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Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place
Artwork: Melissa Labrador
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“Implementation of prioritized conservation actions for Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place coastal and freshwater targets” is a project initiated by the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative (KCC), a collaborative partnership of Mi’kmaq First Nations, Indigenous organizations, non-government organizations, academic institutions, federal and provincial government departments.
Central to the KCC's approach is Etuaptmumk, or Two-eyed Seeing, which values the integration of Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge with Western scientific methods. This collaborative effort focuses on conserving species at risk and preserving biodiversity in the Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place, one of eleven Priority Places for Species at Risk across Canada. To learn more about the KCC visit their website here. |
the PROJECT
The projects aim to foster collaboration by engaging multiple Coastal Action teams, with various environmental targets within the Priority Place of Kespukwitk/Southwestern Nova Scotia. The project aims to enhance efforts for Species at Risk (SAR), migratory birds, and biodiversity conservation within prioritized coastal and freshwater ecosystems. The Coastal and Marine team specifically supports the KCC Ecosystem Targets of Coastal Islands, with project work focusing on reducing anthropogenic food sources for marine birds, increasing awareness around migratory birds and reducing recreational impacts on coastal islands. The project will engage community stakeholders such as boaters, marinas, local fish processing facilities, bird enthusiasts, and recreational users of these coastal ecosystems.
sTRATEGY 1- rEDUCING aNTHROPOGENIC FOOD SOUCES FOR GULLS
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Through Strategy 1, Coastal Action is engaging with fish processing plants throughout Kespukwitk to gain insight into their day-to-day operations, build relationships, and help collaborate on reducing the availability of anthropogenic food sources to seagull species in the area. Large gull populations congregating near fish processing facilities can negatively impact local ecosystems, particularly migratory bird populations identified within the Priority Place. Resource scarcity, predation, and habitat destruction may contribute to adverse effects on other bird populations.
By conducting gull monitoring, surveys, and working with facility operators, we aim to understand gull behaviours and identify areas where gulls are accessing anthropogenic food sources. This targeted intervention could lead to a reduction in gull populations within local ecosystems, thus decreasing the threat to other bird species. |
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sTRATEGY 2 - rEDUCING RECREATIONAL IMPACTS ON COASTAL ISLANDS
Coastal Islands are vital sanctuaries within Nova Scotia's coastal landscape, particularly for migratory birds. These islands provide crucial habitats where birds can rest, nest, and feed during their long journeys. While these islands are ideal for recreational activities such as kayaking, swimming, camping, and hiking, their primary importance lies in their role as vibrant ecosystems that support avian life. These coastal havens are essential for the survival of many bird species, making them invaluable natural treasures.
Common coastal bird species found in Nova Scotia include the Common Eider, Black Guillemot, Great Blue Heron, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Osprey, Double-crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Common Tern, and Piping Plovers.
When exploring these coastal ecosystems, some key topics to keep in mind include:
Common coastal bird species found in Nova Scotia include the Common Eider, Black Guillemot, Great Blue Heron, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Osprey, Double-crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Common Tern, and Piping Plovers.
When exploring these coastal ecosystems, some key topics to keep in mind include:
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Coastal Action believes recreation is an important aspect of coastal communities and encourages the responsible use of these spaces while respecting the natural systems within them. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the potential impacts of recreational activities on coastal ecosystems and migratory bird species. If you have any questions regarding migratory birds, recreation on coastal islands, or want to learn more, contact us at [email protected].
more information Available here
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sTRATEGY 3 - INCREASING AWARENESS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS ON COASTAL ISLANDS
Migratory birds play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and health of coastal islands in Nova Scotia. They contribute to nutrient cycling through their droppings, which are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients that help fertilize the soil and promote plant growth. Additionally, many migratory birds are frugivorous (fruit-eating), dispersing seeds through droppings, which increases biodiversity and aids in plant propagation on remote island ecosystems. Seabirds and shorebirds contribute to habitat formation through their nesting activities, while insectivorous birds help control insect populations, supporting the larger island food web. These birds are integral to the ecosystem, serving as both prey and predators, helping to maintain ecological balance on coastal islands.
Beyond their ecological roles, migratory birds are vital indicators of environmental health, providing valuable insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities. Their presence and behaviour can signal the state of the ecosystem. Migratory birds also hold significant cultural and economic importance for local communities, as birdwatching and ecotourism related to these species can be substantial sources of income and cultural enrichment.
Understanding and protecting migratory birds is essential for preserving the ecological integrity and overall health of Nova Scotia's coastal islands
As part of the KCC project, Coastal Action has developed a Bird Monitoring Protocol (BMP) for citizen scientists interested in monitoring avian life. This protocol outlines best practices for reducing disturbances and impacts on the bird species being monitored.
Beyond their ecological roles, migratory birds are vital indicators of environmental health, providing valuable insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities. Their presence and behaviour can signal the state of the ecosystem. Migratory birds also hold significant cultural and economic importance for local communities, as birdwatching and ecotourism related to these species can be substantial sources of income and cultural enrichment.
Understanding and protecting migratory birds is essential for preserving the ecological integrity and overall health of Nova Scotia's coastal islands
As part of the KCC project, Coastal Action has developed a Bird Monitoring Protocol (BMP) for citizen scientists interested in monitoring avian life. This protocol outlines best practices for reducing disturbances and impacts on the bird species being monitored.