warming at a rate that could soon attract increased traffic within and the region from Canadian and foreign vessels. Any sharp increase in traffic could pose a threat to Arctic peoples, the environment, and Canada’s regime and sovereignty in the North. Canada currently leads the world in Polar Code compliance and regulation. Additionally, it was the first state to publish legislation discriminating the Arctic from other maritime legal regimes, directly leading to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. As the Arctic warms and ice patterns change, Canada could have to again take up the mantle of leadership in Arctic waters. Canada’s Arctic is already seeing an uptake in transit passages through the Northwest Passage, and it has so far adhered to Canada’s regulatory practice. However, even at a low volume, groundings and regulatory breaches occur; without the proper institutional development, incidents could arise with greater frequency and lead to large consequences. This study used industry and policy worker interviews to generate development scenarios for the Canadian Arctic from their perspectives. The goal is to understand policy scenarios and potential development in Canada’s Arctic marine industries and government sectors. Two scenarios were developed using the Oxford Scenario Planning Approach and enabled the author to create policy recommendations to identify and address deficiencies in Canada’s Arctic regime. A divergence was noted surrounding the strength of Canada’s existing Arctic regime, but all data pointed to the requirements of an increase in proactive investment in the region. A briefing note is attached with the report summarizing policy recommendations.Item Open Access Assessing Whale Conservation Efforts with Spatial-Based Tools: A Case Study of the Gully Marine Protected Area(2024-12) Riley, RuthThe Gully Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a unique marine ecosystem east of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, which is home to diverse whale species, including the endangered Scotian Shelf northern bottlenose whale population. Whale management within the Gully is still developing as researchers aim to understand the role that MPA conservation has in protecting whales. This study investigates the impact of biological, governance and management factors on whale conservation within the Gully MPA using a modified assessment tool. The role of spatial-based tools in enhancing conservation outcomes for whales in the Gully MPA is examined by applying two evaluation frameworks: (1) an adaptation of the Marine Mammal Management (MMMT) self-assessment tool, developed by the European Commission, and (2) the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), developed by World Wildlife Fund. Subsequently, a modified assessment tool for whale management in the Canadian MPA context is presented and discussed. Assessment results highlight that the Gully scores well for most categories and demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach to address challenges to optimise whale conservation efforts within the Gully MPA. Integrating ecological principles with planning strategies allows for comprehensive management, balancing ecological integrity with socio-economic interests. The findings emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to the conservation of vulnerable whale species in the Gully and across ocean management.Item Open Access Insights for No Net Loss Policy in Practice: An empirical study of juvenile Pacific salmon use of offset habitats in the Fraser River Estuary(2024-12) Noble, BrennaThe Fraser River Estuary (FRE) provides critical habitat for juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), offering shelter, transition zones, and nutritional resources during migration. To ensure no net loss of fish habitat (NNL), s. 35(2) Fisheries Act authorizations for the harmful alteration, destruction, or disruption of fish habitat (HADD) require that habitat loss be balanced via actions like offsetting (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14). Few studies have quantitatively analyzed fish use of created offset habitats in the FRE, meaning the effectiveness of these marshes in supporting Pacific salmon remains uncertain. This study evaluated juvenile salmon use of offset and reference habitats in the FRE during the 2023 outmigration period. From April to July, 9,636 juvenile salmon were captured at 23 marsh sites (13 offset and 10 reference). Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) assessed salmon abundance in relation to site type (offset vs. reference) and Julian day. Results showed reference sites supported 3.05 times more salmon per sampling occurrence (p < 0.001). Seasonal peaks and salmon species diversity were also greater in reference sites. These results were reflected at the species-specific level, where reference sites hosted over three times more chum (O. keta), Chinook (O. tshawytscha), and sockeye salmon (O. nerka) than offset sites. Findings suggest that offset habitats fail to meet the expected long-term productivity standards, raising ecological, social, and economic concerns. This misalignment with NNL policy underscores the need for enhanced monitoring, improved offset design, and adherence to the mitigation hierarchy to ensure fish habitat protection policies achieve their intended ecological outcomes.Item Open Access A critical examination of historic decision-making for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the Inner Bay of Fundy(2024-12) Moro, IrelandAtlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are a keystone species in Atlantic Canada and play an integral role in local and Indigenous culture, however, they are in jeopardy. The looming threat of extinction of Atlantic salmon in Canada has resulted in a variety of management strategies from the international to the local level to conserve the species. However, the current level of decline in Atlantic Canada is demanding more aggressive management approaches that will only be successful if grounded in place-specific characteristics. Rapid population declines have resulted in limited options to guide management approaches; it will therefore be important that new approaches adopt past lessons, consider current realities, and apply transdisciplinary practices. The use of the Bay of Fundy as a case study offers a key opportunity to closely examine the management problem and to emphasize collaborative needs between scales of governance. This paper will look specifically at the Inner Bay of Fundy Designatable Unit of Atlantic salmon and how the status and health of this population has impacted management strategies over time. Through a historical literature review, this paper explores how a lack of holistic management practices has reactively addressed population declines through history, confounding the management problem with new threats. Examining the progression of management strategies will provide insight into recommendations on new approaches to respect and protect this significant species and the people intrinsically and culturally linked to them. Using past lessons and diverse scales of governance, recommendations for the future of Atlantic salmon management approaches are provided.Item Open Access A semi-quantitative analysis of spatial-temporal distributions of soft corals (Alcyonium sp., Gersemia sp.) and Basket Stars (Gorgonocephalus sp.) in the Passamaquoddy Bay region creating baseline data for informing management strategies.(2024-12) McDiarmid, AidanUnderstanding the habitat range shifts of benthic species is crucial for determining the health of marine ecosystems, planning and resource management. Monitoring as part of ecosystem-based management can be accomplished with the use of bioindicator organisms. This case-study focuses on recording the changes in spatial-temporal ranges of benthic invertebrates in Passamaquoddy Bay and the Western Isles using Gorgonocephalus sp., Alcyonium sp., and Gersemia sp. which are historically under-studied organisms. This study aims to create more comprehensive spatial-temporal records of these benthic invertebrates in Passamaquoddy Bay and the Western Isles by compiling historical records from multiple data sources. Having a more comprehensive perspective on how these species' ranges have shifted and tracking their presence in Passamaquoddy Bay over time will help inform planning and management strategies. Data sources used included; collaborative knowledge observations from Huntsman affiliates, DFO drop camera surveys, records from GBIF and dive surveys. Based on the records collected from secondary source data and most of the recent benthic habitat surveys conducted in this study, it is likely that Gorgonocephalus sp. and Gersemia sp. are extirpated from Passamaquoddy Bay and the Western Isles as well as a decrease in the abundance of Alcyonium sp.Item Open Access Spatial-Temporal Analysis of North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Surveillance in Relation to Whale Habitats and Active Fishing Areas in Atlantic Canada(2024-12) Mason, MariaThe North Atlantic right whale (NARW) is a critically endangered migratory species found primarily along the Eastern coasts of North America. Consistent surveillance for NARW is vital to informing management measures, triggering dynamic protections, and monitoring changing population trends and distribution. Surveillance of known and potential NARW habitats is also important to ensure that protection and knowledge are adequate throughout their range. Resources for aerial surveillance in Atlantic Canada are limited, leading to a focus on areas and times of known aggregations in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL). Although this spatial-temporal bias in effort is widely recognized, its extent and consequences have not been quantified. This project examined the spatial-temporal coverage of Canada’s dedicated marine mammal surveillance program in Atlantic Canada from 2018-2021 and evaluated effort as distance surveyed (km) using GPS-recorded track line data obtained from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We examined the amount of effort allocated across specific areas throughout Atlantic Canada relevant to NARW protection. These areas included general NARW habitats and snow crab and lobster fishing areas during their active seasons. Effort was concentrated in the southern GSL, while the migratory corridor along the Scotian Shelf and critical habitats in the Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin lacked surveillance, along with several active fishing areas and potential future habitat. This evaluation of uneven surveillance effort provides important context for interpreting our perceived knowledge of NARW distribution in Canada and potentially encountered anthropogenic threats.Item Open Access Caught in Translation: Exploring Media Language Dynamics Between Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw Commercial Harvesters within Nova Scotia’s Lobster Fishery Disputes(2024-12) Hines, KaliThe media plays a key role in ensuring that the coverage of Indigenous Peoples reflects their cultural diversity and provides fair, comprehensive, timely, and non-discriminatory accounts. However, Canadian mainstream media often provides problematic, negative and racist portrayals of Indigenous issues, misrepresenting their connections to land, water and natural resources. This distorts public understanding of Indigenous Peoples and hinders their ability to engage in traditions and gain recognition and implementation of their rights. It is essential that breaking news media follow journalistic principles of independence, accuracy, fairness and balance when covering such topics. The 2020 lobster fishery dispute in Saulnierville, NS, between Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw commercial lobster harvesters was rife with strong emotions and language and led to confrontations on and off the water. This study analyzed 17 breaking news articles, with a deeper examination of six, to assess how language choices in breaking news media impacted the representation of the dispute between Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaw harvesters. The findings revealed that breaking news media coverage failed to follow journalistic principles, focusing more on the conflict than on Mi’kmaw rights to fish for a moderate livelihood or lobster conservation. These results highlight the ongoing challenge of accurately reporting on fisheries disputes. Readers must also critically engage with news reports, recognizing that journalists may not be subject matter experts. Additionally, journalists must prioritize independence, accuracy, fairness and balance to ensure their coverage of Indigenous rights and resource conflicts truly represents those involved and impacted by their coverageItem Open Access Uncovering synergies: Piloting a Network Analysis Approach to Understand Collaboration Efforts for North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation(2024-12) Gitai, OjasThe North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) plays a important role in maintaining the balance of the marine Atlantic ecosystem. However, it faces severe threats from fishing gear entanglements, vessel strikes, habitat degradation, and declining reproductive success, making its conservation an urgent priority. This study, conducted under the Genome Canada Right Whale (GCRW) Project, applies Social Network Analysis (SNA) to enhance conservation efforts by mapping stakeholder interactions and identifying collaboration gaps. The research gathered data from North Atlantic right Whale (NARW) Consortium meetings held between 2021 and 2023, including participant names, affiliations, and years of involvement. This information was used to build a comprehensive collaboration network among individuals and organizations working on NARW conservation. Using Cytoscape software (Shannon et al., 2003), the study visualized stakeholder connections and analyzed knowledge flow through centrality measures and clustering coefficients, highlighting key actors, influential nodes, and isolated entities. The analysis revealed inconsistencies in stakeholder participation over the three-year period. Government agencies, due to their regulatory roles, exhibited sustained engagement, whereas independent conservationists and Indigenous organizations were notably underrepresented. Additionally, the study identified highly connected stakeholders, or central hubs, who play a pivotal role in decision-making and policy implementation. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive collaboration strategies to ensure diverse representation in conservation efforts. As stakeholder dynamics evolve, maintaining an up-to-date network becomes essential. This research recommends integrating advanced methodologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to track stakeholder engagement in real time and enhance collaboration efficiency. By offering a data-driven approach to understanding stakeholder influence and engagement, this study provides valuable insights for strengthening conservation strategies. The findings support targeted outreach, improved cross-sector partnerships, and more effective policy interventions, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.Item Open Access Beyond Fish: Exploring the Social Outcomes of Hatcheries in Atlantic Salmon Conservation(2024-12) Fabiano, MichaelAtlantic salmon are an important species of fish in Canada from ecological, sociocultural, and economic perspectives. Due to numerous issues including habitat degradation, ocean mortality, climate change, and invasive species, Atlantic salmon populations in many rivers have or are experiencing a precipitous drop in the number of returning adult spawners. Hatcheries and stocking programs have historically been viewed as a solution to dwindling salmon runs. A more recent body of literature points to the ecological and genetic dangers of these practices. However, many hatcheries are still operational in the Maritimes today. This begs the question, why? While some literature would attribute this to human delusion in believing any issue can be solved with human ingenuity, or an inability to let go of the act of stocking, this paper explores the range of implicit yet desirable conservation, social, and psychological outcomes (more broadly referred to as social outcomes) derived from Atlantic salmon hatcheries in the Maritimes other than the fish they release. Findings include hatcheries serving as repositories of rearing knowledge, catalysts for holistic river restoration, coping mechanisms for ecological anxiety, and bridges fostering human-salmon connections. While some hatchery practices may harm wild populations, these broader social outcomes must be documented and acknowledged to have more informed and transparent management approaches. The goal of this paper is not to give implicit permission to stock due to social outcomes, but to urge regulators to consider both the ecological and social sides of this socio-ecological system in management to maximize its effectiveness and acceptance.Item Open Access Evaluating the ‘Conservation Standards’ as a conservation planning framework: A case study on the Inner Bay of Fundy (IBoF) Conservation Planning process(2024-12) Cooney, GeorgiaThe Conservation Standards (CS) are a prescribed set of steps, practices and principles for conservation planning. The literature about using CS for global conservation planning is limited, however. A conservation planning initiative for the Inner Bay of Fundy (IBoF) region of Atlantic Canada has been underway since March 2020. This initiative, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service and facilitated by Global Conservation Solutions, is using the CS framework. Participants meet in online workshops and follow the steps of the CS. Since startup, over 100 participants from government, non-governmental organizations, industry, Indigenous organizations, and academia have participated in 42 workshops between March 2020 and December 2024. The initiative was still ongoing when this research concluded in December 2024. This paper reports on the challenges and successes of the CS as a conservation planning framework, using the IBoF Conservation Plan process as a case study. A survey of 16 workshop participants provided insights to the process. Successes of using the CS include knowledge-sharing, relationship-building, and enhanced understanding of the CS as a conservation planning tool. Challenges include engagement and inclusion of all relevant stakeholders and rights holders and a lack of clarity about a timeline for planning process outputs. Recommendations to amplify successes include establishing smaller groups within workshops to help increase efficiency and comfort and maintain participation and interest among participants. Recommendations to address challenges include increased transparency and communication about desired outputs and the anticipated timeline to achieve them. The lessons learned from this case study can inform the final results of the IBoF Conservation Plan and the use of the CS framework in other initiatives.Item Open Access Northern Cod in Nunatsiavut: The Historical and Contemporary Relationship to Cod and the Cod Fishery(2024-12) Bonga, LauraThis study offers a perspective on Northern cod from the Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement who live in the coastal community of Makkovik in Nunatsiavut. The Northern cod stock off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is a valuable resource which has been widely sought after for centuries. Once thought to be an infinite resource, Northern cod eventually experienced population collapse due primarily to overfishing, therefore a moratorium on the commercial fishery was implemented by the Canadian government in 1992. The Northern cod population gradually increased enough to prompt the Federal Government to re-open the commercial cod fishery in June 2024. This research hopes to inform the management of Northern cod, including decisions regarding allocations of Northern cod to Nunatsiavut. The project was created in conjunction with the Torngat Wildlife, Plants, and Fisheries Secretariat and supported by the Nunatsiavut Government. A qualitative methodology was used to investigate the historical and contemporary relationship between cod and the Beneficiaries of the LILCA. Fifteen semi-structured interviews with cod harvesters took place in the coastal community of Makkovik, a historic cod fishing community in Nunatsiavut. Makkovimiut knowledge from participants about cod from 1950 – 2023 was summarized to provide a baseline for the other results. A strong attachment to cod was demonstrated through themes of subsistence, culture, livelihood, family, and community. For approximately 30 years, cod was so scarce off the coast of Nunatsiavut that the people “couldn’t even get one to eat,” but cod is returning, and with it, excitement and the opportunity for equitable and sustainable managementItem Open Access Analysis of the Science-Policy Interface in North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis / Put’p) Conservation(2024-12) Allan, KevinThe North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) is a critically endangered species with an estimated ~ 370 total individuals and fewer than 70 reproductive aged females. Major sources of mortality and serious injury include physical strikes from vessels and entanglement in fishing gear. NARW are a transboundary species, present in eastern Canadian and American waters. To help facilitate recovery of the species, management measures have been undertaken to address anthropogenic mortality. Science-policy interface (SPI) studies address how information is, or is not, used to inform policies and regulations including the relationship between actors involved. This study seeks to illustrate the SPI for NARWs. A literature review was conducted to establish the components of the interface, and input from those involved in the NARW network was used to map linkages and potential information flow. Techniques from decision-making theory, network analysis, and SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) were used to assess the SPI. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada are the primary regulatory authorities for NARW in Canada whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the primary regulatory authority in the US. A strength of the system is its focus on the precautionary approach to management. A notable weakness was a lack of transparency in the system. Opportunities and threats included the potential for further international involvement and lack of Indigenous involvement. This research will also provide clarity to both those inside and outside of this interface to aid in knowledge mobilization and effective decision-making practices for NARW.Item Open Access Culture, Community, Language, and Land: A Case Study of Co-management Led Marine Stewardship Education Resources in Nunatsiavut(2023-12) Laver, QuinnaMarine education plays a key role in equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage complex challenges associated with our changing ocean. In Nunatsiavut – a unique self-governing Inuit territory in northern Labrador – being competent on the land and water has been integral to well-being, economies, and culture since time immemorial, and continues to this day. Consequently, there is a wealth of coastal knowledge and stewardship practices. The Torngat Secretariat – a co-management institution created under the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement – has initiated the Paigitsiaguk project (“taking care of it” in Inuktitut) which is creating interdisciplinary education kits for schools in Nunatsiavut based on locally and culturally important species. This paper explores the Putjotik (“snow crab”) kit, and investigates the diverse ways in which community-, land-, and place-based education can contribute to renewing a culture of marine stewardship. This study employs a mixed-methods qualitative research design by combining a narrative literature review and content analysis to analyze literature for calls for action on Inuit education and how they might be met by the Putjotik kit. This project also explores how Inuit, local, and scientific knowledge can be bridged and communicated within the bounds of the K-12 provincial science and social studies curriculum. Finally, this paper also explores the diverse ways in which co-management institutions such as the Torngat Secretariat contribute to sustainable marine stewardship, management, and self-determination through education interventions.Item Open Access Recommendations to improve Canada’s marine biosecurity(2023-12) Gaal, JulieAlien species are species that have been introduced to areas outside of their native range, whether intentionally or unintentionally. A small proportion of alien species will become invasive, meaning they reproduce and spread long distances from where they were first introduced, with the potential to have significant socio-economic impacts, reduce biodiversity, and impact ecosystem services and processes. Globalization and increases in activities such as aquaculture, shipping, fisheries, and the aquarium trade has led to an increased number of alien species introductions in recent decades. While management strategies for invasive species have predominantly been developed for the terrestrial ecosystem, strategies in the marine environment are lacking. This project utilized a systematic literature review to examine how aquatic invasive species are introduced to and move around Canada, what management regulations are in place, and how Canada’s approach differs to other countries. Canada’s biosecurity measures are compared to those of New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. It is recommended that Canada improve intergovernmental cooperation and management, legislation and enforcement, ease of access, monitoring in high-risk areas, and ensure the use of the precautionary approach and adaptive management.