Seabed video survey approaches for delineating & monitoring coastal EBSAs, SBAs, and MPAs

Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) can be good candidates for protection as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). EBSAs identified for their significance for species that occupy seabed (also termed benthic) habitats may also receive consideration under DFO’s Sensitive Benthic Areas (SBA) Policy which aims to mitigate impacts of fishing, or avoid impacts (including indirect effects) likely to cause serious or irreversible harm to sensitive seabed habitat, communities or species. Within the Bay of Fundy, the coastal Head Harbour/ West Isles/Passages EBSA is under consideration for both spatial management approaches. Two species present within the EBSA, stalked sea squirt and horse mussel, form structural features on the seabed that provide habitat features that are used by other species. Both species have life history traits that elevate the risk of serious or irreversible harm from seabed-contact fishing. Current limited knowledge on the spatial extent of these species and other SBA features within the EBSA preclude defining spatial boundaries to guide conservation management decisions. Structurally complex coastlines with adjacent islands and sub-littoral reefs in this, as well as other coastal EBSAs, represent challenging environments within which to assess seabed species assemblage characteristics. Outputs from the project will contribute to the assessment of spatial management options and will evaluate the utility of seabed video surveys for identification, characterization and monitoring of coastal conservation areas.