Coastal Issues Committee Projects

Reconnecting the Coast

Reconnecting the Coast is The Coastal Issues Committee (CIC)’s coastal policy initiative. Through a number of related initiatives, we aim to ‘reconnect’:

• Fragmented coastal habitat and systems
• Piecemeal coastal policies and regulations
• Communities, scientists, government and other stakeholders
• Local experiences and issues with policy advocacy and research
• Residents and visitors with our spectacular coastal areas

More info on Reconnecting the Coast.

Fresh Water Policy

Water is unquestionably one of the most important natural resources on Earth –everyone and everything needs water to live.  The EAC is actively engaged in the development of a provincial water resources strategy.  A draft water strategy is expected in the fall of 2009, and the province is committed to meeting their deadline of 2010 for a comprehensive water strategy. More info.

Groundswell

How healthy is our groundwater?  The Groundswell Project will help us find out!  With new connections to community groups, government and existing monitor networks, this community-based monitoring program will provide groundwater information to communities, environmental organizations, planners, consultants, and anyone else interested in watershed management.  Monitoring is expected to begin in the spring, with local-scale groundwater data available online shortly after!   More info on Groundswell.

No Net Loss of Wetlands

Wetlands, including saltmarshes, swamps and bogs have an extremely important role in the ecosystem.  Wetlands, just like lungs, are very good filters and in this case, wetlands help filter water.  They also provide crucial habitat for animals, plants and insects and help buffer the impact of storms and sea-level rise.  The province of Nova Scotia has published a draft strategy on the No Net Loss of Wetlands and they are asking for public comments until November 6th 2009.  Read our EAC submission online and submit your comments.  More info...

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

The Ecology Action Centre is very concerned about shale gas developments and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Nova Scotia. Several committees at the EAC are actively involved in this issue. More info...

Bird Conservation

The EAC has turned its attention to birds because, like so much on this planet, birds are in trouble. Birds are very sensitive to climate change, habitat loss, and poisoning from pesticides and other toxins, so they are excellent indicators for the general health of the planet.  We have developed several projects to help birds directly and to raise awareness about their plight. More info.

Better Beach Management

Beaches are more than just strips of sand for sunbathing: they are complex and dynamic systems with many interconnected components including sand dunes, salt marshes, intertidal flats, offshore sand bars, tidal ponds and lagoons that change cyclically and over time. Their extreme sensitivity to human impacts and intensifying development and recreation pressures mean better beach protection is urgently needed. More info.

Coastlines Natural History Column

Coastlines is a natural history column raising knowledge and awareness of native species, habitats, and human ecology in coastal Nova Scotia. The column is supported by the Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund with contributions from hunters and trappers. The articles and illustrations focus on local topics and aim to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of coastal wildlife and habitat conservation in our province. This project has now finished, but you can view previous articles here.

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