Ecology Action Centre

The EAC is exploring value-adding options for Nova Scotia’s swordfish harpoon fleet – like charter operations. Our economic analysis shows that if a commercial swordfish fisher hosted just three five-day trips in a season for two passengers at a time, they could generate $61,000 in additional revenue to their commercial operations. ⁠ ⁠ However, unclear requirements and lack of resources dedicated to a solution have meant repeated conversations on charter opportunities at decision-making tables for years with no progress. ⁠ ⁠ Read more about our recommendations in our report, “Keeping a century-old fishery alive,” at https://lnkd.in/gH-NNx28 #SustainableSeafood #Swordfish #NovaScotia #SustainableFisheries #ClimateAdaptation .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Image description: Each image shows a blue square with a recommendation over a graphic of the ocean. Image 1 reads "Add the option to fish with rod and reel gear to all 184 'A' licence holders in the harpoon fishery." Image 2 reads "Create enabling policy and regulations to allow swordfish charter licences for interested harpoon fleet members." Image 3 reads "Create a fit for purpose program under Transport Canada to help support and guide fishers through the process of meeting requirements for vessels of the harpoon fleet size class to carry passengers for charter operations. This could be similar to the 'blue decal' program which exists for smaller charter vessels." Image 4 reads "Create a joint DFO and Transport Canada working group tasked with drafting enabling policies and regulations to accelerate the creation of harpoon/rod and reel swordfish charter fishing opportunities. The working group should include all interested Rightsholders, and stakeholders, including NGOs and researchers with expertise."

Join the EAC and @ourhrmalliance this Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. for the Backlands BioBlitz! Go on a guided hike of the Purcells Cove Backlands and identify native and invasive plants to help collect data for future conservation efforts. For more info and to register, visit https://lnkd.in/gFiGXsKs . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ID: an image of a yellow warbler sitting in a tree. A green circle in the top left corner of the image reads "Backlands BioBlitz! Thursday, Aug. 15"

Several years of changing ocean conditions have meant low catches for Nova Scotia’s swordfish harpoon fleet. The EAC is supporting this sustainable fishery and exploring value-adding options. Our surveys show there is widespread (95 per cent) support for a swordfish charter fishery, with 89 per cent of respondents saying that they would expect benefits in their community or industry.⁠ ⁠ Check out the full report, “Keeping a century-old fishery alive,” at https://lnkd.in/gH-NNx28 .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Image description: The first photo reads "Would you support having swordfish fishing charter business operating in your community and more widely in Nova Scotia?" with a button for "yes" showing 95% and a button for "other/no/I don't know" showing 5%. The second photo shows a bar graph answering the question "Do you see a swordfish charter fishery having benefits to your community/industry?" with 17 for economic benefits, 13 for science and education, 13 for social and cultural, and 2 for I don't know/no benefits.

Join us for a lunch and learn webinar this Monday, Aug. 12 from 12-1 p.m. on barrens wetlands! Dr. Jeremy Lundholm, a research associate with TransCoastal Adaptations at Saint Mary’s University, will discuss barrens landscapes, their biodiversity and the presence and importance of wetlands within these landscapes.  For more info and to register, visit bit.ly/3YyIdFb #wetlands @tcadaptations

Did you know... that Nova Scotia has a century-old swordfish harpoon fishery? Harpooners hand “stick” swordfish after they are spotted at the surface of the water. This is considered the most sustainable way to catch swordfish because there is no bycatch of other animals and little ecosystem impact. ⁠ ⁠ However, changing ocean conditions caused in part by climate change mean that this fleet is struggling. The EAC is supporting the fleet and exploring value-adding options, like a new gear type and charter operations, so that this skilled and clean fishery can thrive in our province for another century. Check our full report at https://lnkd.in/gH-NNx28

Municipal elections are just around the corner in Nova Scotia! ⁠ ⁠ We’re currently working on resources for this year's elections to help you stay informed, engage with candidates on environmental issues and choose green city leaders – sign up at the link below to stay in the loop on election issues!⁠ 👉️ https://lnkd.in/gybN7PSm #hfxvotes2024 #nspoli #nselections #elections #municipalelection ⁠

Yesterday, the N.S. government released its progress report for the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and associated climate plan. Although there are some aspects of the report worth celebrating, several actions that would improve the lives of Nova Scotians and safeguard our communities from the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss have been delayed or completely abandoned. But most concerning is an absolutely baffling attempt to sell the government's failure to pass the Coastal Protection Act as a success. This decision suggests both a lack of respect for the intelligence of Nova Scotians and a basic unwillingness to do their job as leaders. Read our full statement at bit.ly/3AhTW0v #EGCCRA #EnvironmentalGoals #ClimateChange #ClimatePlan #CoastalProtectionAct #CPA #NSpoli #EcologyAction #NovaScotia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ID: an image of a Nova Scotia coastline with a dark blue filter. White text over the image reads "EAC's statement on the 2024 EGCCRA Progress Report" with a white EAC logo

Wetlands Appreciation week is Aug. 10-18! Join the EAC and our partners for some awesome events celebrating these crucial and beautiful natural spaces and all they do to mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity and more! Events include everything from guided bird hikes, to a photo contest, to interactive activities for the whole family. Follow the link below for a full event list and to register! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gFiGXsKs #wetlands #FamilyActivities #guidedhikes #birdwalk #ecologyaction #birdwatching #wetlandconservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ID an areal image of a wetland with a large green circle over top. white text in the circle reads "Wetlands Appreciation Week. Aug. 10-18, 2024. Guided Hikes | Webinar | Interactive Activities | Bird Walk| BioBlitz | Photo Contest | More!" with various NGO logos

Last chance to take our 2024 supporter survey! Complete the survey by end of day on Tuesday, July 30 and help us better understand your needs a member of the EAC community! Visit bit.ly/4cSaLgO to give your feedback today! #ecologyaction #supporter #survey

We're working on resources to help you engage with candidates on environmental issue during this years municipal elections in Nova Scotia! Follow the link below to stay in the loop on elections issues and gain access to resources as they become available. 👉️ https://lnkd.in/gFk6VNhr #hfxvotes2024 #nspoli #nselections #halifaxelection ⁠