Large sections of Bay of Fundy could come under federal protection

Sections of the Bay of Fundy could come under federal protection as the Trudeaugovernmentincreasesprotected marine and coastal areas from 1.3 per centto 5 per centby 2017and to 10 per cent by 2020.

MaxineWesthead, section head for the marine protected areas programfor the Maritimes underFisheries and Oceans Canada,says those targets are driving current consultations.

She says the fisheries department has been talking with communities and industry groups on the Nova Scotia side of the bay, and now it`s New Brunswick's turn and the possibilities are wide-ranging.

"The tidal range of the Bay of Fundy is the largest in the world and that drives and shapes the ecosystems you find here," said Westhead, speaking to Information Morning Fredericton.

She says the Musquashestuary is the only area of the Bay to have marine protected area status now, butthat could expand to includeareas such as Head Harbour and the West Isles and the whole Quoddy region, which she sayshas high biological diversity and productivity.

"Over 2,000 species in that area have been identified and it has the highest biodiversity range in the Bay of Fundy," said Westhead.

Fifteen areas within the Bay of Fundy have been identified so far as areas of interest.Westheadsays consultations are taking place withcommunity and industry groups, as well as scientists, and "we`re open to anyone who wants to have a say."

Once consultations are complete it can take between one and five years for the designation of a protected area to take effect.

Westhead says anyone interested in taking part in the discussions can contact her directly atMaxine.Westhead@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.