Green Crabs Are Not Welcome In Newfoundland!

To bring up a well known local example, the green crab (Figure 1), it is clear that these small invertebrates cause much damage to new areas. Originating from Europe they have reached the up to North Harbour and Placentia Bay. There have been reports of hundreds of unusual crabs to federal fisheries officials. They have already altered coastal environments around the Maritimes, British Columbia and the east coast of the United States. At the beginning of the discovery of the green crabs existence in Newfoundland the results have been troubling due to the natural aggression of  green crabs and they are displacing the native red rock crab by out competing it and eating just about everything else along the ocean bottom. Many departments are working to understand the damage that is being done and what can be done about it, theses departments vary from the scientists from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Memorial University and the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries (Kern, 2002). And it has been discovered that the most likely scenario of anthropogenic transportation of these crabs is by the larvae getting into ballast tanks of ships which then get transported to various bays.

Figure 1: Green crabs located in NL. Photo from DFO Canada

This species also is on the top 100 list of invasive species based off of Australia’s experiences with the green crab which over took many native crabs and introduced new parasites to the area From research done in California, these crabs have been found to reduce competing predatory and fish-farm populations. They discovered the crab thrives in a wide range of coastal environments and can endure high and low water temperatures, and salinity-levels that would feed on many local organisms. And it has also been found that in areas where human activity has reduced seawater salinity, such as estuaries and port-lands, the green crab easily out-competes other seafloor predators (Homes, 2001).

This is not just a Newfoundland problem it has also been problems on all coasts of this nation

In Prince Edward Island, the eel fisheries have collapse due to the over grazing by green crabs and green crabs swamping the eel pots and therefore not ever letting fishermen catch eels.

The management thus far focuses mainly on preventing primary pathways such as new introductions, and also block secondary pathways such as anthropogenic reason. Educational effects are also a major concern and management tool in preventing further introductions. As for controlling the population currently is through eradication and mitigation techniques until further plans of control are evaluated (Kern, 2002).

Well we have discussed many different case studies of invasive marine species both here in Newfoundland and in the wider world. And let’s face the facts, Newfoundland does seem to be lagging behind some of the other regions’ efforts, but generally there is nowhere near as much effort as is needed to start making progress on this issue. We do have organizations and government departments that are working on management plans and implementation but it’s not enough. We don’t even know enough about these invasive species to properly handle many of these problems; more funding is needed to study them and learn how best to deal with them. But by far the largest problem is keeping the public educated. Most residents of the province don’t even consider the fact that marine invasive species could be a problem. A simple but major way to reduce introduction and spread of new invasive species is to regularly check and clean the bottom of boats, but many people don’t bother because they simply don’t understand the consequences of these various exotic species. If we could help them understand and gain their support, it could go a long ways in helping with aliens such as this green crab.

Just so we don’t leave on a bad note... We encourage you to spread the word of this growing project and maybe even see if you can help with any initiatives to mitigate some of these problems. There’s a lot of work, but if everyone pitches in we are much more likely to start making some progress J

Further Readings:

Homes, D. (2001) The Green Crab Invasion: A Global Perspective, with Lessons from Washing State. National Association of Environmental Professionals Retrieved from: http://academic.evergreen.edu/h/holmesd/

Kern, F. 2002. Management Plan for the European Green Crab. Green Crab Control Committee. Retrieved from: http://www.anstaskforce.gov/GreenCrabManagementPlan.pdf

DFO, Canada. 2010. Aquatic Invasive Species: European Green Crab In Newfoundland Waters. 978-1100-14903-. Retrieved from: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/Publications/article/2008/10-06-2008-eng.htm

The Struggle to Save Our Boreal Forests

Mealy Mountains National Park of Newfoundland and Labrador (Photo Credit: Parks Canada).

    On February 5th, 2010, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador created a 13, 000 square kilometre protected area consisting of both the Mealy Mountain National Park Reserve and the Eagle River Provincial Park.  This is an important watershed. This area will contain a large proportion of boreal forest, wetland, tundra within the Atlantic Flyway. The boreal forest is the world's oldest old-growth forest and contains more freshwater and a large carbon sink than the Amazon. The new protected area will serve as an incredibly important area for approximately 2,000 threatened caribou and the breeding and migratory routes for sensitive bird species, such as the peregrine falcon, olive-sided flycatcher, rusty blackbird and several others which are threatened or of considerable concern. Also it serves as an important area for practicing aboriginal traditions such as hunting, trapping, and fishing, for the Inuit, Innu, and Métis. Mentioned in the previous blog on climate change the boreal forests are at serious risk, since the temperatures are causing species to shift towards the north. These tree species are slow growing and seedlings may be out-competed from invasive species taking advantage of the newly habitable regions.


    This topic is very important because it is fuelling other provinces to get involved, either to insure protection of these sensitive areas or maybe to gain recognition of the sizeable protected area contributions. Either way it is good news for these threatened species', aboriginal communities, and conservationists. An example of a current project under way it the protection of the Plan Nord region, occuring the the upper northern region of Québec, Figure below.

  

Area encompassing Plan Nord in Northern Québec (Photo credit: The Economist)

    This highly ambitious plan is aiming to protect 20% of the Plan Nord area by 2020 and 50% by 2035. This project is estimated to utilized 100 million dollars in order to plan for the next five years.

Sources Cited:

Canadian Boreal Iniative. (2012, February 5). Protection of 50% of the Plan Nord region. Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://www.borealcanada.ca/pr/02-05-2012-e.php

Parks Canada. (2011, May 25). Proposed National Park Reserve in the Mealy Mountains. Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://www.pc.gc.ca/agen/wwf/conservation/mealy.aspx

Sutton, C., & MacDonald, A. (2010, February 5). Nature Canada Hails Establishment of National, Provincial Parks in Labrador. Retrieved April 5, 2012, from Nature Canada: http://www.naturecanada.ca/newsroom_feb_05_10_MealyMountains.asp

The Economist. (2011, May 12). Boreal Blues: In the frigid north tension grows between conservation and development. Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://www.economist.com/node/18682689

Global marine protection targets

The semester is now ending at Memorial University so this will be our last blog concluding the view of marine protected areas in Newfoundland. 

Throughout the world, MPAs are becoming important management tools, with policies that aid in reducing, preventing or reversing the ongoing decline in marine biodiversity and fisheries. In the review article by Louisa J. Wood et al. they stated that 0.65% of the world’s oceans plus 1.6% of the total marine area within the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) is protected. Out of this percentage only 0.08% of the oceans and 0.2% within the EEZ are no-take MPAs. 

The MPAs that do exist have a coastal bias and are mainly located next to land. This could be good for some circumstances when the majority of the continental shelf is usually fairly close to land and is where a lot of the marine organisms may gather. However, Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the largest extension of continental shelf compared to the rest and MPAs should be considered away from the coastal area. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador only has two small MPAs (Gilbert’s Bay and Eastport) and are surrounded by land. The figure below shows the un-proportional amount of MPAs with close approximation to the continent throughout the world.

Figure 1:  Marine protected areas as a function of distance from the coast, as area (bars) and numbers (dots) (Wood, 2008).

 

To have a network of functional MPAs the province, Canada and other countries need to have four main targets: 1. Have good distribution and coverage. 2. Have appropriate network characteristics ex. Larval dispersal protection. 3. Representativeness of habitat and organisms. 4. Growth of the network over time. Currently the MPAs created lack some of these aspects including distribution, sizing and the amount of MPAs created. Every MPA is different and it should not be assumed that the process that created the MPAs has beneficial mechanisms to regulate human activity, constant overseeing to measure if the regulations are being addressed, and monitoring to demonstrate that the MPA is helping and achieving the goal that the MPA was created to achieve. 

All in all, the main question is how do you get political figures to see that MPAs need to be created in a timely manner or some of the most diverse and unique habitats in the world’s ocean may slowly or quickly degrade or disappear. As mentioned in the previous blog, public acceptance and support is also needed in order to put pressure on political and federal authorities. If there was public support, political will, and the available resources we feel that Newfoundland and Labrador would be well on its way to create a sufficient network of MPAs in the future.  

References:

Louis J. Wood et al. 2008. Assessing progress towards global marine protection targets: shortfalls in information and action. Cambridge Journals.42.340-351.

Wave and Tidal Energy – True Green Energy or Conservation Wreck?

               

                Wave and tidal energy generation methods, while somewhat behind other more well known generation sources in terms of technological development (e.g. wind), do have the potential to generate significant amounts of renewable energy. As the names suggest, wave energy generation differs from tidal generation in that wave energy utilizes the mechanical power of waves to generate energy and tidal generation uses tidal fluctuation for generation. With respect to Newfoundland and Labrador, while there is no current development plans aiming to establish a wave or tidal energy generation farm, these forms of renewable energy generation have been acknowledged as future possibilities for our province (See Future Energy Plan). Therefore, a quick look at what environmental and conservation implication this type of development may have for a location which would bear such a farm is valuable.

When considering tidal energy projects, there are two types of tidal energy systems in use at present. The first of these is termed the tidal barrage or fence and is essentially a energy generation structure which works similar to the hydroelectric dam except that water can flow through both ways (See Figure 1). The second tidal generator type is termed the tidal stream generator, and these are placed directly into the water column as interconnected or stand alone structures (See Figure 2). A study by Andonegi et al. (2012)  shows that tidal barrage systems have a wide range of effects including: the alteration of tidal range patterns, immediate benthic habitat destruction and possible damage to adjacent areas, shifting in range of marine and tidal species, significant alteration of sea bird food availability causing possible detriment to reproduction and survival, and have a high potential for fish entrainment. When comparing the tidal stream system to the tidal barrage system, we see a lessened amount of negative impacts on many species (e.g. fish, marine mammals, sea birds) while significant impacts on water flow, wave, and sedimentation patterns, and some scouring and altered depositional patterns are retained to a lesser degree. With regards to seabirds, the impacts of these techniques of energy generation are tied closely to the species' methods of foraging, flight behaviour, and susceptibility to environmental fluctuations (Langton et al., 2011). 

Figure 1: Mechanism of Tidal Barrage/Fence Energy Generation System.
Obtained from: http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/tidal.htm

Figure 2: Artist rendition of tidal stream energy generator.
Obtained from:  http://www.anglesey-today.com/skerries-tidal-energy-lease-granted.html   

When considering the wave energy generation structures, we see a much less developed technique of energy generation with a number of energy generation equipment forms. For example, one type of energy generator used just off the Portuguese Coast in the Agucadoura wave park is the floating generator which (Figure 3). One example of how diverse the technology is shown in the Wave Hub (Figure 4) project of SW England which is a project allowing the connection of four different wave energy generators to the same hub. Due to the relative infancy of wave energy technology, there is very little empirical information on how these generator types impact the environment in which they are deployed. However, Witt, et al. (2012), in their review of potential impacts these generators may have, stated that among others, there may be possible electromagnetic disturbances from undersea cables as well as anthropogenic sound disturbance especially in the construction and maintenance of the devices.

Figure 3: Pelamis wave energy generator located within Agucadoura wave park, Portugal. Obtained from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Pelamis_at_EMEC.jpg/800px-Pelamis_at_EMEC.jpg 

Figure 4: Diagram of Wave Hub energy generation project in SW England. Obtained from: http://www.wavehub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/wave-hub-schematic.jpg

               So, while Newfoundland and Labrador have not yet made any significant advance in the development of any tidal or wave form of energy development, the technology is out there and it does remain a possibility for our province since we do live on an island after all. If in the future we do move towards the implementation of tyis type of project, it is this information which we need to aid in the decision of what type of generator, where they should be placed, and what type of conservation and environmental impacts they may have which need to be addressed.

For more information have a look at these!

Future Energy Plan
Wave Hub
Ocean Energy Council page on Wave and Tidal Power


References:

Frid, C., Andonegi, E., Depestele, J., Judd, A., Rihan, D., Rogers, S.I., and Kenchington, E. (2012). Then environmental interactions of tidal and wave energy generation devices. Environmental Impact Assessment Review. Vol. 32, Pgs. 133-139.

Langton, R., Davies, I.M., Scott, B.E. (2011). Seabird conservation and tidal stream and wave power generation: Information needs for predicting and managing potential impacts. Marine Policy. Vol. 35, Pgs. 623-630.

Witt, M.J. et al. (2012). Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the Wave Hub experience. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Vol 370, Pgs. 502-529.

Ornamental plant growing like a weed?

Japanese Knotweed

(a.k.a. Japanese bamboo, Mexican bamboo)

(Polygonum cuspidatum)

Japanese Knotweed was originally introduced to North America as an ornamental plant originating from Asia, and is often times still used in gardens. It is a highly invasive plant found along roadsides and wetland areas where it quickly and efficiently out-competes native vegetation and is extremely difficult to control once established. It is found across the country from regions of British Colombia all the way to Newfoundland.

Photo Credit: Grandpa Cliff 

The Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous, semi-woody perennial member of the Buck-wheat Family. It can grow up to three meters high and has stout, reddish-brown round and hollow stems that grow very close together in clumps resembling bamboo. This ‘bamboo’ appearance gave rise to its common names of Japanese and Mexican bamboo. It has egg shaped leathery leaves that alternate and form at swollen joints along the stem. They are 10-15 cm long and flattened, rounded at the base with a pointed tip and are dark green and lighter green below. The large aggregations of plants produce rhizomes which can extend 13-18 meters in length. Greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters along the stem from August to September.

Primarily, reproduction is vegetative through the rhizomes or by root fragments which readily produce new plants. Japanese knotweed root pieces are known to contaminate new sites through movement of dirt. When growing near water, root fragments can be carried downstream to establish new colonies.
Japanese Knotweed prefers open habitats. It grows in a variety of soil types along roadsides, edges of waterways, neglected gardens and unused areas. It is known to grow in climates experiencing high temperatures and drought. Wetlands and moist, low-lying areas are the most common habitats.

There is concern because with the lack of natural predators, its dense stands, it is capable of crowding out all other vegetation, and can even degrade native plant communities. It spreadssignificant threat to areas adjacent to rivers, streams and other shore-lines where it can cause bank erosion. It can lead to a reduction of biodiversity (through shading out of native plants). It can clog waterways and lower the quality of habitat for wildlife and fish. During its dormant growth stages Japanese knotweed dries and can create a fire hazard.

It is suggested that Japanese knotweed rarely achieves eradication without mechanical disturbance thus control methods should include digging and pulling along with cutting and mowing or herbicide use during the blooming period. Any control method must target the rhizome or root system, even when the top growth is removed. It is very important to carefully dispose of any stem or root material when controlling this plant manually. Hand-pulling is best done when the soil is soft, plants are young, and there are only a few plants. The effort must be persistent and ongoing for an extended period of time. The plant must be pulled by the root crown, trying to remove as much as possible of the rhizomes.


Internationally it is considered one of the worst invasive weeds world-wide.

Works cited:

Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia. http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid/jknotweed2.htm. Retrieved on April 4th, 2012.
Engler, J., Abt, K., & Buhk, C. (2011). Seed characteristics and germination limitations in the highly invasive fallopia japonica s.l. (polygonaceae). Ecological Research, 26(3), 555-562. Retrieved from SCOPUS database.
Newfoundland Nature. http://www.nlnature.com/Canadian-Wildlife/japanese-knotweed-polygonum-cuspidatum--315.aspx. Retrieved on April 4th, 2012.
http://nlinvasives.ca/files/BMP_Japanese_knotweed.pdf. Retrieved on April 4th, 2012.

The Right Whale, too leave ALONE or at least watch from a distance!

Thank you for returning for the next edition of Marine Recovery Plan blogs! If you would like to read our previous blogs, you can visit the following links:

• The Codfather
• Baby Beluga in the Deep Blue Sea
• Northern Wolffish
• Banded Killifish
• American Eel
• Marine Recovery Plans

 

Right Whale (retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2012/03/27/li-ns-whales.jpg)

           The Right whale has a very special place among whales in that it was actually the first whale commercially hunted. In fact interestingly enough they received their name because they were considered the “right” whale to hunt. They often swam close to shore, were very slow, and floated after being killed. Thus it only took a few hands to row out in a dory and harpoon one of these great behemoths. And thus like most things in life that were easy to harvest and brought a return, as humans we did what we do best, we killed a lot of them. We took so many from the sea in fact, that by the late 1800’s they were all nearly extinct.

            Seeing one of these great animals would be an incredible sight (although rare, only about 400 remain). Right whales have an enormous head that takes up nearly a quarter of the length of its body (which is black). In front of the Whales blowhole you will see the most distinguishing characteristic of any whale: callosities. These callosities are crusty white, orange, yellowish, pink lumps that to be honest look like large scars on the face of the animal. Each whale has a distinct set of callosities that scientists document and use to identify individuals. Also if you are ever out to sea and you witness a whale’s sprout which is in the shape of a V you can be rest assured that this is most defiantly a Right whale, as this is also one of their defining characteristics.

Right Whale Breaching (retrieved from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/species-especes/rightwhaleNA-baleinenoireAN-eng.htm)

             

            So is the Right Whale all but lost? No one is really certain at this point, their numbers are obviously frighteningly low, and genetic variation is a concern. However it is believed that they may still be able to recover.  However what is known for certain is this whale produces a fluctuating number of calf’s every year, thus it is really hard to pin point where the population will be in the future. Although we have not hunted them for a long time the whale’s biggest threat is still undoubtedly the ever dangerous homosapien. Their list of threats include: boat collisions, exposure to oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, and underwater noise and pollution. 

            So what are we doing to help combat these threats, well the North Atlantic right whale is currently listed as endangered and is protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). As well the government currently has a recovery plan in place, they have re-routed the shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy to accommodate the whales, and also many groups partake in disentangling whales from nets in order to save them. 

            Just recently the federal government proposed a 100-metre whale watching buffer zone. This is important legislation, as the degree of noise and how generally close some whale watching boats get is very dangerous for the animal. Even disturbing their feeding habits can have dire consequences for the future of this species. The Majority of whale watching operators in Newfoundland for instance already abide by a self administered rule as they will often never approach a whale, yet will turn their engines off and wait to see if the whale approaches them. However it is said that it is not unusual for up to 50 vessels to surround whales in British Columbia and Quebec! If you want to read this new story, just click the cbc.ca link below. 

            I’ve been on several whale tours in Newfoundland and I have to say that the operators really respected the animals. This is really important as if you were to ever come across the very rare Right Whale you would want to do everything in your power to not disturb it. It’s nice to know the majority of operators around here have the respect for the animal and now it’s potentially going to become a piece of federal legislation.

Links:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2012/03/27/ns-dfo-whale-watching-rules.html

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/species-especes/rightwhaleNA-baleinenoireAN-eng.htm