Marine Campaigns

Little Bay on the South Coast Newfoundland

June 23 2023

CPAWS-NL Celebrates Signing of Memorandum of Understanding to complete a Feasibility Study for South Coast Fjords NMCA in Newfoundland and Labrador

Caitlyn Simmons Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, News, Ocean Campaigns, Parks Campaigns

CPAWS-NL Celebrates Signing of Feasibility Study for South Coast Fjords NMCA in Newfoundland and Labrador

June 23, 2023 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter (CPAWS-NL) is thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to complete a feasibility study for the South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA), by the government of Canada and province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the town of Burgeo. This significant milestone marks a momentous step towards the protection and preservation of one of the province’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The South Coast fjords, with their rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant marine ecosystems, are unparalleled in their beauty and ecological importance. The signing of this feasibility study demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding these unique coastal treasures for future generations to enjoy.

Executive Director of CPAWS-NL, Tanya Edwards, expressed her joy at this pivotal development, stating, “We are elated that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador has taken this important step towards the creation of the South Coast Fjords NMCA. This region is an ecological gem and a source of immense pride for our province. By initiating this feasibility study, the government has shown its dedication to preserving our natural heritage and supporting sustainable tourism opportunities.”

The South Coast Fjords NMCA has long been a priority for conservation efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its extraordinary biodiversity, including endangered species and sensitive marine habitats, necessitates robust conservation measures to ensure their long-term survival. CPAWS-NL has been working tirelessly alongside various stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and government agencies to advocate for the protection of this ecologically and culturally significant area for over two decades.

Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director at CPAWS-NL, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to complete a feasibility study is the result of years of collaboration and hard work by numerous individuals and organizations. We are immensely grateful to our partners, including Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens, for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we will continue to advocate for the sustainable management and protection of the South Coast fjords, ensuring the preservation of this natural wonder for generations to come.”

CPAWS-NL looks forward to actively participating in the feasibility study and collaborating with governments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for the South Coast Fjords NMCA. The protection of this area will not only benefit wildlife and their habitats but also provide valuable opportunities for sustainable tourism, education, and research.

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For More Information Contact:

Tanya Edwards, Executve Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
tedwards@cpaws.org
Phone: 709-727-7789

Suzanne Dooley , Conservation Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
sdooley@cpaws.org
Phone: 709-726-5800

January 19 2022

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns conservation, marine, Marine Projects, Ocean Protection

Be Whale Safe

Background

Newfoundland and Labrador is considered one of the best places for whale watching in the whole world! Around 20 whale species visit our nutrient-rich waters every year to feed along the coast, including the world’s largest population of Humpback Whales. Between May and September, thousands of whales can be found close to shore feeding and frolicking. While watching whales and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat may be an opportunity for people to better appreciate these majestic creatures, it also increases the risk of disturbing or harming them. Did you know that marine mammals are protected by marine mammal regulations under the Fisheries Act? This helps to ensure that these activities can still be enjoyed but with greater protection for marine mammals including Canada’s at-risk species.

To help spread awareness on safe boating practices with marine mammals, CPAWS-NL launched a campaign in 2021 called “Be Whale Safe”. Explore this page to learn all about common and less common marine species as well as species-at-risk that are often seen in our waters, threats that they face and ways that we can all help protect them!

Be sure to download a free copy of our Marine Identification Guidebook to become an expert on marine species in the province!

Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of marine mammals. Many whales flock here in large numbers during the summer to feed on the huge amounts of krill, plankton, and other schooling fish. While watching them in the wild is fun, it is important to remember that our presence can disturb, stress, or harm marine wildlife.

Marine mammals including at-risk whales, are protected under Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act. These rules provide a minimum approach distance of 100 metres for most whales, dolphins, and porpoises among other guidelines to protect against human disturbances. When out on the water, remember to follow these guidelines to avoid fines and ‘Be Whale Safe’:

Don’t Chase and Give Space: Keep a minimum distance of 100 metres from marine mammals and 200 metres away if they are in resting position or with their calf.  

If you unexpectedly see a marine mammal closer than 100 metres, STOP and allow them to pass  

Safely Approach: Do not intercept the path of a whale or approach head on. Instead, stay parallel at a safe distance  

Slow Down: If you see a spout, fin, tail, or a ripple at the water’s surface make sure to reduce speeds and approach with caution to avoid a collision 

Don’t Interact: Never attempt to feed, swim or touch marine mammals as it puts them and yourself at risk of injury or illness  

Be Aware: Check your surroundings frequently and stay alert, especially in areas with known sightings. Avoid sudden or excessive noise when marine mammals are in the area  

For more information on Canada’s marine mammal regulations and how to safely watch marine wildlife, please visit: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/watching-observation/index-eng.html

As may be expected, marine species, including whales, face many natural and unnatural threats while spending their lives within the oceans. Natural threats can include impacts from predators, competition within their environment, and so on. A focus here will, however, be given to anthropogenic threats whales face, those which are caused by human activities. These threats stem from commercial and recreational uses of the oceans, the human tendency to pollute and disregard the health of the environment, and the excessive human contribution to climate change. This includes impacts of vessel strikes, entanglements, marine debris, and noise pollution, all of which will be covered throughout the Whale Safe Project.

Newfoundland and Labrador is surrounded by ocean waters which are teeming with marine ecosystems and diverse marine life. This includes several species of whales that are impacted by the aforementioned threats. These species and waters are an important part of the culture of Newfoundland residents, emphasizing the importance of spreading understanding about these threats, working towards preventing their exacerbation, and mitigating their impacts to preserve these important parts of our ecosystem and lives.

Vessel Collisions

The use of boats in the ocean waters around Newfoundland is an important part of our culture, economy, and industry. This includes commercial uses, such as our famous cod fishery, and recreational uses, such as private boating and fishing. Both of these pose threats to whales and other marine species through the interactions between these species and boats.

Vessel collisions and strikes are a big threat to marine species. These occur when a boat physically hits a whale or other species while travelling through ocean waters. This issue has become more prominent as the vessel traffic within our oceans has steadily increased, causing more boats and marine species to cross paths. This can cause serious harm to the animal, leaving permanent scarring or disabilities and in some cases causing death. With the high traffic of vessels within Newfoundland waters, including fishing vessels that go out on a daily basis, it is important that individuals understand how to avoid whales and other marine species and prevent harming them.

Fishing Gear Entanglements

Another prominent threat to many marine species, including whales, are entanglements. Entanglements occur when a marine animal interacts and gets caught up in fishing nets, ropes, and gear, or other marine debris including plastics. Whales are susceptible to this threat as entanglements around their fins, tail, and mouths are common. Entanglements can cause physical injuries to marine species, can prevent them from feeding if their mouths are blocked, and can even cause marine mammals to drown due to the weight of the debris responsible.

Fisheries are a cornerstone to the economy within Newfoundland and Labrador and are a massive part of our local culture and lifestyle. This does, however, lead to the occasional loss or abandonment of fishing gear which can contribute to the issue of entanglement and affect local marine species. Species can also be affected in a similar manner due to bycatch while fishing. This emphasizes the need to inform the public about their possible impact on marine species and promote safer alternatives, such as wildlife-friendly fishing gear and avoiding outdated or unsustainable fishing practices.

Pollution

Pollution within both terrestrial and marine ecosystems is another big issue that has resulted from human activities and affected marine wildlife. Marine debris describes garbage and other materials which make their way into the ocean and remain there. This can include all sorts of litter of varying sizes. Micro and macro plastics are a big part of this problem as these materials take hundreds of years to break down within the oceans.

An emotional example of this issue can be observed in The Great Pacific Garbage Patch seen below. This patch is the largest offshore plastic accumulation zone recorded and has resulted from the approximate 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic that enter the ocean as debris each year. The collection of marine debris sits in the North Pacific Ocean.

The immense degree of marine debris in our oceans poses a risk to whales and other marine species as these animals commonly consume these materials accidentally while feeding. When this happens, the plastic debris cannot be digested by these marine species and remain within their stomach. This can make the animals feel full and can prevent them from feeding and taking in nutrients in the future. Some debris can also mimic food sources and as a result, can trick marine species into eating them. Images of beached whales with stomachs full of plastics have become more common within the media in recent years, showing the devastating impact of this issue and stressing the importance of reducing our impacts on the oceans.

Photography by Ray Boland, NOAA.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution is another pollution type that poses a threat to whales and other marine species. Anthropogenic noise describes sounds within marine environments that result from human activities, spread throughout the environment, and affects species within it. These sounds can result from vessel traffic, pile driving and seismic activities, windmills, oil and gas exploration and drilling, SONAR, and construction activities. The impacts of noise pollution are especially concerning to whales and other marine mammals which are highly vocal and rely on sound and echolocation to function in their environments. Masking, for example, is a common result of anthropogenic noise which reduces a marine animal’s ability to detect sounds of interest within their environment as these sounds are drowned out by human activities.

The impacts of marine noise pollution can include inducing behavioral changes in affected species, displacement in their environments, shifts and influences to migratory paths, avoidance, unnecessary stress on the animals, animals becoming stranded, and hearing damage or acoustic trauma. The latter of this list can include temporary and permanent threshold shifts which affect the range of sounds the animal can detect and can seriously affect their livelihood. Within Newfoundland, noise pollution created by vessel traffic in our fishery and recreational areas should be of concern. Therefore, communication of these possible impacts to boat-goers within our province is important to protect our marine species and preserve our local ecosystems.

Climate change

Climate change is a continual concern to species and environments worldwide. Within our oceans, temperatures are rising, species are shifting Northward in search of cooler waters, habitats are becoming uninhabitable due to temperature changes and ocean acidification, and ocean waters are rising as sea ice and glaciers melt. The changes in ocean distribution of species caused by these impacts of climate change affect their habitats and migratory patterns but also impacts our fisheries, culture, and tourism. These three aspects are a big part of Newfoundland life, with our long history in the fisheries, the industry founding our economy, and our use of local whale species and other marine species as tourist attractions to draw people to our province. This local example stresses the impacts that climate change can have on the ecosystem and our lives and the importance of combating these trends and working towards resolving the climate crisis.

Report animals in distress

When seeing an animal in distress, it can be a common response to want to help them right away. However, if not helped properly, the animals and the people helping them could get hurt. If boaters see animals in distress, it is important that they not try to help on their own. Calls should be made to the proper authorities that can safely free trapped animals. Calls for marine mammals in distress in Newfoundland can be made to Fisheries and Oceans or to Whale Release and Strandings. 

Report species at risk

Reporting sightings of endangered species can also help to protect marine mammals. Some species, like the North Atlantic Right Whale, are critically endangered. It is important that any time someone sees these animals to report them to proper authorities. CPAWS Marine Species Survey can be used to report sightings of all marine mammals, including those that are endangered. These reports can paint a clear picture of population numbers and population distribution of marine mammals. This in turn can help with the development of recovery strategies for species at risk. 

1) You can help save marine mammals (whale, dolphin, seal) or sea turtles in distress by reaching out to: 

Whale Release and Strandings Newfoundland and Labrador (Tangly Whales Inc.): 1-888-895-3003 or 1-709-895-3003 

2) Help us better understand marine mammals and sea turtles by reporting your sightings: 

Marine mammal signtings:  whalesighting@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

Reducing litter and plastic use 

Garbage and plastics can end up in our waters and animals may ingest them, or they can become tangled in certain types of debris. Properly disposing of old fishing gear and reporting lost fishing gear are also a great way to help marine mammals and prevent entanglement. Some plastics can resemble the food that marine mammals eat. For example, plastic bags look a lot like jellyfish in the water. Leatherback Sea Turtles can mistake plastic for food and end up ingesting it. This can lead to an inability to feed or cause failures of their digestive tracts. Large plastic debris or fishing gear can cause marine mammals to become entangled; entanglements can result in drowning or inability to feed. Therefore, reducing litter can keep it out of our oceans and help to protect marine life. 

Beach Cleanups

Organizing and participating in local beach cleanups is another great way to help protect marine mammals. Litter from beaches can end up in the oceans and cause problems for species that live in our oceans. Volunteering in local beach cleaning events with local conservation groups like CPAWS can help to prevent waste from ending up in our oceans. Beach cleanups can also help to identify the most common types of litter on beaches and determine the sources of the litter. This can help to reduce more waste build up in the future. For example, in recent years, plastic straws were commonly found on beaches during beach cleanups, this has caused some businesses to switch to paper straws, and some individuals to carry their own metal straws.  

Share your knowledge

Sharing knowledge of Marine Mammal Regulations and ways to help with friends, family, colleagues, and everyone in between can help to protect marine life. The more people that know the information, the more species that will be protected now and well into the future. 

View The Marine Identification Guidebook Here!

Aquatic Species at Risk in Newfoundland and Labrador

Click here to access our Aquatic Species at Risk Guidebook!

Species at Risk Act (SARA)

We see many marine wildlife species in our waters, some of which are considered at risk of becoming extinct! In Canada, we protect wildlife species at risk and their critical habitats through the Species at Risk Act (SARA), which was enacted in 2003. Prohibitions under the Act make it illegal to kill, harass, capture or in any way harm a species that has been listed under SARA. The ultimate success of SARA in protecting species depends on the cooperation between the public, government and industry.

Once species are assessed, they can be classified under one of four SARA categories:

Blue Whale

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera musculus  
SARA status: Endangered 

Appearance: The largest animal living on earth, they are coloured dark to light grey, every individual has a pattern of marks on their skin called mottling.  Their dorsal fin is small compared to their bodies, it sits very far back, almost at the end of the body. Their tails are large and straight or slightly curved, with a slight notch in the middle. Their blow is very tall and slender, it can reach 9m high. 

Behaviour and Diet: Blue Whales migrate in small herds, spend summers in northern waters and winters in temperate waters. They feed on krill and need about 4 tons a day. They feed by gulping large amounts of water. They typically dive for 5 to 15 minutes, and sometimes up to 20 minutes. They swim at sustained speeds of 2 to 8 km/h but can reach top speeds of 36 km/h. They are the loudest animals on earth, their calls are louder than a jet. 

Distribution and Population: Blue Whales are found in all oceans of the world. The whales seen in Newfoundland are part of the North Atlantic subpopulation. They generally leave at the end of summer but in years of low ice they may remain in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for much of the winter. Exact population numbers for this population are unknown, between 20 and 105 are seen annually in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  

Most Vulnerable to: Past commercial whaling of Blue Whales is the main reason for declining populations. At least 11,000 Blue Whales were killed before 1960. Since the end of commercial whaling, human threats have come from ship strikes, entanglements, and pollution, particularly oil spills. Vessel strikes can harm or kill whales, the risk is higher in shipping areas with high vessel traffic. They can also become entangled in fishing gear including traps, pots, and nets. They can end up with compromised ability to feed or serious injuries which can result in death. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/152-529

Fin Whale 

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera physalus 
Local Name: Finner, Razorback, Fin Back, Flathead, Herring Whale 
SARA status: Special Concern

Appearance: They have asymmetric coloration; the right lower jaw is mostly white, and the left lower jaw is mostly dark. Their dorsal fin is sickle-shaped and curves towards their back. Their tails are very rarely seen, they are slightly rounded with a notch in the middle. Their blow is narrow and cone shaped, it can reach up to 6m tall. 

Behavior and Diet: Fin Whales are the second largest baleen whale. They are migratory, feeding in cooler northern regions and breeding in warmer southern regions. They feed on krill, small schooling fish (herring, capelin), and squid. They feed by lunging into schools of prey with their mouths open. They fast in the winter when travelling to warmer waters. They are fast swimmers, and they travel in groups of two to seven whales. 

Distribution and Population: Fin whales are found all over the world, they winter in tropical regions and feed in northern regions in the summer. Estimates of population size have not been made since commercial whaling stopped, but it is believed that the Atlantic population is recovering. There are two subpopulations in the Atlantic, one summers in Newfoundland and winters near the coast of Nova Scotia. The second summers off Nova Scotia and winters further south. Fin whales may be seen near Newfoundland all year long but are more common in early spring to late fall.  

Most Vulnerable to: Historically, whaling lowered numbers and since the end of commercial whaling, populations seem to be recovering. Depletion of capelin stocks in the North Atlantic may have an impact on whales. Chemical pollution has also been shown to cause injury and death in Fin Whales. Entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes also play a role. The increase of vessel traffic in the North Atlantic has increased the risk of strikes. Whales can also be entangled in pots, traps or gillnets, which can result in drowning or inability to feed. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/874-592

North Atlantic Right Whale 

Scientific Name: Eubaleana glacialis 
Local Name:  Right Whale
SARA status: Endangered  

 
Appearance: Large black baleen whale, they have thick lower lips, and many callosities (thick hard areas of skin) on their snouts, lower lips and above their eyes. Males can reach approximately 15m long and females can reach approximately 17m long. Their tails are black like their bodies and can often be seen then they are diving. They do not have a dorsal fin and have short, uniquely shaped fins. Their blow is V-shaped. 

Behavior and Diet: Right Whales feed by opening their mouths while they swim through plankton. They filter the plankton out of the water using their baleen. They feed anywhere between the surface and the bottom of the water column. Groups of Right Whales can socialize on the water’s surface and mating can occur during these socializations. They communicate using low-frequency moans and groans and these noises can maintain contact between individuals or be used for other social reasons. Right Whales also swim much slower than other baleen whales. 

Distribution and Population:  The North Atlantic population of Right Whales winters near the shore of Bermuda, Georgia, and Florida. They are occasionally seen off the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the summer while they feed. Populations are extremely low, one estimate for the North Atlantic population was less than 350 whales. 

Most Vulnerable to: Whaling lowered their numbers to critically low. Their name comes from being the “right” whale to hunt since they swim so slowly and have a thick layer of blubber. They also face threats from vessel strikes, entanglements and noise pollution. Because they swim so slowly, they are very vulnerable to being hit by vessels, causing serious injury or death. Their migration routes also fall along major shipping routes, further increasing the risk of hits. Entanglement in gear also causes problems for the whales, gear can cut the whales, cause them to drown or impair their ability to feed. Noise pollution from shipping, construction and oil exploration also cause problems for the whales. Because they communicate in low frequencies, they are especially at risk to noise pollution. This can affect their ability to find food or mates and navigate in the ocean. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/780-298

Northern Bottlenose Whale 

Scientific Name: Hyperoodon ampullatus 
Local Name:  Bottlenose Whale
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: They are medium-sized whales that reach between six and nine meters in length and weigh up to eight tons. They have a distinct beak, their lower jaw extends slightly further than the upper, they also have a bulb on their heads. Young whales are dark brown to black, older whales are light to yellowish brown, with white beaks and foreheads.  Their blow is small and bushy and is about 1m tall. 

Behavior and Diet: Usually travel alone or in groups of four to ten individuals. Males will fight each other, using their large heads to hit other whales. They are deep divers that feed on deep-sea squid, herring, shrimp, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. They can regularly dive to more than 800m and the longest recorded dive was 70 minutes. 

Distribution and Population: Only found in the North Atlantic, in cool and subarctic waters. There are two distinct populations: the Scotian Shelf population and the Davis Straight population. They have also been sighted off the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. The Scotian Shelf population is estimated to be about 163 whales, there are no population estimates for the Davis Straight population. 

Most Vulnerable to: Noise pollution is a threat to these whales. Disturbances include military exercises, oil and gas exploration and extraction, and vessel and aircraft traffic. Noise pollution can lead to strandings and can displace whales from their habitats.  Vessel strikes and entanglements also pose threats, though the threat seems to be low. Over 30 years, only 9 entangled bottlenose whales were documented by DFO. Some individuals were also observed to have scars from vessel strikes or entanglement in gear. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/162-299

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale 

Scientific Name: Mesoplodon bidens 
Local Name: North Atlantic beaked whale 
SARA status: Special Concern 
 
Appearance: They are medium-sized whales, reaching about 4.5 to 5.5m long. They are dark grey colored with light spotting. Their blow is hardly ever seen, and they have a small, wide dorsal fin that is slightly hooked, it sits about 2/3’s down their back. They have a dolphin-like head, a long snout, and a bulge on their heads. 

Behavior and Diet: They are suction feeders that dive in deep waters to eat deep sea fish and squid. They tend to swim alone or in small groups of two to six whales. They are generally hard to spot because they are weary of humans and keep a low profile. Sightings are extremely rare, especially in Newfoundland. 

Distribution and Population: They are only found in the North Atlantic, but their distribution is poorly known due to limited sightings. There are no estimates of population size. Rarity of sightings may mean the species is in decline, or it may mean there as been little search effort and that identifying the whales is very difficult. 

Most Vulnerable to: Threatened by underwater noise pollution, particularly from sonar and seismic surveys. They rely on sounds to feed, communicate, and navigate in the ocean, therefore sound pollution can disturb their behavior, cause injury to hearing structures or drive them out of areas they use to feed and breed. Seismic noise can also lead to whales beaching themselves. They are also at risk of ship strikes and entanglements in gear. Ship strikes are less likely due to their solitary nature, but with increases in vessel traffic, the risk is still present. They are also at risk of entanglements in gear such as gillnets. Entanglements can lead to drowning or impaired ability to feed.  

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/169-432

Leatherback Sea Turtle 

Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea 
Local Name: Leatherback  
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: Do not have a hard shell, instead they have a soft, leathery one. They have a pink spot on the tops of their heads that is thought to play a role in detecting seasonal changes. They can reach up to 1.8m long and weigh between 750 to 1000 pounds. They have notches on their upper jaws and no teeth. 

Behavior and Diet: Leatherbacks have the longest migration of any sea turtle. They are strong swimmers and can dive approximately 1200 meters below the surface. They can stay below the surface for up to 85 minutes. They do not have teeth to crush or chew hard food, so they eat soft bodied animals like jellyfish and salps. Their throats have backward faced spines that help to keep their food down. When not diving, they swim at the surface. 

Distribution and Population: The North Atlantic subpopulation ranges from low latitude nesting beaches to northern feeding areas. Current population estimates from the IUCN estimate the numbers of mature individuals to be between 29,000 and 34,000. While the North Atlantic population appears to be increasing, globally the species is still in decline. Over 1000 turtles are thought to visit waters off Atlantic Canada in the summer months to feed. 

Most Vulnerable to: Entanglements and vessel strikes pose a threat to Leatherbacks. Entanglements can impair their ability to swim and result in drowning and result in an inability to feed. Because they swim at the surface, vessel strike can cause both lethal and non-lethal damage.  Ingestion of marine plastics poses a big risk to Leatherbacks. Plastic bags can resemble jellyfish and the turtle may eat them. Since they have spines in their throats to keep down food, the plastic gets stuck in their stomachs, causing a feeling of “fullness” that doesn’t go away leading to malnutrition or starvation. Plastics can also block their digestive tracts, leading to death. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/1191-861

Sei Whale 

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera borealis 
Local Name: Rudolphi’s rorqual or pollack whale  
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: Long, slender bodies that are bluish gray to dark grey with a white underside. They can weigh up to 20 tons and reach 14 to 15m long. They have distinct grooves on their necks which allow their throats to expand when they take in water. Their dorsal fin is tall and hooked, it is about 2/3’s down the body. They have a short blow that reaches about 3 meters high. 

Behavior and Diet: Sei whales are filter feeders that skin the surface of the water to eat. They do not lunge or take big gulps like other baleen whales. They mostly feed on plankton but will also eat schooling fish or squid. They are the fastest baleen whale, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. They generally travel in groups of two to five but may form larger groups during times when there is an abundance of food. 

Distribution and Population: Sei whales are found all over the world, they make seasonal migrations from tropic areas in the winter to colder waters for feeding in summer. Sei whales are found off the coast of Newfoundland in the summers for feeding. Some individuals are also present year-round. Little is known about the North Atlantic population of Sei Whales. Aerial surveys only identified 7 whales between 2007 and 2016, which suggests a population of a few hundred individuals or less. 

Most Vulnerable to: Threats to Sei whales include noise pollution from seismic surveys, shipping, and military exercises. Noise can disturb their normal behavior by drowning out their calls, it can also drive them out of their normal feeding or breeding grounds. They are also vulnerable to vessel strikes or entanglements in fishing gear. Boat strikes can kill or injure the whales and increased shipping routes across the Atlantic further increases the risk. Entanglements in fishing gear such as traps, pots or gillnets are a huge threat and entanglements can result in drowning or inability to feed. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/754-836

Great White Shark

Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias
Local Name:  Great White, White shark, Atlantic population of White Shark
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: The Great White Shark is the largest predatory fish in the world, averaging 2 to 6 meters long. They have black eyes, a pointed dorsal fin, and a sharp colour contrast between its grey or black back and its white underside. The sharks have a sharply pointed conical head and snout with a torpedo-like body. In their mouth, they have 5 rows that house about 3000 teeth. When a tooth is lost, it’s simply replaced by a new one meaning sharks use about 20,000 teeth in their lifetime.

Behavior and Diet: These sharks are known for being highly mobile and preying upon fish and marine mammals, including whales. Great White Sharks have a specialized blood vessel structure called a countercurrent exchanger that allows them to quickly adapt to different water temperatures.

Distribution and Population: Great White Sharks travel long distances making long migrations every year. Sharks found in Atlantic Canada are likely seasonal migrants belonging to a widespread Northwest Atlantic population and are rarely seen in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are widely distributed in the sub-polar and tropical seas of both hemispheres. There are no estimates of population size in Canadian waters, however, in Atlantic Canadian waters there are 22 confirmed sightings between 2009 and 2018. Satellite and acoustic tags have recorded White Sharks in several areas throughout eastern Canadian waters including the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Grand Banks, and the Bay of Fundy.

Most Vulnerable to: Incidental mortality from fishing otherwise known as bycatch. Although measures to improve fishing practices have been introduced, the primary threat to these sharks continues to be death related to incidental capture by fishing industries. This threat perseveres due to their low reproductive rate. In some places, sharks are still targeted in commercial and recreational fisheries and harvested for their teeth and jaws for jewelry. Pollution, underwater noise, and offshore and coastal development activities also pose as threats.

Learn more: http://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/899-633

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April 14 2020

Ocean’s Day

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

On World Oceans Day, people around the world celebrate and raise awareness for ocean, which connects us all!

For over 10 years, CPAWS-NL has been a part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Ocean’s Day Committee to host a family-friendly, free event to celebrate World Ocean’s Day, in St. John’s.

Joint committee members include: CPAWS-NL, Government of Canada – Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Fisheries and Land Resources, World Wildlife Fund – Canada, Food Fisheries and Allies Workers, Parks Canada, and the Marine Institute.

Due to COVID-19, this year we will celebrate Ocean’s Day digitally!

Learn more and check out the events here!

World Ocean’s Day Theme 2022:

One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together

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Check out how the world is celebrating World Ocean’s Day

March 27 2020

Laurentian Channel MPA

cpawsadmin Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

The Laurentian Channel has been identified as containing the highest levels of biodiversity off the Newfoundland shores. The variety of depths within the Channel creates great diversity of habitats. These habitats allow many different species to live, spawn and migrate through the area.

On World Oceans Day June 8th, 2010, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), announced the Laurentian Channel was a new Area of Interest (AOI) for potential designation as a Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act. The Laurentian Channel MPA was established in April of 2019, and is the largest no-take zone in Canada.

The Laurentian Channel MPA supports the conservation of biodiversity through the protection of key species, habitats, and ecosystem structure and function, and through scientific research. Conservation objectives were developed in consultation with stakeholders, and focus on six species: Sea Pens, Black Dogfish, Smooth Skate, Northern Wolffish, Porbeagle Shark, and Leatherback Sea Turtle. Many other species are benefiting from the MPA regulations.

The Laurentian Channel MPA is located off the southwest coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NAFO Subdivision 3P), covers approximately 11,908 km2, and includes the water column, seabed and subsoil to a depth of 5m. The area was originally identified by DFO as an ecologically and biologically significant area (EBSA) within the Placentia Bay-Grand Banks Large Ocean Management Area (PB/GB LOMA).

CPAWS EFFORTS:

CPAWS-NL has been working on the Laurentian Channel since 2010, striving to make it a strong MPA to protect its incredible biodiversity. Overtime, the size of the Laurentian Channel MPA has decreased in size by over 30%. In 2017, CPAWS asked the public to write a letter to our Federal Government to keep oil and gas out of the Laurentian Channel, with other ENGO groups, together over 70,000 letters from Canadians were sent expressing concern of oil and gas in this area. CPAWS has also been active in ensuring all Marine Protected Areas have internationally recognized minimum standards. With the announcement of Minimum Standards of MPAs in Canada, CPAWS-NL was excited that Laurentian Channel is the first MPA to have these standards applied.

Click or Scroll down for more information on the Laurentian Channel and CPAWS’ efforts in our Story Map

Quick Facts

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE AREA

Highest concentration of Black Dogfish in Canadian waters and is the only place where pupping occurs.
Important spawning, nursery, and feeding area for a variety of species including Porbeagle Shark and Smooth Skate.
Two species at risk – the Northern Wolffish and Leatherback Sea Turtle frequent the MPA; in fact, the south coast of Newfoundland is one of the most highly-frequented leatherback foraging areas in Atlantic Canada.
Only two known mating grounds for Porbeagle Shark.
Approximately 20 species of cetaceans have been observed in the area,
Sea pens have been recorded in the greatest numbers and diversity; with the Laurentian Channel having the highest sea pen concentrations within the entire Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves Bioregion.

The conservation efforts as set out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area are as follows:

Protect corals, particularly significant concentrations of sea pens, from harm due to human activities (e.g., fishing, oil and gas exploratory drilling, submarine cable installation and anchoring)
Protect Black Dogfish from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery).
Protect Smooth Skate from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery.
Protect Porbeagle sharks from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery, seismic activities).
Promote the survival and recovery of Northern Wolffish by minimizing risk of harm from human activities (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery).
Promote the survival and recovery of Leatherback Sea Turtles by minimizing risk of harm from human activities (e.g., entanglement in commercial fishing gear, seismic activities).

The Laurentian Channel MPA is the first MPA that applies Canada’s new protection standards. The Laurentian Channel MPA Regulations prohibit activities that disturb, damage, destroy or remove from this Area, living marine organisms or any part of their habitat or that is likely to do so, unless listed as exceptions in the Regulations or approved by the Minister. Oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities, including seismic surveys, as well as mining, dumping and bottom trawling are prohibited in the entirety of the area. The MPA is also the first to prohibit all commercial and recreational fishing throughout the designated area.

The Regulations establish two management zones which provide varying levels of protection within the MPA, offering the most stringent protection to areas which need it the most. These zones will conserve and protect the biological diversity and productivity of the MPA. The Core Protection Zone only allows the following activities: for public safety and national security; Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries; and marine navigation activities – except for anchoring. The Core Protection Zone provides additional protection by prohibiting the laying of submarine cables. In the Adaptive Management Zone, activities such as anchoring, submarine cable installation and scientific research may be permitted, but only if they do not impact the conservation objectives of the MPA.

March 21 2018

Special Marine Areas

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador

The ocean surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in marine ecosystems that support marine life from the largest whales to the tiniest plankton, upon which generations of people and a cherished way of life has depended on. Our province boasts the Grand Banks, with some of the most important and productive marine ecosystem in the world. We are also known as the ‘Seabird Crossroads of the World’, hosting millions of migratory seabirds every year. We also have a burgeoning eco-tourism industry, centered partly around whale and bird watching experiences. Newfoundland and Labrador has a real chance to be ocean conservation leaders.

However, the continued declines in ocean health, including local fish populations, demonstrate that existing conservation measures are not enough to ensure the long-term survival of species and ecosystems upon which our coastal communities depend, especially in the face of a variety of human activities.

Click the button below to view the Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador Guide, 2nd Edition, where with the help of scientists, governments, ENGOs, and community groups, have highlighted 140 special marine areas that include coastal sites, coral beds, bird colonies, fish spawning grounds, and migratory routes.

Special Marines Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador 2nd Edition

Priority Coastal Sites

Throughout the process of creating the Special Marine Areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, we have discovered there to be Coastal Areas which have high priority for the need of higher protection and management to sustain its ecosystem. These areas have high biological importance, high risk of current and future threats (natural and anthropogenic), highly unique, and other environmental characteristics.

Click on the tabs below to learn more about these areas!

Bonavista Bay

Bonavista Bay is a large exposed bay on the North Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. Due to the cold Labrador Current, icebergs are common in the summer. Bonavista Bay is within the Newfoundland Shelf region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system.

Special Features

The coast around Bonavista Bay is irregular, comprising narrow bays, sounds, inlets, coves and islands, which provide ideal nesting locations for a number of birds. The area is highly productive due to the cold Labrador Current. Subtidal fauna, seabirds and marine mammals in Bonavista Bay are diverse and abundant. Bonavista Bay provides habitat for many species, and contains many spawning sites for cod, herring, capelin, and lumpfish. There are several seabird breeding colonies within the ecoregion, including Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Common and Arctic Terns, Black-legged kittiwake, Atlantic Puffin, and great Black-backed, Herring and Ring-billed gulls. Common Eiders nest in some parts of the ecoregion; however, their numbers were severely reduced due to hunting around the turn of the century, and are only now increasing slowly.

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) Photo By: Ken Reid

Within Bonavista Bay is Alexander Bay, which has been called the most ecologically unusual marine area in Terra Nova National Park due to unusually high water temperatures which provide habitat for species not normally found in Newfoundland and Labrador. For example, it contains seaweeds and invertebrates which, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, are normally only found South of Cape Cod. Parks Canada has identified the area from Cape Bonavista to North Head (Notre Dame Bay), and offshore to Funk Island as an Area of Interest, a preferred site for consideration as a possible National Marine Conservation Area in the Newfoundland Shelf region.

Protection

Terra Nova National Park makes up part of the terrestrial and coastal area of Bonavista Bay, but offers limited marine protection, and major capelin spawning beaches are outside the park boundary. There is a 2.1 km² Marine Protected Area (MPA) within Eastport which was created form the community up to protect their lobster stocks. Newman Sound is a Migratory Bird Sanctuary aimed at conserving migratory bird diversity by controlling human activities within important areas.

Threats

Over-fishing, causeways, gill nets causing seabird bycatch, and release of untreated waste into the ocean are all threats to marine diversity and health in Bonavista Bay. Areas of particular concern in Bonavista Bay include Cabot Island, South West Pond, Eastport and Newman Sound.

Hamilton Inlet

The coastal area around Hamilton Inlet falls within the Coastal Barrens and Mid Boreal Forest ecoregions. The entire inlet falls within the Labrador Shelf region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system. Important areas within Hamilton Inlet include the Gannet Islands, Groswater, Table Bay and Sandwich Bay. Four major rivers drain into Hamilton Inlet: Churchill (Mishta-shipu, grand), North West (Naskaupi), Kenamu, and Goose, draining a significant portion of the Ungava Peninsula.

Special Features

Hamilton Inlet and Lake Melville form the largest estuary in Labrador, and contain significant waterfowl, seabird, and other migratory bird colonies and habitats. Some of the largest aggregations of staging waterfowl in the province occur here in Spring and Fall. Hamilton Inlet is also part of the historical range of the endangered Eskimo Curlew, which may now be extinct. Some waterfowl species of special conservation concern breed in the area, including Black duck, Surf Scoter and Black Scoter.

Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) Photo: Florida Museum

These species are the focus of the Black Duck and Sea Duck Joint Ventures under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Lesser Scaup and Harlequin Duck, which breed in a number of locations in the Mealy Mountain National Park area, are receiving increasing special conservation attention due to continental-level population declines. Intertidal marshes in the area contain unique flora, including temperate and arctic species, as well as species that occur on both sides of the Atlantic. Saltmarsh Cordgrass, which plays an important role in stabilizing shorelines, is rare in Newfoundland and Labrador and this area is its northern limit.

The Gannet Islands are an Important Bird Area and contain the largest and most diverse seabird breeding colony in Labrador, with tens of thousands of pairs of Atlantic Puffins, Common Murres and Razorbills. They contain the largest Razorbill colony in North America, and the second largest breeding colony of Atlantic Puffin in eastern North America. They are also the largest known moulting site for Harlequin Duck in eastern North America, with approximately 300 individuals moulting annually. Seals also whelp on the islands, coasts and pack ice in the area, or migrate through.

Protection

Hamilton Inlet has been identified by Parks Canada for consideration as a National Marine Conservation Area. The area is within a Fisheries Conservation Closed Area related to salmon fishing and conservation. The estuary of the Eagle River, which flows into Sandwich Bay, is also a Fisheries Conservation Closed Area. The Gannet Islands archipelago is a Seabird Ecological Reserve protecting Common Eider, Razorbills, Common Murre and Atlantic Puffin and their habitats, and the use of motorized vehicles or equipment within the reserve is prohibited.

Threats

Many ecosystems within Hamilton Inlet are fragile and sensitive to disturbance. Possible threats include road construction, changes in tidal flow, and damage from oil development (e.g., waste discharge affecting water quality, rigs attracting seabirds with artificial lighting, and noise pollution from oil exploration impeding marine mammals that use acoustic communication and echolocation). Proposed hydroelectric developments on the Churchill River at gull Island and Muskrat Falls would affect the estuarine habitat in the area and food webs involving commercially-important fish species on the Labrador Shelf.

Torngat Mountains Marine Area

The Torngat Mountains are the highest mountains in Canada east of the Rockies. The area has been the home of Inuit people and their predecessors for millennia, and contains a National Park that extends from Saglek Fjord to the northern tip of Labrador, and to the with Québec border. The Torngat Mountains are within the Alpine Tundra ecoregion, and their coast falls within the Labrador Shelf region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system. The coast in the Torngat Mountains region consists of cliffs up to 900 m in height, bays and fjords that extend into the mountain ranges, and a number of offshore islands. Marine sediment deposits extend many kilometres inland from the heads of the fjords.

Special Features

Seven Islands Bay and Galvano Island, located in the marine area adjacent to the Torngat mountains, have been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Both are significant for congregating bird species, and threatened species. Some 22% of the estimated eastern North American population of the Harlequin duck was observed in Seven Islands Bay in July 1994. This is the largest concentration in Labrador of Harlequin duck, which is a COSEWIC-listed Species of Special Concern. Galvano Island is significant for large numbers of breeding Common Eider, subspecies borealis.

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
Photo By: Jeannine Winkle

Protection

The area is within a Fisheries Conservation Closed Area related to salmon fishing and conservation. The Torngat Mountains received full National Park status in July 2008, but it has no marine component. Traditional fishing and hunting activities are allowed within park boundaries; however, the area is free from commercial and industrial development.

Threats

Although the area is used by Inuit for hunting, fishing and traveling, it remains pristine. Oil spills from shipping traffic could threaten the birds at Seven Islands Bay and Galvano Island. The area is also threatened by potential oil exploration and development on the Labrador Shelf.

Nain Coastline and Offshore Areas

The Nain coastline is an area bounded by Humbys Island, Dog Island, and the western and northern coasts of Paul Island. This complex coastline is made up of hundreds of islands, islets and shoals with rocky shores. Circulation in the area is dominated by the cold Labrador Current. The Nain area falls within the Coastal Barrens ecoregion, as well as the Labrador Shelf region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) system. The land in the area is owned by the Labrador Inuit and governed by the Nunatsiavut Government. There are two main rivers and many small streams that empty into the area, leading to extensive delta-related deposits and boulder-strewn intertidal flats. Dunes vegetated by stabilizing grasses, raised beaches, and salt marshes are also present along the coastline.

Special Features

Nain Bank is high in nutrients and primary productivity, due to local upwelling and transport of nutrients from the Hudson Strait, resulting in rich and diverse biota in the area. In Nain Bay, Pacific, Arctic and European fauna mix, resulting in high diversity among sublittoral benthic macrofauna. Portions of the coastline southeast of Nain and the offshore islands in the area have been identified as IBAs. The offshore islands support large numbers of nesting seabirds and are considered globally significant for congregating species and colonial seabirds. Species present in significant numbers include over 3% of the estimated North American population of Atlantic Puffin, 2.2% of the estimated North American population of Razorbill and 1.4% of the estimated North American population of

Razorbill (Alca torda)
Photo: Yann Rouxel

Glaucous Gull. Thick-billed and Common Murres, Black Guillemot, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls also nest in large numbers. The islands also have significant concentrations of fish, seals and whales, are rich in artifacts and provide important marine resources to local people. The Nain coastline, including the offshore islands in the area, supports large numbers of moulting scoters. Between 16,000 and 19,370 scoters were recorded in 1998-1999, including 12,500 Surf Scoters, representing at least 1% of its estimated global population. Harlequin Ducks have been observed on the Nain coastline, and Peregrine Falcons nest in the area. Common Eiders also nest on several islands in the area.

Protection

Nain Bight, as a representative area of the Nain Bank, has been identified as a possible NMCA (along with Hamilton Inlet/Hamilton Bank). The Nunatsiavut Government has yet to designate any special marine areas within a Fisheries Conservation Closed Area related to salmon fishing and conservation.

Threats

Contaminants and oil pollution can be trapped behind the islands and in the bays around Nain, and intertidal flats and beaches may retain contaminants. The shipping route associated with the Voisey’s Bay mine is a potential threat to the birds. The presence of many shoals and small islands in the area increase the threat of oil spills.

Fogo Shelf

This Area Includes Bay of Exploits, Inner Shelf Area, Twillingate Island, New World Island, Fogo Island, and Cape Freels. It falls within the Eastern Hyper-Oceanic Barrens ecoregion, and is also located in the Newfoundland Shelf region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system. Little Fogo Islands is an archipelago with over 100 small islands directly north of Fogo Island.

Special Features

The cold, productive waters of the Labrador Current and upwellings on the Funk Island Banks lead to an abundance of zooplankton and breeding fish around the island, supporting a diversity of groundfish, pelagic fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and aquatic plants. The area is considered ecologically significant for several marine species such as lobster, capelin and herring. It is known to be important for juvenile fish. The many islands in the area provide habitat for marine waterfowl such as eider ducks, black ducks, terns, and cormorants. There are several seabird breeding colonies within the ecoregion, including Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Common and Arctic Terns, Black-legged kittiwake, Atlantic Puffin, and great Black-backed, Herring and Ring-billed gulls. Common Eiders nest in some parts of the ecoregion, but their numbers were severely reduced by hunting which occurred at the turn of the century; their numbers are now slowly increasing. In 1997, local fishers, developers and conservationists proposed the establishment of an MPA in Fogo Shelf, including three IBAs, as a response to the decline in marketable species, the cod fishing moratorium and increased fishing pressure on lobster in the area. Studies have

Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)
Photo: Ken Reid

highlighted the cooperative and conflict-free nature of this initiative as a strong example of integrated management. This area has been identified as an area of interest for the establishment of an MPA, with the inshore region of the northeast Newfoundland shelf, from White Bay to western Bonavista Bay. The purpose of this MPA would be to conserve and protect local lobster stock and their habitat, local capelin beaches, important Atlantic Cod nursery areas, and important areas for Winter Flounder.

Protection

This area Contains an Ecological Reserve Community-based ocean conservation and research project among communities of Fogo Island, Change Islands, Leading Tickles, Carmanville, Funk Island and Little Fogo island. Funk Island is a provincial Seabird Ecological Reserve and International Biological Program Special Site, aimed at protecting Northern gannets and Common Murres. Funk Island is closed to hunting, and access to the island is restricted. Following a proposal submitted by the local community, work has begun towards the designation of this area as an MPA.

Threats

The seabirds in this area are vulnerable to the effects of human disturbance, toxic pollutants, oil pollution and fisheries – including entanglement in gear and competition for food. Illegal visits to the island are still common, despite prohibition of unauthorized human activity. The Common Murre colony is particularly sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season. Human impacts and possible threats to the area include effluent or contaminant spills from coastal communities, effluent from sawmills, and sewage outfalls. There has also been a noticeable increase in water temperature on the northeast coast of Newfoundland since the mid 1990s.

Witless Bay

Witless Bay is located off the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, between Bay Bulls and Mobile. Witless Bay is comprised of four islands: Gull, Green, Great, and Pee Pee Islands Seabird Ecological Reserve. Witless Bay is within the Southeastern Barrens subregion of the Maritime Barrens ecoregion.

Special Features

Witless Bay has been designated an IBA, due to its globally significant seabird breeding colonies. Species at risk inhabit the islands that make up the Reserve. More than one million pairs of seabirds of 10 different species breed on the Witless Bay Islands. The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve contains the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America with approximately 300,000 pairs estimated to nest there. The Reserve houses one of the largest Leach’s Storm-petrel colonies in the world, with approximately 315,000 breeding pairs. It also has the largest colony of Blacklegged Kittiwakes in Newfoundland and Labrador with 40,000 pairs, making up approximately 50% of the breeding population of kittiwakes in Newfoundland and Labrador and 16-22% of the western Atlantic breeding population. It has the 2nd largest colony of Common Murres in eastern North America with 77,000 pairs, signifying 2% of the Atlantic and 13% of the eastern North American breeding populations. The Witless Bay islands contain breeding populations of Razorbills, Black Guillemots and the first known Northern Fulmars to breed in Newfoundland. Gull and Great Islands were found to house over 4300 breeding pairs of Herring Gulls and over 100 pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls in 2000. Common and King Eiders, Thick-billed Murres and Dovekies winter in the waters surrounding the Witless Bay islands, and the area is important for migrating sea ducks. Capelin spawn in Witless Bay, for example at Gull Island, and migrating populations of whales also go through the area. Gull Island and the other Witless Bay islands are within the Eastern Avalon Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Protection

Atlantic Pufflings (Fratercula arctica)
Photo: Greg Noel

The Witless Bay Islands have been designated a Seabird Ecological Reserve. The Ecological Reserve was established to preserve internationally important seabird breeding and overwintering colonies, maintain the natural communities of the Reserve, foster scientific studies, and provide the public with observation and educational opportunities. CPAWS-NL also conducts the Puffin and Petrel Patrol program during fledging season, and uses this opportunity to not only rescue stranded pufflings and petrels, but to raise awareness of light pollution and its effects on nocturnal seabirds. For more information click here: Puffin and Petrel Patrol

Threats and Recommendations

There is increasing concern about the levels of ecotourism in the Witless Bay area, particularly the impact of tour boat activities. Close approaches by boats, and tour boat operators aren’t subject to distance restrictions when approaching the islands. Close approaches to whales can result in behavioural reactions. The waters off the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula are also within a major shipping route, resulting in a threat of oil pollution.

Placentia Bay Extension EBSA / Cape St. Mary’s

Placentia Bay Extension includes all of Placentia Bay in Newfoundland, and the area from Point Crewe on the Burin Peninsula across the bay to Point Lance on the Avalon Peninsula. It falls within the Eastern Hyper-Oceanic Barrens ecoregion, and the grand Banks region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system.

Special Features

Placentia Bay Extension is within the top three priority Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) identified for conservation in the Placentia Baygrand Banks Large Ocean Management Area (LOMA), and has also been identified as a Coastal Management Area. The Placentia Bay-grand Banks LOMA is recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as one of five priority LOMAs in Canada. High primary and secondary production occurs in Placentia Bay and its headlands. Placentia Bay contains standing and bay stocks of certain fish species concentrations of ichthyoplankton of fish such as cod,

Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
Photo: Northeast Fisheries Science Sector

cunner, plaice and capelin, as well as spawning and nursery habitat for these same species. It contains the largest spawning stock of Atlantic Cod in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. There is high pelagic and demersal diversity in the bay and its extension is a vital Bird Area due to the presence of nesting, feeding, aggregation, refuge and overwintering sites of many bird species, including seabirds such as Atlantic Puffin, Black-legged kittiwake, Black guillemot, Common Murre, great Black-backed gull, greater Shearwater, Northern Fulmar and Northern gannet. Harbour Seals, otters and some cetaceans use the area throughout the year, and Leatherback Turtle and migratory cetaceans aggregate and feed in the region in spring and summer. The area is particularly important for Harbour Porpoise and Humpback Whale feeding, due to prey concentrations. Harbour Seals pup in three sites, and otters reproduce in the area. Female cetaceans with young are found in the bay during critical feeding times.

Protection

Placentia Bay is a fisheries management area established to protect scallop stocks from commercial harvesting, and Point Verde to Red Harbour Head is closed to recreational scallop fisheries. Cape St. Mary’s is a Seabird Ecological Reserve, and Come by Chance is a Wetland Stewardship Area that protects waterfowl staging habitat.

Threats

Murre and Razorbill breeding populations have been depleted, and Harlequin ducks decreased to three dozen in the mid-1990s. Threats to the ecosystem include marine pollution, over-fishing and scallop dragging activities, depleted food stocks, and accumulation of toxic chemicals. High levels of commercial and industrial activity in and around Placentia Bay have led to contamination and disturbance in a number of regions.

Hermitage Bay

Hermitage Bay is a small coastal bay on the South Coast of Newfoundland. The climate in the area is mild in the winter and cool in the summer. The bay falls within the South Coast Barrens subregion of the Maritime Barrens ecoregion. It is located in the Laurentian Channel region of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas system.

Special Features

The area is rich in marine biodiversity. Deep water fauna exists just offshore of Hermitage Bay, and in Bay d’Espoir, an unusual phenomenon in waters so close to shore, and both Conne and Little River are historically important area for Atlantic Salmon. There has also historically been an abundance of fish at Fox Islands in Hermitage Bay. The ecoregion contains some seabird nesting areas, as well as

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Photo: DFO

greenwinged Teal and Least Sandpiper breeding areas. Archaeological evidence exists of Maritime Archaic Indians, Paleo-Eskimo, dorset Eskimo and Beothuk presence on Long Island at the entrance to Hermitage Bay.

Protection

The area is within Fisheries Conservation Closed Area, aimed at protecting populations of spawning redfish. It is also within Fortune Bay Fisheries Management Closed Areas, initiated by inshore fishers, that are closed to most otter trawling.

Threats

Hermitage Bay is on a ferry route, therefore there is a threat of oil pollution. Bay d’Espoir has been used as a dumping ground for old ships – two old sidetrawlers from the gaultois fish plant were scuttled there, without being decontaminated in advance.

Gros Morne Marine Area

Gros Morne National Park is a worldheritage site located on the west coast of Newfoundland, characterized by coastal plains, fjords and coastal cliffs. The topography of the bay is complex, with irregularities due to estuaries, sedimentary bars, mountainside slumping, hard bedrock outcrops, boulder fields and rock slides. The Bonne Bay Marine Station located in the park specializes in marine research and education.

Special Features

This area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its unique, accessible, pristine geological features, and Tablelands geological site. The marine environment of Gros Morne is considered important by biologists for its variety of habitats and for having the highest biodiversity in Newfoundland. The stratification of seawater, and the convergence of the northern limits of boreal and temperate species and the southern limits of Arctic species result in high species diversity. Bonne Bay contains the highest biodiversity of seaweeds and kelp in Eastern Canada. Trout and char spawn in small creeks which run from ponds and lakes to the ocean. Lumpfish, herring and many other species also spawn in Bonne Bay. Canada goose nests in the coastal bog ponds of the subregion, and the at-risk Harlequin duck breeds in low numbers in the upper reaches of fast-flowing rivers. St. Paul’s inlet has an extensive salt marsh with a distinct mix of temperate and arctic species. Unique coastal habitats like sand shallows form here. The islands in the bay contain important shorebird nesting sites.

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
Photo: Great Big Canvas

Protection

Gros Morne National Park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but lacks any marine protection below the high water mark. Both St. Paul`s Inlet and Bonne Bay are surrounded by Gros Morne National Park, which protects a portion of the Western Newfoundland Highlands natural region.

Threats

Despite the species diversity in the area, over-fishing has caused population depletion. Major expansion of residential and tourism-related industrial development is occurring on portions of the shoreline that are not included in Gros Morne National Park. Other threats to the area include sewage outflow, terrestrial runoff, waste from local fish plants, and damage to intertidal zones.

St. George’s Bay, Port au Port

St. George’s Bay is a large, sheltered bay on the west coast of Newfoundland. The Bay contains barrier islands which protect the land. The Port au Port peninsula is a triangular peninsula located on the west coast of Newfoundland and extending out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. St. George’s Bay, Sandy Point and Port au Port are located in the Laurentian Channel ecoregion of Parks Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas System.

Special Features

St. George’s Bay contains many eelgrass beds and salt marshes. The Spartina salt marsh on the Port au Port peninsula and Sandy Point provides important habitat for birds and other animals. It houses rare plant species such as Seabeach Sedge, Saltmarsh Rush, Seaside Lavender, and Saltwater Cordgrass, amphipods, and fish also exist in the area. St. George’s Bay contains submarine fans that have not been seen anywhere else in the region. Herring also spawn in the area. Shorebirds and songbirds use the habitat in the area during fall migration and nesting season. Migratory shorebirds congregate in large numbers on tidal flats in the fall. Piping Plovers nest in the area. The only known nesting location in the province for Willet is on Flat Island in St. George’s Bay. Other nesting shorebirds in the area include Greater Yellowlegs, Common Snipe and Spotted Sandpiper. Flat Island contains colonies of Common and Arctic Terns, Ring-billed Gulls and Greater Black-backed Gulls. White-winged Scoters are sometimes abundant in nearshore areas. The area is also along an annual seal migration route.

Protection

St. George’s Bay and Port au Port Bay are Fisheries Conservation Closed Areas, aimed at conservation of Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic Herring spring spawning, and lobster. The bay is seasonally closed to scallop fishing, and a portion is closed to commercial scallop fishing.

Threats

Overfishing is an issue in the area, especially during herring spawning. Sandy Point is heavily impacted by all-terrain vehicle and horse travel. Several industrial threats exist to the area; for example, pulp and paper effluent has been found to affect Winter Flounder in St. George’s Bay. Mining activities also occur in the Stephenville area and throughout the Port au Port peninsula.

South Coast Fjords

Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its exquisite natural beauty and productive coastal waters, and the South Coast Fjords are a perfect example of such. The area is a haven for species like blue, humpback, fin and killer whales in the winter and leatherback sea turtles in the summer. The establishment of the South Coast Fjords NMCA will preserve endangered species and ecosystems – both of which are important criteria for Canada’s network of marine protected areas.

Many marine mammals and rare species follow this route to feed in the sheltered bays, including leatherback turtles, harbour porpoises, and humpback, fin, blue, right, and killer whales. Endangered porbeagle sharks are also known to aggregate off Pass Island. The Burgeo Sandbanks contain extensive beaches and marshes which provide habitat for the globally-vulnerable Piping Plover.

You can learn more about the South Coast Fjords here!

March 6 2018

Marine Waste Management

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

Marine Waste Management

Background

With over 16,000 kilometers of coastline, it is no surprise that Newfoundland and Labrador has been built along the coast, with many communities relying year after year on the ocean for their livelihood. Due to this connection to the ocean, our province has the highest number of active harbours in the country, with 343 active harbours (the second highest is Nova Scotia with 226). Unfortunately, Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine environments experience various threats daily, including threats presented by marine debris.

In consultation and partnership with the Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia, the founders of the award winning Ship to Shore program, CPAWS-NL were thrilled to take the Ship to Shore program toNewfoundland and Labrador (NL)

But what is Ship to Shore?

Through working with fish harvesters, marine vessel operators and harbour management, this program aims to reduce marine debris and encourage all ocean users to bring all of their waste back to shore and dispose of it properly. We aim to work with the communities and mitigate waste disposal issues, and find solutions to make the community a clean space both for its people and species it calls home. Identifying barriers that inhibit proper waste disposal will help reduce the amount of waste in our oceans and along our diverse coastlines.

Participating Communities in NL:

Since starting the program in 2017, we have brought the Ship to Shore program to different regions of the province. For each region, we had the opportunity to meet with many community members including ocean users, fish harvesters, marine vessel operators, and harbour management. We also had the pleasure of delivering presentations to students to talk all about marine debris. Many volunteers also participated in our beach and underwater cleanups, helping to reduce waste in the ocean. Apart from the participating NL communities highlighted below, CPAWS-NL has also organized cleanups in other areas of the province including Flatrock, Harbour Grace, Harbour Main, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, and Torbay.

Petty Harbour (2017)

In 2017, the Ship to Shore Pilot Project was done in Petty Harbour. This small community is located on the eastern shore of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and has an active fishing industry. It’s also a well-known tourist destination with its very own Mini Aquarium that highlights marine conservation and local marine life.

Petty Harbour, NL Photo Credit: NewfoundlandandLabrador.com

Straight Shore (2018-2019)

The Straight shore is situated on the north east of Newfoundland and is known for its long and sandy coastline. Here, we engaged with fishing communities – Cape Freels North, Aspen Cove, Ladle Cove, Lumsden, Musgrave Harbour, and Newtown.

Volunteers after a beach cleanup in Ladle Cove, NL. Clean beach in Ladle Cove, NL

Burin Peninsula (2019-2020)

This part of the province is found on the south coast of Newfoundland, separating Fortune Bay and Placentia Bay and is known to locals as “The Boot” due to its shape. 8 communities were involved in the program from this region – Burin, Fortune, Garnish, Grand Bank, Lawn, Lamaline, Point au Gaul, and St. Lawrence.

Wharf in Garnish, NL

Students from Lamaline school cleaning a beach after

learning all about marine debris

Connaigre Peninsula (2020-2021)

Connaigre Peninsula is located on the south coast of Newfoundland with many small fishing communities, some accessible only by boat. This region is unique to the province as it is heavily involved with aquaculture (Atlantic salmon, blue mussels, steelhead trout, and Atlantic cod). Participating communities from this area were – Belloram, Harbour Breton, Hermitage, McCallum, and Seal Cove.

Aftermath of our underwater cleanup at the Hermitage Harbour. (In picture left to right: Steve Crewe (mayor of Hermitage-Sandyville), Rick Stanley, and John Olivero (divers from Ocean Quest Adventures), and Robyn Knight (Conservation Assistant for CPAWS-NL).)

Outport community wharf in McCallum, NL. Photo Credit: Marion Jackson

Harbour authority and local fish harvesters at the wharf in Seal Cove, NL

during a meeting to discuss waste disposal issues and solutions.

What is Marine Debris? Marine debris is any solid micro or macro waste that is intentionally or unintentionally disposed of or abandoned in the marine environment. It includes all kinds of plastic, metal containers, waste oil and other man-made materials. Marine debris damages habitat, kills wildlife through entanglements, ingestion, injuries, and ghost fishing, deters tourists, threatens human health and is a hazard for navigation and fishing gear. To secure our marine resources, we must ensure the health of its ecosystems. The density and distribution of marine debris originating from human activities are primarily governed by the amount of ocean industry and shipping traffic, the proximity to populated coastal areas, and the patterns of oceanic circulation and surface winds. Discarded and lost fishing gear and other debris from fishing vessels are most noted as the dominant components of marine debris.

It’s important to report large marine debris hazards such as equipment used within the ocean industry such as netting. If you know of hazardous large marine debris that is difficult or unsafe to retrieve, please click to fill out our form!

Why Involve Fishers and Harbour Authorities? Discarded and lost fishing gear, and other debris from fishing vessels, are the most common and visible forms of marine debris, where 80% of ocean plastics are related to fishing activities. Therefore, the key to minimizing marine debris in the ocean is to listen to the concerns of regular ocean users – those who know their waters the best, and guide them into effective change.

CPAWS-NL envisions a clean, healthy environment not only to aide the ecosystem but to ensure the longevity of sustainable resources.

What Can You Do?

Return all waste used at sea back to shore, disposing, recycling or reusing items properly. Litter on land can also end up on the oceans by wind and water runoff.
Reduce plastic use – as many ocean species such as whales and turtles mistake plastics for food. Plastic and other debris can not be naturally expelled from the body.
Ensure all fishing gear such as fishing lines, gears, ropes, nets, are not released at sea, as these can cause entanglements in whales and turtles, and become ghost nets on the ocean floor. Report any and all fishing gear that can not be safely retrieved to DFO or CPAWS-NL
TAKE THE OCEAN CHAMPION PLEDGE! Click “Take the Pledge” button below!

Take the Pledge!

Marine Debris Database Submission Form

Click Here for the Ocean Champion Questionnaire

Effects of marine debris on species at risk

Click here to access our Aquatic Species at Risk Guidebook!

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Endangered)
Dermochelys coriacea

It may be hard to believe, but Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a turtle! The Leatherback Sea Turtle are migrating species, and like whales, they travel along our coasts throughout summer to forage before returning south to breed. Atlantic Canada has a predictable abundance of jellyfish, and therefore hosts one of the highest densities of foraging Leatherback Sea Turtles. Unfortunately for human viewing, Leatherbacks will never be found onshore in Newfoundland, as they stay out in the ocean snacking on jellies!

Leatherback Sea Turtles is 1 of only 7 species of marine turtles in the world. As per their name, they have a leathery shell, differing from the “typical” bony shells of other species of turtles (including the other 6 marine species). The shell is shaped like a teardrop with 7 distinct dorsal ridges tapering at the tail. Leatherback Sea Turtles are bluish-black in colour with scattered white blotches and have very large paddle-shaped front flippers. Each adult has a uniquely patterned “pink spot” on the top of the head, which is believed to play a role in prompting migration by responding to seasonal changes in daylight. The adult Atlantic population of Leatherback Sea Turtles that frequent our waters have an average curved carapace (shell) length of approximately 1.5 metres and an average weight of approximately 400 kg. As their diet consists mainly of jellyfish, the throat and the esophagus of Leatherbacks are covered with spines which is an adaptation to assist in swallowing the slippery jellies.

Threats

Anthropogenic threats to Leatherback Sea Turtles include: entanglement, vessel collisions, marine pollution, acoustic disturbance, climate change, poaching, coastal development, and artificial light.

The threat of highest concern in Atlantic Canadian waters is entanglement in fishing gear, which can cause lethal or sub-lethal injuries to a turtle. Entanglement can also compromise a turtle’s ability to swim, resulting in drowning. Poaching, coastal development, and artificial light are not threats in Canadian waters, as these compromise recruitment success.

How YOU Can Help Leatherbacks in NL

You can help protect sea turtles by using less plastic! As mentioned above, Leatherbacks’ main diet are jellyfish, and as you can see in the picture below, it is easy for these turtles to confuse a plastic bag for a jellyfish. Once ingested these plastics can not be digested or naturally expelled from the body. They simply stay within in stomach… as more plastics enters, their stomach becomes more full having no room for food, causing starvation and death. They may also get tangled up in various kinds of plastic, such as 6-pack rings from soda cans or packing straps. This causes injuries and makes it hard for them to swim or feed, causing drowning.

You can reduce plastic waste and help sea turtles by:

using reusable shopping bags
recycling plastic whenever possible
drinking from refillable water bottles
packing your lunch in reusable containers
refusing single-use plastics, like straws and bags
disposing garbage in proper trash containers, as garbage litter can be carried by wind and water to the ocean

Recovery Strategy for the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Atlantic Canada

North Atlantic Right Whale (Endangered)
Eubalaena glacialis

The North Atlantic Right Whale is a migratory whale that has been making its way in Atlantic waters more frequently in recent years. This baleen whale (also termed “toothless whale”) migrates to Northern waters to feast on our abundance of prey, primarily microscopic crustaceans named copepods. They may remain in our waters throughout Fall, Summer, and Spring. In Winter months, female Right Whales travel to the coastal areas of Florida and Georgia for calving. Calving takes place every 2 to 6 years, birthing just one calf. North Atlantic Right Whales can live at least 75 years. Unfortunately, this whale is one of the most endangered whales on the planet with only approximately 411 (2018 survey) whales remaining in its global population.

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish whale species from one another, especially from looking afar. There are some unique characteristics which make North Atlantic Right Whales easier to spot: wide tail flukes and narrow tailstock, large flippers and no fin on its back (no dorsal fin), black skin, though some right whales have white patches on the throat or belly, rough white patches of skin called callosities on their head, chin and sometimes on the edge of their lower lips. Each whale’s callosity pattern is unique, allowing scientists to recognize individual whales.

Threats

Collisions with vessels, entanglement in fishing gear and underwater noise are the most serious threats to the North Atlantic Right Whale population. In consequence of the 17 Right Whale Deaths of 2017 (approximately 4% of their entire population), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) have implemented recovery actions to prevent future anthropocentric deaths – a commitment of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan.

What YOU Can Do To Help North Atlantic Right Whales

Reduce plastic use – as baleen whales, such as Right Whales feed, they filter out water and ingest prey and oftentimes plastic. Plastic and other debris can not be naturally expelled from the body, filling its belly, mimicking that it is “full” and oftentimes will cause starvation and death.
Ensure all fishing gear are not discarded at sea, as fishing lines, gears, ropes, nets, can cause entanglement in whales. Entanglement can cause harm to the body resulting in sores and infection, and can also become too heavy and the whale does not have enough energy, causing drowning.
If you see an entangled whale call Whale Release and Strandings at 1-888-895-3003

Action Plan for the North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in Canada: Fishery Interactions

Recovery Strategy for the North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in Atlantic Canadian Waters

Wolffish
**Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor) – Threatened
Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) – Threatened
Atlantic (Striped) Wolffish (Anarchichas lupus) – Special Concern**

The surrounding waters of Newfoundland and Labrador are home to three of four species of Wolffish: Atlantic (Striped), Spotted, and Northern. All three species have overlapping habitats and similar threats so they are combined when determining their recovery strategy. Wolffish species are ecologically important as their primary diet is sea urchins (though also includes brittlestars, crab, shrimp, and other crustaceans). A decrease in wolffish population therefore can attribute to an increase in sea urchins, which poses a threat to the entire ecosystem as over abundance of sea urchins can result in an “urchin barren”. Sea urchins feed on kelp and seaweed, large masses of urchins can forage entire kelp beds, removing habitat for breeding, recruitment and hiding areas for young from predators. Urchin barrens affect all species, including commercially important species such as cod, lobster, and crab.

Know Your Wolffish

The Atlantic Wolffish is the most abundant of the three species found throughout the province, they are also commonly found both inshore and offshore unlike the other two species which predominately remain offshore. The head is large relative to the body, with vertical stripes on fins and body. Juveniles are yellowish brown with olive green fins, and adults range from yellowish brown to slate/purplish blue. Flesh is firm.

Northern Wolffish is commonly found the most offshore than the other two species. The head is small relative to the body. Pectoral fins and gill openings are also small. The body colour is more uniform for all sizes, ranging from dark grey to dark brown to purplish black. Indistinct dark spots are possible, but rare. Flesh is jelly-like.

Spotted Wolffish’s head is large relative to the body, with dark spots on fins and body. Juveniles are greyish brown (sometimes with a purplish colour), and adults range from yellowish brown to greyish brown to dark brown. Flesh is firm.

Threats

The leading cause of Wolffish decline is suggested to be incidental bycatch during fishery activities (food, small and large scale, and inshore and offshore fisheries). However, there are other factors which contribute to their population decline such as poor recruitment do to climate change, habitat alterations and habitat destruction, pollution (ocean dumping and coastal run-off), seismic activities, and natural mortality due to parasites, disease and predation.

What You Can Do To Help Wolffish Populations

Since 2004, all Wolffish accidentally caught during any fisheries must be released, quickly, without harm to the Wolffish, and at the site of capture.
Report any sighting of Wolffish to DFO or CPAWS-NL
Reduce plastic use and ensure plastic and other garbage are properly disposed of or recycled. Marine debris alters habitats and disrupts food chains, habitat conditions, and ultimately affects population success.

Recovery Strategy for Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor), and Management Plan for Atlantic Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) in Canada

See More of Our Work

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March 6 2018

Puffin and Petrel Patrol

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Wildlife Campaigns

Since the start of Puffin & Petrel Patrol, the program has rescued thousands of Atlantic Puffin and Leach’s Storm-Petrel chicks and released them back to sea. Now, more than ever, these birds need our help. Both species are globally listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to drastic global population declines.

2024 season is now over! Thank you to everyone for their help and support. Data and statistics from this season will be reased soon!

The History

The Petrel and Petrel Patrol Program started in 2004 when Juergen and Elfie Schau of Germany were visiting their summer getaway in Witless Bay. They began noticing young Puffins (named Pufflings) stranded along the roadside and quickly learned that this was a regular occurrence during fledging season. They wanted to help so they recruited local community members to aid in the rescue of the stranded Puffins Since then, what began as a small project involving neighbours and their children has grown into a beloved community tradition of rescuing Puffins and Petrels each year during fledging season.

In the summer of 2011, CPAWS-NL partnered with the Schaus in order to expand and facilitate this program to include the rescue of Leach’s Storm-Petrels and to extend the patrol to include an additional 5 communities surrounding the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The Seabird Conservation and Habitat Improvement Program facilitates volunteers to educate and encourage locals to dim or turn off unnecessary lighting, decreasing light pollution.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to North America’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffins and the world’s second largest colony of the Leach’s Storm-Petrel, with both having a sum of over 600,000 mating pairs. This ecological reserve runs from the Town of Witless Bay to the Town of Burnt Cove, along the Southern Shore of Newfoundland. Both Puffins and Petrels dig burrows for nests and lay one egg in May or June, which is incubated by both parents. After approximately 7 weeks later the chicks hatch. Atlantic Puffin Chicks begin leaving their nests in late summer, fledging throughout the month of August.

Leach’s Storm-Petrels leave their burrows from September to mid-November. Both species make their way out to sea, where they remain until they are old enough to breed at 4-5 years old. Fledging occurs during the night to avoid predators, using the moon and stars as their navigation system, leading them to the ocean.

This program runs from August – Mid-November each year rescuing Puffin and Petrel chicks. Puffin rescue runs in August and Petrels from September to mid-November. Unlike Puffins, Leach’s Storm-Petrels are nocturnal and these birds are released onto a dark beach the same night they are rescued in the fall months, while Atlantic Puffins are kept overnight and released in the mornings in August.

The Problem

Increased business and residential development in our province, particularly on the Avalon Peninsula, has resulted in an increase in the number of stranded seabirds turning up along our roadways and in backyards.

Under ideal conditions, Atlantic Puffin and Leach’s Storm-Petrel chicks fledge at night and use the stars and the moon as a navigational system, directing them out to sea. Unfortunately, on overcast or foggy nights, many chicks become disoriented and are attracted by artificial lights along the coast. Street lights, vehicle headlights, and home lights can all throw these little birds off course – leading them to navigate toward land instead of out to the open ocean.

For Atlantic Puffins, this is a common occurrence during their fledging season in August as these chicks leave the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. In mid-September through mid-November, this also happens to Leach’s Storm-Petrels as they fledge from their burrows. Leach’s Storm-Petrels can be found stranded in many places on the Avalon Peninsula as we have the largest Leach’s Storm-Petrel colony in the world (Baccalieu Island) as well as other colonies with large populations like the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

Artificial lighting influences the migration, foraging, reproduction and parental behavior of seabirds. It is unlikely that most will find their own way back into the marine environment without the help of patrollers who rescue them. Being seabirds, puffins and petrels find locomotion very difficult on land, and as seabirds they only eat marine life. Even with the Puffin & Petrel Patrol’s dedicated volunteers, hundreds of chicks are still ending up dead in our communities due to this ever-growing issue.

What We Do

Atlantic Puffin Rescue – Each night during the fledging season in August, volunteers from local communities and those who have travelled far and wide to participate in the program, patrol the community ‘hotspots’ searching for stranded juvenile Atlantic Puffins. Once they are caught, they are housed overnight in crates until they can be released the next morning along the coast. CPAWS-NL facilitates this program and collects information such as locations of stranded birds, environmental conditions, number of active patrollers as well as providing safety equipment to those who partake. Prior to their release, with the assistance of Environment and Climate Change Canada- Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), puffins are banded, weighed, wing measured, and a sub-sample are swabbed to test for avian influenza. This allows CWS a means to collect information from the seabirds efficiently and without causing disturbance to the breeding colonies. This information contributes to our understanding of the overall health of the puffin population and, if individuals are re-sighted, can give us a clue of where these birds go.

Leach’s Storm-Petrel Rescue – During the fall months, during September to mid-November, Leach’s Storm-Petrel chicks begin their migration seawards. Like pufflings, many young Leach’s Storm-Petrels unfortunately become thrown off-course due to strong winds and light pollution from the coasts. Young inexperienced petrels become stranded on land all across the Avalon Peninsula. CPAWS-NL provides support to members of the public who discover these birds on roads, boats, parking lots, and even downtown St. John’s! Unlike puffins, petrels are nocturnal creatures, which means they are sensitive to the daylight and must be released during the dark hours. It also means that many people have never seen a Leach’s Storm-Petrel before and may not know what kind of bird they have found!

If you find an Atlantic Puffin or Leach’s Storm-Petrel, it is important to contact us at nlpuffinpatrol@cpaws.org or (709) 330-8929

Register to be a Puffin Patrol Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Puffin and Petrel Patrol! We rely on our volunteers to rescue hundreds of young seabirds every year, and while we are appreciative of the tremendous interest, we prioritize public safety and our program mandate; to mitigate the effects of light pollution on seabirds. Too great a volume of people and traffic in Witless Bay and in surrounding communities can unfortunately create additional light pollution and can cause serious concerns for public, community, and wildlife safety. Therefore, nightly patrols will be restricted to local residents of immediate areas and to pre-registered non-locals (limited registration space is available to those who reside outside of the targeted patrol area).

Non-Locals: To become a Puffin Patrol volunteer, you will have to register.

Make sure you choose a date and training slot that has enough free spaces for yourself and your group. Everyone, including children, will need to register by carload (one registration form per carload of people). Children under the age of 18 will require consent from their legal parent or guardian. Everyone must sign the waiver below before their patrol.

Before Your Patrol Shift

Visit and review the additional information provided on our web-page FAQ to prepare yourself for your patrol experience.

Help us keep Puffin and Petrel Patrol program going: Every year, we need to replace missing and damaged equipment, hire staff, and print materials and permits. We also do a lot of important behind-the-scenes work to reduce the impact of artificial light pollution in on these vulnerable seabirds. Visit our donation page and consider giving a gift of $15 per patroller to help us keep our important work going.

On the Day of Your Patrol Shift

Arrive to headquarters 10 minutes before your scheduled shift. Remember that if you are based in St. John’s, it is about a half hour drive to the community of Bay Bulls. Plan your trip accordingly.

Before arriving, please will out a waiver.

Prior to patrolling, every Patroller is required to take part in a brief training session, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. After successfully completing your training, you will receive a permit, a map and will be able to sign out equipment to start patrolling. Everyone will also be required to sign a waiver prior to Patrolling for their safety.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are unable to lend out safety gear. Every patroller MUST bring their own safety vest, gloves, and flashlight. We will provide crates and nets, which will be sanitized after each use. You will also need your own vehicle to patrol as the search area is quite large, and spread out.

All captured seabirds will be released the following morning on the local tour boats. Everyone can purchase tickets for boat tour releases (cost at the discretion of the Tour Boat Operators). If interested in attending a boat release, please check with boat tour operators for tickets and availability. Check our social media for current information on releases.

If you are a resident or staying in a coastal area along the Avalon Peninsula during the Summer and Fall fledging seasons…

Dim or turn off unnecessary lighting
Use motion sensor lighting around your property
Use window coverings on windows that face the coastline
Report any sightings of puffins and petrels on your property
Volunteer to be an active patroller – registration info coming soon!

The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)

Global population: 12,000,000 – 14,000,000

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve population: North America’s largest colony of over 300 000 mating pairs (600, 000 adults).

Global IUCN listing: Vulnerable (visit the IUCN website for details on this assessment)

Atlantic Puffins eat small fish and can dive up to 70m underwater to catch them. Puffins mate for life and will return to the same location to mate. Puffins dig burrows for nests and lay one egg in May or June which is incubated by both parents. Chicks hatch in June or July and begin leaving their nests about 7 weeks after being laid, making their way out to sea where they remain floating on the ocean until they reach adulthood (4-5 years). Though we associate Atlantic Puffins with colourful beaks (or bills), they actually aren’t always that colour! During the winter months, their beaks are a black/grey, during spring/summer their beaks change into the beautiful colours we are used to seeing, to entice mating. Puffins can live for about 22 years.

Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)

Global population: 6,700, 000 – 8,300,000

Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve – The largest Leach’s Storm Petrel colony in the WORLD is Baccalieu Island Ecological reserve, located at the entrance to Conception Bay! There are 3 Million breeding pairs of Leach’s Storm Petrels on this island. Despite having the largest Leach’s Storm Petrel Colony in world, we do not see this seabird very often. This is because they are difficult to observe on their nesting colonies since they are nocturnal and only enter and leave the colonies only at night.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve populations: contains the second largest colony of Leach’s Storm Petrels in Newfoundland and Labrador, with over 300, 000 pairs (600,000 adults).

Global IUCN listing: Vulnerable (visit the IUCN website for more details on the assessment)

Weighing in at just a little larger than a budgie bird, with long wings, black feathers, a hooked beak and a bright white patch on the lower back the Leach’s Storm Petrel is unmistakable. Leach’s Storm Petrels have a distinctive tube nose, which allows them to excrete excess salt. Leach’s Storm Petrels are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. Like puffins, petrel parents lay a single egg and take turns incubating the egg. Chicks hatch in late June to early-August, and leave their nest during the night in mid-September to late October. Parents feed their chicks by regurgitation when they visit at night. After hatching, it takes approximately 9-10 weeks until the chick leaves the nest!

Mid-September through October is the time of year when juvenile Leach’s Storm Petrels fledge their burrows to make their way out to sea. These long life seabirds live over 20 years on average and during the winter, travel all the way to the waters of Peru and South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Puffin & Petrel Patrol? The Puffin & Petrel Patrol is community-driven initiative to save land-stranded puffin and petrel chicks , started by Juergen and Elfie Schau with the assistance of the youth of Witless Bay. Since the early beginnings of the program, thousands of chicks have been rescued and returned to their ocean environment.

Why do chicks get stranded inland? Chicks leave their burrows at night, typically using the moon and stars to navigate out to sea. However, on foggy or overcast nights, the chicks become confused by artificial lights on the coast and fly inland instead, becoming stranded on land.

What do they need help getting back to the water? Why can’t they just fly on their own? Both puffins and petrels are seabirds, which means they are built for life in the water, not on land. Did you know, puffins and petrels are excellent under-water flyers! They use their specially shaped wings to propel themselves under water in search of food and to escape predators. Once puffins and petrels get stuck on land, they need a steep slope or helping hand to help lift them back into the air!

Why are only puffin and petrel chicks being stranded? Why are there not also adults? Good question! The most likely reason why we only find young puffins and petrels becoming stranded on land is because they are not yet experienced flyers and navigators like their parents. The chicks that patrollers find on land are only about 7- 10 weeks old!

Why are there so many puffins and petrels at the same time? We find so many chicks around the same time of year each year, because it is at this time that their parents stop providing food for them and so chicks leave their burrows and venture into the world for the first time.

Why don’t the puffins in puffin patrol look like the puffins I see in pictures and on TV? The puffins we rescue in puffin patrol are still very young. They will grow in size and develop bright, colourful bills and feet like their of their parents when they return in a few years time to mate and have their own young.

Marine Campaigns

CPAWS-NL Celebrates Signing of Feasibility Study for South Coast Fjords NMCA in Newfoundland and Labrador

Be Whale Safe

Aquatic Species at Risk in Newfoundland and Labrador

Due to COVID-19, this year we will celebrate Ocean’s Day digitally!

World Ocean’s Day Theme 2022:

One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together

Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador

Priority Coastal Sites

Bonavista Bay

Special Features

Protection

Threats

Marine Waste Management

What Can You Do?

Return all waste used at sea back to shore, disposing, recycling or reusing items properly. Litter on land can also end up on the oceans by wind and water runoff.

Reduce plastic use – as many ocean species such as whales and turtles mistake plastics for food. Plastic and other debris can not be naturally expelled from the body.

Ensure all fishing gear such as fishing lines, gears, ropes, nets, are not released at sea, as these can cause entanglements in whales and turtles, and become ghost nets on the ocean floor. Report any and all fishing gear that can not be safely retrieved to DFO or CPAWS-NL

TAKE THE OCEAN CHAMPION PLEDGE! Click “Take the Pledge” button below!

Effects of marine debris on species at risk

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Endangered)Dermochelys coriacea

Threats

Anthropogenic threats to Leatherback Sea Turtles include: entanglement, vessel collisions, marine pollution, acoustic disturbance, climate change, poaching, coastal development, and artificial light.

How YOU Can Help Leatherbacks in NL

You can reduce plastic waste and help sea turtles by:

using reusable shopping bags

recycling plastic whenever possible

drinking from refillable water bottles

packing your lunch in reusable containers

refusing single-use plastics, like straws and bags

disposing garbage in proper trash containers, as garbage litter can be carried by wind and water to the ocean

2024 season is now over! Thank you to everyone for their help and support. Data and statistics from this season will be reased soon!

The History

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Endangered)
Dermochelys coriacea