Dare to be Deep in the Bay of Fundy

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Want to win cool prizes? Support the Dare to be Deep campaign and you could win outdoor gear like a stand-up paddleboard, or a $200 MEC gift card.

This the fourth post in our Dare to be Deep series, a partnership with MEC and CPAWS aimed at creating 12 new federally-protected marine areas by the end of 2012. Today, we take you to the Bay of Fundy.

The Bay of Fundy
Known for the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy spans 270 km between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The volume of water that flows in and out of the Bay each day is greater than all of the earth’s fresh water combined. At low tide, the ocean exposes vast mudflats and salt marshes. These invertebrate-rich habitats provide an essential food source for fish and migratory birds. The Bay of Fundy is also the nursery grounds of the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

What are the threats to the site?
The Bay is becoming increasingly industrialized. Current proposals include tidal turbines and coastal mega-quarries. If these projects are implemented before conservation zones have been defined and protected, entire populations of birds and whales, not to mention the Bay itself, will be jeopardized.

Protection of the site: What CPAWS is doingImage may be NSFW.
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CPAWS is working to establish a network of marine protected areas in the Bay of Fundy in order to preserve its natural treasures. This includes the creation of a National Marine Conservation Area near Digby Neck and Islands, an important marine area where several species of whales congregate each year. The area is frequented by humpbacks, fin whales, North Atlantic right whales and porpoises. Atlantic puffins also come here to nest. Parks Canada is currently conducting a scientific study in the Bay of Fundy to determine sites of ecological importance. The results of the study should be available in the coming months. This is the first step in creating a National Marine Conservation Area.

What you can do
The CPAWS conservation initiative aims to collect 12,000 signatures to help create 12 new marine protected areas. Please sign the petition to help CPAWS convince the federal government to act. You can also spread the word by forwarding the petition and “Liking” us on Facebook. Don’t forget that each person who signs also has a chance to win a prize in our draw.

What MEC is doing
For every Brooks Dry Bag sold, MEC donates $1 to CPAWS to support marine conservation. These bags have a special Dare to be Deep tag and are available both in-store and online.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.