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Hyperlinks to non-ACZISC websites do not imply any official endorsement of, or responsibility for, the opinions, ideas, data or products presented at these locations, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. The sole purpose of links to non-ACZISC websites is to indicate information available on topics related to integrated coastal management.

DECEMBER 2003

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING OF OUR ECOSYSTEMS: FROM RESEARCH TO COMMUNITIES
The Conference entitled Ecological Monitoring of our Ecosystems: From Research to Communities is scheduled for 23-25 January 2004 at the Quality Inn in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The Conference is sponsored by the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability, Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with the University of Prince Edward Island and Island Nature Trust. The Conference objective is to examine how communities can benefit from more information from local researchers as well as how they can contribute to research and ecological monitoring. The participants will discuss their common linkages and how a network of environmental monitoring could be formed with the help of communities from the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence in order to optimise the exchange of data and information. For information, email Mathieu David Vautour, Coordinator, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability.

RECENT COASTAL AND OCEAN ACTIVITIES IN ATLANTIC CANADA
For recent information on coastal and ocean activities in Atlantic Canada, refer to the report of ACZISC Meeting #40 held in Halifax on 10-11 September 2003. The report is available at http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/docs.

UPCOMING ACZISC MEETINGS
- 28-29 January 2004: ACZISC Meeting #41, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- 19-20 May 2004: ACZISC Meeting #42, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 15-16 September 2004: ACZISC Meeting #43, Fredericton, New Brunswick
- 19-20 January 2005: ACZISC Meeting #44, Halifax, Nova Scotia
For information, email the ACZISC Secretariat.

NEW BRUNSWICK ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FUND
January is the deadline submitting proposals to the NB Environmental Trust Fund. The Fund provides assistance for action-oriented projects with tangible, measurable results aimed at protecting, preserving and enhancing the Province's natural environment. For information, access http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0373/0002/0001-e.html.

REPORT ON STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON OCEAN ZONING
The Ecology Action Centre has released a report entitled Zoning: Perspectives on a New Vision for the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine. Recommendations include: ensuring that conservation is the driver for zoning; involving stakeholders in the development and application of the http://www.fsrs.ns.ca/events/ac2004.htmlzoning process; and encouraging governments and all stakeholder groups to consider multi-sector zoning to promote conservation and uniform management decisions among different jurisdictions. To obtain a copy, access the Ecology Action Centre website.

CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED GULLY MARINE PROTECTED AREA
The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has announced the pre-publication of the proposed Regulations for The Gully Marine Protected Area (MPA). The proposed Regulations and supporting Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) are available for public review. A 30-day public comment period is now underway, and written comments can be submitted to DFO by 6 January 2004. For information, access the DFO News Release; the Regulations; and a Backgrounder.

AMENDMENTS TO NOVA SCOTIA'S ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Proposed amendments to Nova Scotia's Environmental Assessment Regulations have been released for public comment. The proposed regulatory changes are intended to add efficiency to the assessment process, introduce innovation and implement some aspects of Nova Scotia's Energy Strategy. The public comment period ends on 19 January 2004. The draft regulations and an explanatory brochure are available at http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ess/ea/new.htm.

CALL FOR PAPERS - 6TH BAY OF FUNDY WORKSHOP
2 April 2004 is the deadline for submitting abstracts for the 6th Bay of Fundy Workshop that will be held from 29 September - 2 October 2004 in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. The workshop theme The Changing Bay of Fundy ~ Beyond 400 Years encourages the exploration of the ecological and social changes that may take place in the region during the next hundred years.

CALL FOR PAPERS - COASTAL ZONE CANADA 2004
16 January 2004 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to CZC 2004, scheduled for 27-30 June 2004 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. CZC 2004 will focus on the increasingly complex challenges associated with understanding, maintaining, managing, and governing coastal ecosystems. The overall theme of the Conference is All Within One Ocean: Co-operation in Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Management. Sub-themes include: Challenges, Strategies, Tools, and Managing Shared Waters.

BEDFORD INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY: 40th ANNIVERSARY
The 2002 BIO Annual Report celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Institute with articles on its history, scientific research and resource management initiatives. This special edition, published in November 2003, is dedicated to the "four Bills", the early Directors of the Institute, whose vision shaped the direction of Oceanography in Canada from the 1950s to the 1970s. To obtain a copy of the Report, email geddesd@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

COASTAL ZONES RESEARCH INSTITUTE NEWSLETTER
The October 2003 edition of Technology Alert, the bi-annual newsletter of the Coastal Zones Research Institute is available at http://www.umcs.ca/Institut/ta002.pdf (English version) and http://www.umcs.ca/Institut/at002.pdf (French version). The Institute's main objective is to foster sustainable development of the resources found in coastal zones, mainly in eastern New Brunswick and the Atlantic Provinces. To subscribe, email Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez.

GEOBASE LAUNCHED BY NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA
The GeoBase Portal provides access to geospatial data at no cost to users and with no restrictions on its use. The new portal is intended to ensure the provision of common, up-to-date and maintained sets of quality geospatial data for all of Canada. It offers access to six pre-determined sets of data: national road network (NRN) data; Canadian digital elevation data (CDED); geographical names of Canada; administrative boundaries; Canadian geodetic network data; and Landsat-7 orthoimage data. GeoBase is available at http://www.geobase.ca/.

COLLABORATIVE PILOT PROJECT ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
GeoConnections has joined the Open GIS Consortium Inc and other US sponsors to participate in a pilot project aimed at increasing the interoperability of symbology used by emergency response personnel in multiple federal and national departments in both countries. For information, access http://www.opengis.org/initiatives/?iid=87. GeoConnections would like to work with Canadian organizations and private-sector firms that intend to respond to the Request for Quotations (RFQ). For details, email Jennifer Sokol, Project Advisor for Disaster Management.

NATIONAL WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP REPORT
The final Canadian National Watershed Stewardship Policy Discussion report is now available at http://www.leps.bc.ca/website/NWS.htm. The Report presents policy recommendations and suggested actions to strengthen watershed stewardship programs and activities. Since watershed stewardship includes all human activities on the landscape, the recommendations are strongly linked to numerous national policies and strategies that are being developed across federal departments, particularly those associated with Canada's Stewardship Agenda.

CANADA'S FISHERY STATISTICS IN 2002
Primary fisheries production reached a record $2.8 billion: commercial marine $2.1 billion, aquaculture $639.0 million, and commercial freshwater $78.1 million. The Canadian fisheries industry provided 59,192 direct jobs in 2002. Indirect, industry-related jobs numbered in the tens of thousands. Aquaculture also provided 14,000 direct and indirect jobs to rural and coastal communities. Canada is the fifth largest exporter of fish and seafood products in the world. For the fifth consecutive year, fish and seafood exports in Canada increased, reaching a record high of $4.7 billion in 2002 - up from $4.2 billion in 2001. For information, access http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2003/hq-ac115a_e.htm.

CANADA'S CLIMATE IS CHANGING
A report entitled Climate, Nature People: Indicators of Canada's Changing Climate describes changes to Canada's climate during the 20th century and reviews trends and implications for twelve climate change indicators. Temperature, precipitation, and other trends identified in the report suggest that climate in many regions of Canada is changing. The report can be accessed at http://www.ccme.ca/initiatives/climate.html?category_id=33.

AQUANET CALL FOR PROPOSALS IN AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
AquaNet has issued a Call for Proposals in aquaculture research for 2004-2006. The deadline for submission of proposals is 30 January 2004. For detailed information on the four interdisciplinary research questions, the submission process, AquaNet policies and procedures and the selection criteria, access the AquaNet website at http://www.aquanet.ca/English/research/cfp.php.

US EPA SCIENCE INVENTORY LAUNCHED FOR PUBLIC USE
The EPA Science Inventory is a searchable, Agency-wide database of more than 4,000 scientific and technical work products. Database records provide such information as project descriptions (abstracts), contacts for additional information and electronic links to final reports and related research. Users can conduct keyword searches or can search within nine cross-cutting science topics. The Science Inventory is available at http://www.epa.gov/si.

PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE US OCEAN MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE
The US Ocean Management Task Force has released Preliminary Recommendations; these are available on the Ocean Management Initiative website at http://www.state.ma.us/czm/oceanmgtinitiative.htm. 15 January 2004 is the deadline for submitting written public comment on the Preliminary Recommendations via email at oceanmgtinitiative@state.ma.us.

MODIS: NEAR REAL-TIME IMAGERY
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a 36-band spectroradiometer measuring visible and infrared radiation. Derived data products include: vegetation, land surface cover, ocean chlorophyll fluorescence, cloud and aerosol properties, fire occurrence, snow cover, and sea ice cover. MODIS near real-time imagery is available online at http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/realtime/.

17% OF EU FISHERIES PRODUCTION FROM AQUACULTURE IN 2001
A recent issue of the European Commission's Statistics in focus reports that in 2001 (the latest year for which complete data are available) the EU-15 Member States produced 1.3 million tonnes of fishery products from aquaculture, that is 17% of the total fisheries production from capture fisheries and aquaculture.

FINDING SOLUTIONS TO MARINE DEBRIS
A report entitled Finding Solutions: Derelict Fishing Gear and Other Marine Debris in Northern Australia contains options to combat the critical problem of marine debris in northern Australian waters. It incorporates a comprehensive summary of existing knowledge of sources, magnitude and impacts of marine debris; details existing activities and identifies information gaps; and provides a set of options for the prevention and management of the problem. The report is available at http://www.oceans.gov.au/pdf/marine_debris_report.pdf.

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS
- The proceedings of the 8th Canadian Workshop on Harmful Marine Algae, held on 28-30 May 2003 in Moncton, New Brunswick, have been published as a Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The proceedings are available at http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci-sci/cwhma-atcamn/index-e.html.

- The proceedings of an international workshop on Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) held on 20 June 2003 in Cairns, Australia are now available at http://www.oceans.gov.au/ebm.jsp. The theme of the Workshop was Beyond biodiversity - Sustainable conservation and development of the oceans using EBM.

- The proceedings of CoastGIS, the 5th International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management, held on 16-18 October 2003 in Genova, Italy are available at http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/. The theme of the Symposium was Integrating Information in Coastal Zone Management.

DEADLINES
- 19 December 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 2004 AMRS Conference, Operational Oceanography and Remote Sensing, scheduled for 16-19 March 2004 in London, UK. The session themes are: Maritime Security; Ice Services; Disaster Prevention and Management; Emerging Sensors and Platforms; and Future Requirements. Sessions will be held in conjunction with Oceanology London 2004.

- 31 December 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 13th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species scheduled for 19-23 September 2004 in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland

- 31 January 2004 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the International Conference on Coastal Infrastructure Development, scheduled for 22-24 November 2004 in Hong Kong

- 31 March 2004 is the deadline for submissions to Volume 19 of the Ocean Yearbook. Topics considered for publication are: Issues and Prospects; Living Resources of the Ocean; Non-living Ocean Resources; Transportation and Communications; Environment; Coastal Management; Military Activities; Regional Developments; Training and Education; and Literature Review. Contact information and guidelines are available at http://as01.ucis.dal.ca/wag/template/uploads/law/oybguidelines.pdf.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 17-18 December 2003: Workshop on the Status, Trends and Conservation of Eelgrass in Atlantic Canada, Sackville, New Brunswick. For information, email Dr. Alan Hanson, Wetland and Waterfowl Ecologist, Canadian Wildlife Service.

- 4-8 January 2004: Ocean Research Interactive Observatory Network Workshop, San Juan, Puerto Rico

- 6-8 January 2004: Northeast Coastal Indicators Workshop, Durham, New Hampshire

- 8-10 January 2004: Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. For information, access

- 29-30 January 2004: Water for a Sustainable and Secure Future, the 4th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment, Washington, DC

- 4 February 2004: OTANS AGM - Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- 4-7 February 2004: Sustainable Communities National Conference and Trade Show, organized by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Ottawa, Ontario

- 15-20 February 2004: 2004 Ocean Research Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii

- 20-21 February 2004: 11th Annual Conference of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

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NOVEMBER 2003

CALL FOR MEMBERS - ESSIM CORALS WORKING GROUP
The recent discovery of the Lophelia coral reef in the Laurentian Channel has made the conservation of deep-sea corals an important issue for the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative to address soon. A multi-stakeholder corals working group will be set up through the ESSIM process, with experts also invited to join the group. The working group will work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to develop a coral conservation plan for the Scotian Shelf. If you are interested in joining the working group, email Heather Breeze. Please indicate your interest by 5 December to assist in the planning for the first meeting.

CALL FOR PAPERS - COASTAL SOCIETY CONFERENCE
1 December 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 19th International Conference of the Coastal Society, scheduled for 23-26 May 2004 in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. TCS 19 will address four broad themes: Coastal Governance Structures; Coastal Land Use; Water Quality; and, Habitat and Ecosystem Management. A special workshop for students and young professionals will provide training sessions by coastal veterans.

CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF STORM SURGE IN THE CHARLOTTETOWN AREA
Prince Edward Island was subject to an extreme weather event in January 2000 that resulted in significant flooding. A storm surge study was conducted using the Consequence Analysis Tool Set (CATS) - populated with geographic and infrastructure data of the City of Charlottetown. The study illustrates the potential hazards from the effects of storm surge and wind from hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe winter storms. The report is available from the OCIPEP website.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COASTAL ZONES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Coastal Zones Research Institute (CZRI) is being established at the Shippagan campus of the Universiti de Moncton in New Brunswick. The Institute's main objective is to foster sustainable development of the resources found in coastal zones, mainly in eastern New Brunswick and the Atlantic Provinces. For information, access http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/rdc/2003e0934rd.htm.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS IN NEW BRUNSWICK
New Brunswick's first Report on Environmental Progress entitled Air, Land and Water - Reporting to New Brunswickers on Environmental Progress reports on air quality, land planning and management, and water quality. The report is available at http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/elg/2003e1048el.htm.

MANAGING COASTAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GULF OF MAINE
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment will host a Coastal Development Forum on 4 December 2003 at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Forum will explore how provinces and states in the Gulf of Maine region are responding to challenges posed by coastal development, and the potential barriers and opportunities for ICM within and across jurisdictions. The Forum is free to the public. For information, email Joshua McLean.

CONTRACT AVAILABLE TO WRITE STATE OF THE GULF REPORT
A writing contract is available for the State of the Gulf report. Applications are due 21 November 2003. The report will describe the Gulf of Maine as a functional ecosystem and provide information needed to understand specific issues. The report is intended to provide information for effective management of marine resources and will be used in the State of the Gulf Summit to be held in October 2004. For information, access http://gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities/.

CANADA RATIFIES UNCLOS
Canada has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Convention provides the framework for international oceans law, governing many aspects of oceans affairs, from fisheries and navigation to marine pollution and scientific research. UNCLOS entered into force in 1994. Canada's ratification brings the number of parties to 144. For information, access http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/department/focus/UNCLOS-en.asp.

CALL FOR PAPERS - COASTAL ZONE CANADA 2004
16 January 2004 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to Coastal Zone Canada 2004, scheduled for 27-30 June 2004 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. CZC 2004 will focus on the increasingly complex challenges associated with understanding, maintaining, managing, and governing coastal ecosystems. The overall theme of the Conference is "All Within One Ocean: Co-operation in Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Management". Sub-themes include: Challenges, Strategies, Tools, and Managing Shared Waters.

OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE ADVISORY COUNCILS
The Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner is seeking nominations to fill positions with the Regional Advisory Councils (RAC), established in 1995 to enhance Canada's Marine Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime. Representatives include a balance of communities and interests that might be affected by an oil spill. 30 November 2003 is the deadline. For information, email Linda LeBlanc, Canadian Coast Guard.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES FROM GEOCONNECTIONS
- Proposals are sought from public-sector organizations to publish geospatial information and services to the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI).
- Letters of intent are welcome from Canadian organizations (public and private sector) for projects that enable new applications that support a community of practice. The application must utilize the existing and emerging capabilities of the CGDI.
1 December is the deadline for submitting proposals and letters. For information, access the GeoConnections website.

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES: UNINVITED GUESTS
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has produced a report entitled Aquatic Invasive Species: Uninvited Guests, available at http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/37/2/FOPO/Studies/Reports/foporp04-e.htm. The Government of Canada has reviewed the recommendations contained in this report and has provided responses to each recommendation, available at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/reports/aquaspec-espaqua/index_e.htm.

CANADA'S COASTLINES AND DEFENCE
Canada's Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence recently tabled a 2-volume interim report entitled Canada's Coastlines: The Longest Under-Defended Borders in the World. The report, including conclusions and recommendations, is available http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/defe-e/rep-e/rep17oct03-e.htm.

A LONG-TERM VISION FOR AQUACULTURE IN CANADA
The Commissioner for Aquaculture Development, Yves Bastien, has released his report entitled Achieving the Vision. The report describes the socio-economic benefits that aquaculture has brought to Canada; concludes that aquaculture is an environmentally sustainable method by which to produce fish; describes a 15-year vision; and outlines a role for the federal government to collaborate with the provinces and all stakeholders. The report is available at http://www.ocad.gc.ca/enewsreleasesbg031030.html.

RECENT WARMING OF ARCTIC MAY AFFECT WORLDWIDE CLIMATE
Recently observed change in Arctic temperatures and sea ice cover may be a harbinger of global climate changes to come, according to a recent NASA study. The Arctic warming study, appearing in the November 1 issue of the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Climate, shows that compared to the 1980s, most of the Arctic warmed significantly over the last decade, with the biggest temperature increases occurring over North America. For information, including images and animations, access http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/topstory/2003/1023esuice.html.

SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR MANAGING COASTAL RESOURCES
This six-part Coastal Management Framework module has been designed to provide an understanding of the many players involved in coastal zone management and their role in the decision-making process in the USA. The core section of this course is a wetlands mitigation case study. The other sections are complementary and provide additional depth to the materials in the case study. The module is available at http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cmfp/admin/welcome.htm.

NEPTUNE UPDATE
NEPTUNE, a joint Canada-US venture led by the University of Victoria and the University of Washington, will be the world's largest cable-linked seafloor observatory. Information gained through the Project will lead to earlier warning of earthquakes and tsunamis, more accurate estimates of commercial fish stocks and improved models for climate prediction. $62.4 million in funding was recently announced for the Canadian portion of the Project. For information, access http://www.neptunecanada.ca.

COASTAL POLLUTION
The Biological Effects of Environmental Pollution in Marine Coastal Ecosystems Project (BEEP) involves several EU member states and associated states. The aim of the programme is to discover the most reliable biological markers on the contamination of coastal systems by pollution from the continent. Surprise: 70 % of coastal pollution comes from the atmosphere. For information on the BEEP project and other EU research projects on endocrine disrupters, access http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/endocrine/projects_ongoing_en.html.

IOOS DRAFT PLAN FOR DATA MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
The US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Draft Plan for Data Management and Communications (DMAC) is available for public comment. DMAC will be a data and communications infrastructure that consists of standards, protocols, facilities and software. It will support: metadata; data discovery; data transport; on-line browsing; and data archiving. The deadline for comments has been extended until 18 November 2003. The Plan is available at http://www.dmac.ocean.us/dacsc/imp_plan.jsp.

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS
- The Change Islands Workshop was held on 23-25 August 2003 in Change Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of the event was to build an understanding about the vulnerabilities and adaptations within rural coastal communities, draw lessons from best adaptive practices, and develop guidelines for coastal community-based approaches to achieve future sustainability. The Workshop presentations are available at http://www.sfu.ca/coastalstudies/linking/changeislands.htm.

- The international Foreshore, Law and Politics Conference on coastal, fishery and aboriginal issues was held in Wellington, New Zealand on 4 October 2003. The keynote speaker was Brian Lee Crowley, Director of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, who presented a paper entitled "Who Should Own the Sea and Why it Matters." The Conference presentations are available at http://www.act.org.nz/action/foreshore/index.html.

DEADLINES
- 31 October 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to a Marine GIS Conference scheduled for 18 March 2004 in London, UK. The theme of the event is GIS in the Marine and Coastal Environment: experiences and solutions. For information, access http://www.metoc.co.uk or email David Green. The Conference will also be held in conjunction with Oceanology London 2004.

- 19 December 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 2004 AMRS Conference, Operational Oceanography and Remote Sensing, scheduled for 16-19 March 2004 in London, UK. The session themes are: Maritime Security; Ice Services; Disaster Prevention and Management; Emerging Sensors and Platforms; and Future Requirements. Sessions will be held in conjunction with Oceanology London 2004.

- 31 December 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 13th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species scheduled for 19-23 September 2004 in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 18-21 November 2003: CARIS 2003, St. Louis, Missouri

- 20-21 November 2003: International Oil Spill Waste Management Workshop, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 21 November 2003 at 1500 hrs: Seminar entitled Fisheries and the Community Connection: Making Community-Based Management Work in the Maritimes, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. For information, email gorsebrook@smu.ca.

- 24-29 November 2003: 2003 EMAN National Science Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- 1-5 December 2003: Deep Sea 2003, Queenstown, New Zealand

- 8-10 December 2003: International Conference on Coastal and Freshwater Issues, Chennai, India

- 8-12 December 2003: East Asian Seas Congress 2003, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

- 14-19 December 2003: 15th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Greensboro, North Carolina

- 17-18 December 2003: Workshop on the Status, Trends and Conservation of Eelgrass in Atlantic Canada, Sackville, New Brunswick. For information, email Dr. Alan Hanson, Wetland and Waterfowl Ecologist, Canadian Wildlife Service

- 29-30 January 2004: Water for a Sustainable and Secure Future, the 4th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment, Washington, DC

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

POSTPONED - ATLANTIC CANADA'S GEOMATICS PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY SESSION
The Atlantic Canada Geomatics Partnership (ACGP) strategy session scheduled for 10 November 2003 in Moncton, New Brunswick has been posponed; the revised date will be announced later this week. The participants will be asked for input on the services the Atlantic Canadian geomatics organizations want the ACGP to provide, how the ACGP should be organized and how it can implement strategies to help the regional geomatics community. For information and to register, email Dan McGuire.

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OCTOBER 2003

FIRST DISCOVERY OF A DEEP-WATER LOPHELIA REEF IN ATLANTIC CANADA
A special briefing on the discovery of a deep-water lophelia reef in Atlantic Canada is scheduled for 1300 hrs on Monday, 3 November 2003 in the Main Auditorium of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The schedule includes: Introductory Remarks by Don Gordon; Preliminary Results Including Video Clips by Pal Mortensen; and Steps for Building a Conservation Strategy by Faith Scattolon. All are welcome to attend.

GULF OF MAINE SUMMIT COORDINATOR
The Gulf of Maine Summit is scheduled for 26-29 October 2004, in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. The international partners planning the event seek to hire a part-time contractor to coordinate all aspects of the Summit, including logistics, speakers, report development, fundraising, and external relations. The position is funded for 20 hours per week from November 2003 to December 2004. For information, access http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities/.

CALL FOR PAPERS
- 31 October 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to a Marine GIS Conference scheduled for 18 March 2004 in London, UK. The Conference will address two broad topics: how the application of GIS can bring benefits to a wide range of industries and activities in the marine environment, and key and relevant issues to the successful implementation of GIS for the marine and coastal environment. It will be held in conjunction with Oceanology London 2004. For information, access http://www.metoc.co.uk or email David Green.

- 14 November 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the International Symposium on Quantitative Ecosystem Indicators for Fisheries Management, scheduled for 31 March - 3 April 2004 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The Symposium will deal with two major themes. The first theme will provide an overview of the vast range of indicators of exploitation and state of ecosystems that are being developed for fisheries management from an ecosystem perspective. The second theme will cover the scientific basis for integrating indicators into an effective ecosystem approach to fisheries. This comprises the evaluation of indicators, the definition of operational frameworks and the communication to stakeholders of inferences based on indicators.

COASTAL ZONE CANADA SEMINAR
The Seminar Introducing One Ocean - Smoothing the Waters for Offshore Oil and Fisheries, by Gordon Slade, One Ocean, Marine Institute, is scheduled for 1930 hrs, Tuesday, 28 October 2003 in the Engineering Building (E 2006), Marine Institute, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. For information on the Seminar, email Keith Mercer.

CITY OF MONCTON PLEADS GUILTY IN LANDFILL CASE
The City of Moncton in New Brunswick has pleaded guilty to federal environmental charges related to a decommissioned landfill. This is the first time that a municipality has been prosecuted by Environment Canada for landfill problems. Moncton has been ordered to arrange and pay for all work needed to ensure that the landfill meets the requirements of the federal Fisheries Act. The investigation was initiated because of evidence provided by Petitcodiac Riverkeeper, a local environmental group. For details, access the Environment Canada news release.

HURRICANE JUAN IN NOVA SCOTIA AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Hurricane Juan was a category 2 hurricane when it made landfall near Halifax, Nova Scotia at 12:10 am ADT on 29 September 2003. Comparison of the areas of wind damage, radar imagery, and public reports of clear skies and calm winds indicates that the diameter of the eye was 35-40 km across. For information, including maps, satellite imagery and photos, access the Canadian Hurricane Centre website at http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/index_e.html.

MARSHES, TIDES AND CROSSINGS IN COLCHESTER COUNTY, NOVA SCOTIA
The Ecology Action Centre and the Municipality of Colchester County have produced a report entitled Marshes, Tides and Crossings: Colchester County Tidal Barriers Audit Report 2002. The report presents the results of the tidal barriers audit which was performed during the summer of 2002. It also provides an overview of some of the consequences for fish, wildlife and the integrity of coastal ecosystems resulting from the loss and degradation of productive salt marsh habitat. To obtain a copy, email coastal@ecologyaction.ca.

COMPARATIVE DYNAMICS OF EXPLOITED ECOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC
The CDEENA program hypothesizes that the failure of the collapsed groundfish stocks to recover in the 1990's is explained by changes in the ecosystems of the NW Atlantic between pre-collapse (mid-1980's) and post-collapse (mid-1990's) periods, driven by a combination of biological, fishing and environmental variation. Funded by DFO, the study focuses on five ecosystems (Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf; Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence; Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence; Eastern Scotian Shelf; and Western Scotian Shelf). Mass-balance biomass models are used to describe the ecosystems and to explore their properties. For details, access http://www.osl.gc.ca/cdeena/en/accueil.shtml.

OMRN 2003 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Ocean Management Research Network 2003 National Conference is scheduled for 13-15 November 2003 in Ottawa, Ontario. The theme is Canada's Oceans: Research, Management and the Human Dimension. A major addition to this year's conference will be a set of fifteen interactive workshops to assess the state of knowledge, research gaps and priorities on human uses of Canada's oceans and coasts.

ABORIGINAL INVOLVEMENT IN AQUATIC RESOURCE AND OCEANS MANAGEMENT
The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has announced plans for two new programs for Aboriginal groups. The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program (AAROM) and the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP) will enable Aboriginal groups to become more involved in the processes used for aquatic resources and oceans management. For information, access http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac99_e.htm.

MERGING SATELLITE IMAGERY AND MAPPING DATA
The Government of Canada has announced a $5.6 million investment to support research and development by PCI Geomatics. PCI Geomatics will develop advanced technology software applications that merge large volumes of satellite imagery and mapping data to create digital maps in near real time. This will allow the use of geomatics as a decision-making tool when dealing with critical issues such as sustainable resource development, environmental protection and health and safety. For information, access http://tpc.ic.gc.ca/en/SSG/tp00367e.html.

RECENT GULF OF MAINE COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS
- The Gulfwatch regional monitoring program of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has released a fact sheet on its findings about contamination in coastal waters over the past decade. The fact sheet is available at http://gulfofmaine.org/council/publications/gulfwatchfactsheet.pdf.

- The fall issue of the Gulf of Maine Times features an article on the Cheverie Creek salt marsh restoration project. If successful, the project will become the first community-based salt marsh restoration in Nova Scotia. Click on 'Headlines' at http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/fall2003/index.htm.

INDICATORS FOR INTEGRATED COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
A Reference Guide on the Use of Indicators for Integrated Coastal Management has been published UNESCO's IOC/ICAM. The aim of the Guide is to present a literature review on the use of indicators around the world, from various programmes and projects, at global, regional, national and local scale. The Guide is available at http://ioc.unesco.org/icam/files/Dossier.pdf.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA
The latest Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development has been tabled in the House of Commons. The Commissioner reports on: Managing the Safety and Accessibility of Pesticides; Road Transportation in Urban Areas: Accountability for Reducing Greenhouse Gases; Sustainable Development Strategies: Case Studies; and Environmental Petitions. The report is available online.

MANAGING THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ROAD SALTS
A comprehensive five-year scientific assessment by Environment Canada determined that in sufficient concentrations, road salts pose a risk to the aquatic environment, plants and animals. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Government of Canada has until 1 December 2003 to develop and propose measures to manage the risks associated with road salts. 18 November 2003 is the deadline for making comments on the proposed Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts. For information, access http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/roadsalt/en/index.cfm.

2003 STATE OF THE GREAT LAKES REPORT
The 2003 State of the Great Lakes Report is the fifth in the series of biennial reports. It concluded that the state of the Great Lakes, based on assessments of ecosystem health indicators, and Lake by Lake assessments, was mixed. Major stresses include poor land use planning and invasive species. Nutrient enrichment and anoxia in Lake Erie continue to be a problem. The report is available at http://www.binational.net.

GEORGIA BASIN ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE: A 5-YEAR PERSPECTIVE
The Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative (GBEI) was launched in 1998 to protect, restore and conserve this unique ecosystem. The GBEI partners - federal, provincial and state agencies, local government agencies, community groups, Coast Salish First Nations, industry associations, conservation groups and other non-profit organizations - have worked collaboratively and used an ecosystem approach to address the Georgia Basin's environmental needs. A report, available at http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/GeorgiaBasin/reports/5_year_perspective/summary_e.htm, details the progress made over the past five years.

EXTRACTION OF WHALES AND ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS
New research shows how the extraction of whales has resulted in broad and devastating ecosystem impacts. A new paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences hypothesizes that overfishing of whales in the North Pacific Ocean triggered one of the longest and most complex ecological chain reactions ever described, beginning in the open oceans 50 years ago, and leading to the decimation of Alaska's kelp forest ecosystems today. For information, access http://www.seaweb.org/PNAS2003/pnas.release.html.

MILITARY SONAR MAY GIVE WHALES THE BENDS
In September 2002, a group of beaked whales beached themselves in the Canary Islands. Autopsies indicate that underwater sonar from naval exercises may have given the marine mammals the bends. The research is reported in the October 9 issue of Nature. For information, access http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/10/1008_031008_whalebends.html.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY
A report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) states that Canadian ports have paid insufficient attention to the costs of development and tended to overestimate income from the cruise industry. Charting a Course: The Cruise Industry, the Government of Canada and Purposeful Development documents all of the issues that a port city needs to consider in developing cruise ship tourism. The report also examines Canada's voluntary approach to the regulation of cruise ship discharges into coastal waters. It is available at http://www.policyalternatives.ca.

POOR COUNTRIES TO DOMINATE FISH INDUSTRY IN 2020
Developing countries will shape nearly all growth in the fish industry in the next two decades, while greater reliance on fish farming could force a trade-off between the health of wild fisheries and the environment. These findings come from Outlook for Fish to 2020: Meeting Global Demand, a report released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the WorldFish Center. The full report available at http://www.ifpri.org/pressrel/2003/20031002.htm.

CALL FOR PAPERS
15 October 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to Species at Risk 2004: Pathways to Recovery scheduled for 2-6 March 2004 in Victoria, British Columbia.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 17-19 October 2003: APICS Undergraduate Student Environmental Conference, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For information, email the Environmental Studies Student Society.

- 20-21 October 2003: Forum on Integrated Management of the Coastal Zone of Eastern New Brunswick, Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. For information, email turcottea@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

- 20-21 October 2003: Ocean Innovation 2003, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 22 October 2003: Maritime Security Forum, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 27-28 October 2003: Ballast Water Workshop, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- 27-31 October 2003: 30th Pacem in Maribus Conference, Kiev, Ukraine

- 28 October 2003: Coastal Zone Canada Seminar entitled Introducing One Ocean - Smoothing the Waters for Offshore Oil and Fisheries, Marine Institute, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. For information, email Keith Mercer.

- 29 October - 1 November 2003: Aquaculture Canada 2003, the 20th Aquaculture Association of Canada Meeting, Victoria, British Columbia

- 2-5 November 2003: 8th Estuarine and Coastal Modeling Conference (ECM8), Monterey, California

- 3-5 November 2003: 2003 Aquaculture Engineering Society (AES) Issues Forum, Seattle, Washington

- 5-7 November 2003: 1st Soil and Groundwater Pollution Course: Investigation, Remediation and Risk Assessment, Sydney, Australia

- 13-15 November 2003: Ocean Management Research Network 2003 National Conference, Ottawa, Ontario

- 17-20 November 2003: Shallow Survey 2003, the 3rd International Conference on High Resolution Surveys in Shallow Water, Sydney, Australia

- 18-21 November 2003: 6th International Conference on the Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS), Bangkok, Thailand

- 18-21 November 2003: CARIS 2003, St. Louis, Missouri

- 20-21 November 2003: International Oil Spill Waste Management Workshop, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 24-29 November 2003: 2003 EMAN National Science Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

WORKSHOP ON AIRBORNE TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE COASTAL EROSION
On 15 October 2003, a GEOIDE workshop on Airborne Techniques to Measure Coastal Erosion will be held in Kingston, Ontario, in conjunction with the Canadian Coastal Science and Engineering Association (CCSEA) 2003 Canadian Coastal Conference, scheduled for 15-17 October 2003.

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SEPTEMBER 2003

OCEANS: MANAGING A NATIONAL ASSET
This Seminar will be presented by Peter Harrison, Senior Research Fellow, Oceans, National Research Council as part of Saint Mary's University Fisheries and Coastal Seminar Series. It will take place on Thursday, 2 October 2003 at 1600 hrs in Room SB415, Sobey Building, Saint Mary's University, Halifax. Everyone is welcome. A reception will follow. For information, email Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada Studies.

2003 GULF OF MAINE VISIONARY AND LONGARD VOLUNTEER AWARDS
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for its 2003 Gulf of Maine Visionary and Longard Volunteer awards. These awards are presented annually to recognize residents and organizations that have contributed to the mission of the Gulf of Maine Council. Winners will be presented their award at the Council's December meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 4 December 2003. All nominations must be received by close of business day on Friday, 10 October 2003. For information, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/gom.doc.

2003 NSDEL BAY OF FUNDY AWARDS
The Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour is calling for nominations for two 2003 NSDEL Bay of Fundy Awards. These awards were introduced in 1998 to support public involvement in environmental management, stewardship, and education initiatives and to recognize outstanding contributions made by the public and private sector. Winners will be presented their award at the Gulf of Maine Council Awards Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 4 December. All nominations must be received by close of business day on Friday, 10 October 2003. For information, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/bof.doc.

WATER LEVELS IN NEW BRUNSWICK
The New Brunswick Water Quantity Information Website is located at http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0007/index-e.asp. The website features monthly and annual summaries of the state of water levels in the Province, an outlook of water conditions, and tips for water conservation. Data is based on how much precipitation fell, the volume of water flowing in rivers and streams, and water levels at groundwater level monitoring stations.

ABORIGINAL FISHING RIGHTS: TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH?
On the week of the 4th anniversary of the Marshall Supreme Court decision, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) weekly national call-in show - Contact - will host from Canada's east coast a live 90 minute Town Hall on Aboriginal Fishing Rights. The event is scheduled for Friday, 19 September at 2030 hrs (AST) at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. If you would like to be part of the audience, email or call Naomi Clarke at nclarke@aptn.ca / 1-888-278-8862 ext. 232.

LEARNING FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA EXPERIENCE
Following her study of ten BC fisheries, Laura Jones, an economist, concluded that individual transferable quotas (ITQs) have improved the livelihood of fishery workers and, in some cases, saved their fisheries from catastrophe. The text of a June presentation by Ms. Jones on this topic to AIMS in Halifax is available at http://www.aims.ca/Prevevents/Jones.pdf.

CALL FOR PAPERS - COASTAL ZONE CANADA 2004
16 January 2004 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to CZC 2004, scheduled for 27-30 June 2004 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. CZC 2004 will focus on the increasingly complex challenges associated with understanding, maintaining, managing, and governing coastal ecosystems. The overall theme of the Conference is "All Within One Ocean: Co-operation in Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Management". Sub-themes include: Challenges, Strategies, Tools, and Managing Shared Waters. For information, access http://www.czca-azcc.org/index2.htm.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF 18 DEMERSAL SPECIES IN RELATION
TO PETROLEUM LICENCE AREAS ON THE GRAND BANKS
Catch rates (weight/tow) collected by DFO scientific surveys conducted from 1980 to 2000 throughout the Grand Bank area off Newfoundland and Labrador were used for the basis of this study. Maps were generated to depict species abundance in relation to petroleum licence areas. The results of this study can be used for planning and management of the Grand Bank marine ecosystem. The document is available in PDF format at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/273513.pdf and on CD by request to Tim Anderson.

STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORT - MARITIME FORCES ATLANTIC
MARLANT's 2002-2003 State of the Environment Report outlines the status of the programs established by National Defence in the context of ecosystems; pollution; climate change, ozone depletion and air quality; and stewardship. A major effort was made to improve the understanding of natural resources on DND property in preparation for compliance with the new Species at Risk Act. The Report also outlines the focus for environmental action in FY 2003-04, the final year of DND's Sustainable Development Strategy 2000. To obtain a free copy of the report in hard-copy or on CD, email Chris Pockett.

ATLANTIC CANADA GEOMATICS PARTNERSHIP
Information sessions have been held with regard to the possible formation of a pan-Atlantic Canada organization to assist geomatics-based firms to voice their concerns and to assist them with export development. A strategy session will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick on 23-24 October 2003 for firms that wish to participate in the development of the ACGP business model. For information, email info@acgp.org.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OF MAINE
Climate Change and Fisheries in the Gulf of Maine, a Symposium sponsored by the Sierra Club National Marine Wildlife and Habitat Committee, was held on 5 April 2002 in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Symposium White Papers are available at http://www.sierraclub.org/marine/fisheries/symposium02/.

CANADA'S POSITION AT ANNUAL NAFO MEETING
Canada will be bringing up key conservation issues at meetings of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) scheduled for 15-19 September 2003 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In addition, Canada is setting up an interdisciplinary team to explore options and chart a new strategy to improve the management and conservation of fish stocks on the high seas. For information, access http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac86_e.htm.

SPECIES AT RISK ACT PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS
Species at Risk Act Public Information Sessions are being held across Canada. The purpose of these Sessions is to provide information on the Act and its effect on Canadians, and describe how Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency intend to work with interested parties in implementing the new Act. In Atlantic Canada, sessions will be held on 22 September in St. John's; 23 September in Halifax; 24 September in Charlottetown; and 26 September in Fredericton. For information, access http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/public/sessions_e.cfm.

EUCC IS DEVELOPING AN ICZM PROGRESS INDICATOR
The European Union ICZM Expert Group has set up a working group to deal with indicators and data in support of the implementation process of the European Union recommendation on ICZM. This working group identified two sets of indicators to measure the progress that Member States were making in the implementation of ICZM nationally, regionally and locally. One of these was a Progress indicator and the other was a set of indicators to measure the sustainability of coastal ICZM activities. The list of proposed indicators is available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/iczm/interim_report.pdf. Information is available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/iczm/.

US NATIONAL SHORELINE MANAGEMENT STUDY
The Study, initiated by the Corps of Engineers, will examine the status of the US shoreline for the first time in 30 years, in order to provide a basis for federal actions regarding shoreline management in the future. It will provide a technical basis and analytical information for developing recommendations regarding shoreline management, including a systems approach to sand management, and roles for federal and non-federal participation in shoreline management. For information, access http://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/shoremanagement.

SCOTTISH COASTAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC SCOPING STUDY
This research report provides an overview of the socio-economic characteristics of the Scottish coastline. In addition to developing both a national and regional profile of coastal Scotland, the report assesses the manner in which coastal communities have attempted to cope with change. It is intended that this work will assist the Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) in the development of a national integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) framework. The report and other documents are available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum/whatsnew.asp.

TOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY: MAPPING TOURISM'S GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
The report, released by Conservation International (CI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), states that tourism generates 11 percent of global GDP, employs 200 million people and transports nearly 700 million international travelers per year - a figure that is expected to double by 2020. It provides guidelines for governments, private businesses, donor organizations and local communities for supporting more sustainable tourism development and includes maps that chart tourism's growth. For information and to download an excerpt, access http://www.conservation.org/xp/news/press_releases/2003/091203.xml.

DEADLINES
- 30 September 2003 is the deadline for submitting paper and poster abstracts to the Ocean Management Research Network National Conference scheduled for 13-15 November 2003 in Ottawa, Ontario. The deadline for early registration is 15 October 2003.

- 1 October 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the 2004 Ocean Research Conference, co-sponsored by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanography Society and scheduled for 15-20 2004 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

- A paper session on Marine and Coastal GIS is being organized for the 100th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) scheduled for 14-19 March 2004 in Philadelphia, PA. If you would like to participate in the session, refer to the AAG's Call for Papers. Upon finishing your registration, forward your Presenter Identification Number (PIN) to Dawn Wright, the session organizer, by Friday, 3 October 2003.

- 15 October 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to Species at Risk 2004: Pathways to Recovery scheduled for 2-6 March 2004 in Victoria, British Columbia.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 22-26 September 2003: 22nd Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference, Park City, Utah

- 25 September 2003: Symposium on Climate Change and Aquaculture, Walpole, Maine. For information, email Vivian Newman, Sierra Club

- 25-28 September 2003: Watershed Approaches to Environmental Education Conference, Summerside, Prince Edward Island

- 28 September - 1 October 2003: 30th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop, Ottawa, Ontario

- 30 September - 3 October 2003: 4th International Conference on Arctic Margins, Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

- 1-3 October 2003: Fish, War and Politics, 1300-2003, Amsterdam/Middelburg, The Netherlands

- 1-4 October 2003: 7th International Conference on Nearshore and Estuarine Cohesive Sediment Transport Processes, Gloucester Point, Virginia

- 7-11 October 2003: MEDCOAST 03, the 6th International Conference on the Mediterranean Coastal Environment, Ravenna, Italy

- 9-10 October 2003: Annual Meeting and Workshop of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Estuarine Research Society, , Moncton, New Brunswick. For information, email mreac@nbnet.nb.ca.

- 15-17 October 2003: Canadian Coastal Science and Engineering Association (CCSEA) 2003 Canadian Coastal Conference, Kingston, Ontario

- 15-17 October 2003: International Conference on Coastal Management, Brighton, UK. For information, email Surinder.Bhambra@ice.org.uk.

- 16-18 October 2003: CoastGIS 03, the 5th International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management, Genoa, Italy

- 16-18 October 2003: 96th Conference of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics, Calgary, Alberta

- 17-19 October 2003: APICS Undergraduate Student Environmental Conference, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For information, email the Environmental Studies Student Society.

- 20-21 October 2003: Ocean Innovation 2003, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 22 October 2003: Maritime Security Forum, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 22-24 October 2003: 1st Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast GeoSpatial Conference, Biloxi, Mississippi

- 27-28 October 2003: Ballast Water Workshop, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- 27-31 October 2003: 30th Pacem in Maribus Conference, Kiev, Ukraine

- 29 October - 1 November 2003: Aquaculture Canada 2003, the 20th Aquaculture Association of Canada Meeting, Victoria, British Columbia

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

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AUGUST 2003

POSITION: AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (AANS) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Executive Director whose primary focus will be promoting the development of aquaculture in Nova Scotia. The deadline for applying is Friday, 29 August 2003, 12:00 noon (AST). For information, access http://www.aansonline.com/.

UPCOMING ACZISC MEETINGS
- 10-11 September 2003: ACZISC Meeting #40, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- 28-29 January 2004: ACZISC Meeting #41, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- 19-20 May 2004: ACZISC Meeting #42, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 15-16 September 2004: ACZISC Meeting #43, Fredericton, New Brunswick
For information, email the ACZISC Secretariat. The draft minutes of ACZISC Meeting #39 are available at http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/docs.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF WHITES POINT QUARRY AND MARINE TERMINAL
A draft agreement on the joint environmental assessment review panel process for the proposed Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal, in Digby County, Nova Scotia has been released for public comment. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour welcome written comments on this agreement. The deadline for comments is 18 September. For information and to download the agreement, access http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/0005/index_e.htm.

ESTUARINE WORKSHOP AND AGM
The Annual Meeting and Workshop of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Estuarine Research Society is scheduled for 9-10 October 2003 in Moncton, New Brunswick. The deadline for submitting abstracts for oral presentations is 12 September and 30 September for posters. The Workshop session themes are: Invasive Species/Global Warming; Land Based Activities and Impacts; Aquaculture/Recreation/Restoration; and an open session. For information, email mreac@nbnet.nb.ca.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The Certificate Program will be delivered from 10-28 November 2003 by the Centre for Community-Based Resource Management, Coady International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The Program is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to analyze, experience and apply innovative community-based approaches to natural resource management. For information, access http://www.stfx.ca/institutes/coady/programs_educational_certificate_CommunityBased.html.

STATE OF THE EASTERN SCOTIAN SHELF ECOSYSTEM
An Ecosystem Status Report (ESR) entitled State of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Ecosystem has been prepared by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada Working Group chaired by Dr. Ken Frank. The ESR reports are available online on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat website.

COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE INITIATIVES IN ATLANTIC CANADA
Canada's Fisheries and Oceans Minister Robert Thibault has announced funding programs for collaborative research activities directly related to the conservation and the sustainable use of commercial marine fisheries in Atlantic Canada. For information on the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence program, access http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac58_e.htm. For information on the southern and eastern Newfoundland and Labrador program, access http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2003/hq-ac55_e.htm.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - OMRN NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Ocean Management Research Network 2003 National Conference is scheduled for 13-15 November 2003 in Ottawa, Ontario. The Conference theme is Canada's Oceans: Research, Management and the Human Dimension. The deadline for submitting abstracts for both papers and posters is 30 September 2003. For information, access http://www.omrn.ca/eng_con03.html.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: A CRITICAL TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is currently preparing its 3rd sustainable development strategy, due in December 2003. As part of this process, the Agency is evaluating its current 2001-2003 strategy, entitled Environmental Assessment: A Critical Tool for Sustainable Development, which focuses on promoting environmental assessment as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development. For information, access http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/0012/0004/2003sds_e.htm.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN FOR CANADA
The Government of Canada has announced the details of a $1 billion investment towards the implementation of the Climate Change Plan for Canada. The investments are intended to act as a catalyst for, and a complement to, actions by individual Canadians; industry and business; and governments and communities. For information, access http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/publications/announcement/climatechange_investment.html.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TRANSPORTATION IN CANADA
On 30-31 January 2003, Transport Canada held a 2-day workshop on the impacts of climate change on transportation in Canada. The objective of the workshop was to identify current and potential impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure and operations in Canada, including marine issues, and provide advice to government and industry on preliminary steps towards adaptation planning, including research needs, facilitation and reporting. The Workshop report and other information are available at http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/nwicct/menu.htm.

THE ROLE OF COASTAL GIS
The background paper was prepared for CoastGIS, the 5th International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management, scheduled for 16-18 October 2003 in Genova, Italy. The paper discusses the role of coastal GIS vis-`-vis: the UN 2001 Millennium Declaration and the 2002 Plan of Implementation adopted by the World Summit of Sustainable Development, together with some associated materials from inter-governmental organisations; the changing approach to integrated coastal management, and the use of indicators. To download the paper, access http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/ and click on 'Hints for discussion'.

OVER A CENTURY AND A HALF OF CANADA'S WEATHER DATA NOW ONLINE
Canada's past weather records are now available through a new website featuring a collection of over 200 million observations from over 7,000 sites, some dating as far back as 1840. The archive consists of a database of hourly weather observations, including temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind speed, and cloud types, as well as notes on the occurrence of thunderstorms, hail, fog and other types of weather. For information, access http://www.ec.gc.ca/Press/2003/030731_n_e.htm.

SERIES OF STEWARDSHIP GUIDES
A number of Canadian agencies and organizations have cooperated in creating the Stewardship Series of guides, including: A Practical Guide to Stream and Wetland Care; Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat; A Guide for Structures along Estuaries and Large Rivers; and Stewardship Bylaws: A Guide for Local Government. The Guides are available at http://www.stewardshipcentre.bc.ca/sc_bc/stew_series/bc_stewseries.asp.

IRISH SEA PILOT
The Irish Sea pilot is conducting a review of marine nature conservation legislation, enforcement and governance and making recommendations for changes to the current UK system. The Pilot is expected to be completed in March 2004. 15 September is the deadline for commenting on the various reports: Review of marine nature conservation legislation, enforcement and governance; Interim data report; and Developing nature conservation objectives for the Irish Sea. The reports are available at http://www.jncc.gov.uk/irishseapilot - click on 'Reports for comment'.

NOAA'S NOWCOAST
A spatially-referenced web portal called nowCOAST has been developed by NOAA'S National Ocean Service to provide oceanographic modellers and the coastal community with the capability to view all online, real-time observations and forecasts from major US estuaries and seaports, adjacent coastal regions, and the Great Lakes. This information includes meteorological, oceanographic, river, and water quality data, as well as forecast guidance and marine and weather forecasts. nowCoast is available at http://nowcoast.ncd.noaa.gov/nowcoast/viewer.htm.

AUSTRALIA'S DRAFT SOUTH-EAST REGIONAL MARINE PLAN
The draft South-east Regional Marine Plan, developed under Australia's Oceans Policy, is the 1st of a series of plans that will ensure the protection and sustainable development of Australia's ocean territory. To complement the draft Plan, a document outlining a framework to integrate Commonwealth decision-making across Australia's ocean jurisdiction, has also been prepared and released. The draft Marine Plan and companion document entitled Oceans Policy: Principles and Processes are available at http://www.oceans.gov.au/oceans.jsp.

VALUING WETLANDS IN DECISION-MAKING
Via the Integrating wetland economic values into river basin management project, the IUCN has produced the issue paper Valuing wetlands in decision-making: where are we now? and seven case studies that examine if and how wetland valuation changes management and development decisions. The case studies are based in Sri Lanka, Zambia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda. To access the issue paper and for information on the project and the case studies, access http://www.waterandnature.org/v1.html.

PEW FELLOWS FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS FOR FISHERIES
MARITUENTAS is published and distributed by the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation. In Latin, MARITUENTAS means "the ones who care for and protect the ocean". The new Spring/Summer 2003 issue of MARITUENTAS focuses on solutions for fisheries. It is available at http://www.pewmarine.org.

DEADLINES
- 18 August 2003 is the deadline for registering for the UNB/FIG Meeting on Marine Cadastre Issues, scheduled for 15-16 September 2003 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. For information, email michael.d.sutherland@unb.ca.

- 29 August 2003 is the deadline for early registration to Ocean Innovation 2003, scheduled for 20- 21 October 2003 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

- 29 August 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to CARIS 2003, scheduled for 18-21 November 2003 in St. Louis, Missouri

- 1 September 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts and for early registration to Aquaculture Canada 2003, scheduled for 29 October - 1 November 2003 in Victoria, British Columbia

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 24-26 August 2003: Workshop Vulnerability in Coastal Communities: Adaptations to Change and Planning for the Future, Change Islands, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. For information, access http://www.sfu.ca/coastalstudies/calendar.htm.

- 4-6 September 2003: 2nd International Conference entitled People and the Sea II - Conflicts, threats, and opportunities, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

- 7-12 September 2003: Temperate Wetland Restoration Training Course, Peterborough, Ontario. (P.S. The website is temporarily unavailable due to a recent power blackout.)

- 9-12 September 2003: Coasts & Ports Australasian Conference 2003, Auckland, New Zealand

- 9-12 September 2003: 2nd International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals, Erlangen, Germany

- 14-18 September 2003: 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation, Seattle, Washington, USA

- 22-26 September 2003: 22nd Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference, Park City, Utah

- 22-26 September 2003: Oceans 2003 Marine Technology and Ocean Science Conference, San Diego, California

- 25-28 September 2003: Watershed Approaches to Environmental Education Conference, Summerside, Prince Edward Island

- 28 September - 1 October 2003: 30th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop, Ottawa, Ontario

- 30 September - 3 October 2003: 4th International Conference on Arctic Margins, Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

- 1-3 October 2003: Fish, War and Politics, 1300-2003, Amsterdam/Middelburg, The Netherlands

- 1-4 October 2003: 7th International Conference on Nearshore and Estuarine Cohesive Sediment Transport Processes, Gloucester Point, Virginia

- 15-17 October 2003: Canadian Coastal Science and Engineering Association (CCSEA) 2003 Canadian Coastal Conference, Kingston, Ontario

- 15-17 October 2003: International Conference on Coastal Management, Brighton, UK. For information, email Surinder.Bhambra@ice.org.uk.

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

POSITION WITH THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR FISHERIES INNOVATION
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) is the leader in fisheries-related research and development in Canada. The CCFI is seeking to hire a Managing Director to produce a program of fisheries research and development with industrially-relevant results for the Atlantic region. 16 August is the deadline for applying. For information, access http://www.ccfi.ca/News/News.asp.

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JULY 2003

POSITIONS WITH THE GULF OF MAINE COUNCIL
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking to hire:
- A Public Education and Marketing Coordinator: The Coordinator will provide leadership and support for several projects of the PEP Committee, and market the Councils web-based non-governmental organization (NGO) directory. The location of this position is flexible within the Gulf of Maine watershed jurisdictions of Maine, Massachusett, New Brunswick, New Hampshire and Nova Scotia. 18 July is the deadline for applying. For information, access http://gulfofmaine.org/news/.

- A one-year, part-time Administrative Assistant: The Assistant will provide administrative support for the Working Group Chair and Council Coordinator; provide support with internal and external communications; and maintain and update the People Finder and listservers in collaboration with the Council Coordinator. The location of this position is within the Halifax Nova Scotia Metro area. 24 July is the deadline for applying. For information, access http://gulfofmaine.org/news/.

PEI RELEASES STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT
The Government of Prince Edward Island has released its first State of the Environment report. The report includes 33 indicators of environmental quality that are grouped into 11 categories: drinking water, surface water, climate change, energy use, air quality, biodiversity, pesticides, waste management, environmental stewardship, soil quality and land use. The report is available online at http://www.gov.pe.ca/go/soe.

NOVA SCOTIA RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
The Government of Nova Scotia has released the document Towards a Sustainable Environment, which focuses on collaborative approaches to environmental management, integration across provincial departments and improved delivery of environmental programs. The document is available online at http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/whatsnew.htm.

BAY OF FUNDY SHIPPING LANES TO PROTECT RIGHT WHALE IN EFFECT
The new shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy, designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale population from ship strikes, were officially put into operation on 1 July 2003. Amendments have been made to the navigational charts and vessel traffic control procedures and notifications have been distributed. For information, access http://www.tc.gc.ca/atl/marine/fundy_e.htm.

BALLAST WATER WORKSHOP
The Ballast Water Workshop is scheduled for 27-28 October 2003 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Workshop is co-sponsored by Transport Canada and the MIT Sea Grant College Program. It will explore the feasibility of identifying areas along the Northwestern Atlantic that may be suitable for ballast water exchange for vessels travelling along the coast. For information, access http://massbay.mit.edu/.

CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS DATABASE FOR THE GULF OF MAINE
Bottom sediments in the Gulf of Maine and its estuaries have accumulated pollutants of many types, including metals and organic compounds of agricultural, industrial, and household derivation. The Contaminated Sediments Database is a compilation and synthesis of existing data. It is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/of02-403/.

HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR SPECIES AT RISK
The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk is a partnership-based conservation initiative sponsored by the Government of Canada. Activities that are eligible for funding under the HSP must focus on stewardship for species at risk recovery on private lands, provincial crown lands, Aboriginal lands and in aquatic and marine areas across Canada. For information, access http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/media/back2_e.cfm.

CANADA'S TEN MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS
New Brunswick's Petitcodiac River tops the list of Canada's Most Endangered Rivers list for 2003, released by Earthwild International and Wildcanada.net. The goal of the project is to raise public awareness of the value of Canada's vast river systems, the threats facing them, and the role the public can play in protecting the river networks. For information, access http://wildcanada.net/?w=EndangeredRivers&a=takeaction.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COSTS OF FARMING CARNIVOROUS FISH
SeaWeb, an ocean conservation organization, has released the report entitled What Price Farmed Fish: A Review of the Environmental and Social Costs of Farming Carnivorous Fish. The report states that industrialized aquaculture is long overdue for reform and that corporations and governments must learn from and avoid the impacts associated with the current state of salmon farming, including the discharge of untreated wastes into coastal waters. The report is available at http://www.AquacultureClearinghouse.org.

SAN FRANCISCO ADOPTS THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
The City and County of San Francisco has adopted the Precautionary Principle in conducting the City and County's affairs. The essential elements of the approach to decision-making include: Anticipatory Action; Right to Know; Alternatives Assessment; Full Cost Accounting; and Participatory Decision Process. For information, access http://www.sfgov.org/sfenvironment/whatsnew/.

OIL SPILL RESPONSE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology, located at the University of New Hampshire, and the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration are inviting preliminary proposals for project funding consideration. One of the priority R&D areas is Improving the understanding of spilled oil properties in coastal environments. Proposals from outside of the U.S. must have a U.S. partner leading to the proposed research. 30 July 2003 is the deadline to submit applications. For information, access http://www.ciceet.unh.edu/.

GLOBAL AGREEMENT FOR PEOPLE AND THE EARTH'S PROTECTED AREAS
The Durban Accord is a global outreach statement from those participating in the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress (7-17 September 2003 in Durban, South Africa) to all constituencies with interests and involvement in protected areas throughout the world. It seeks to encourage a series of new dialogues and agreements in recognition of the beneficial role which protected areas provide to society. 25 July 2003 is the closing date for comments on the Accord, available at http://iucn.org/info_and_news/press/currentnews.htm.

GLOBAL OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM REPORTS
The Integrated Strategic Design Plan for the Coastal Ocean Observations Module of the Global Ocean Observing System is available on the GOOS website at http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/docs/GOOS_125_COOP_Plan.pdf. This design plan provides advice on how to start implementing GOOS in coastal seas and Exclusive Economic Zones. For complementary advice on implementing GOOS for climate and weather forecasting purposes and global scale ocean services, access http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/docs/GOOS_066_act_pl.htm.

A TRAINERS' MANUAL FOR ICM CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
An amended version of the Training Manual, published by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, is now available at http://www.envision.uk.com/downloads.asp. The manual provides guidelines for an approach to ICM, and the development, operation and provision of a capacity building programme that can assist in the strengthening of approaches to ICM.

CONFERENCE DEADLINES
- 31 July 2003 is the deadline for early registration to CoastGIS 2003, scheduled for 16-18 October 2003 in Genoa, Italy.

- 18 August 2003 is the deadline for registering for the UNB/FIG Meeting on Marine Cadastre Issues scheduled for 15-16 September 2003 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. For information, email michael.d.sutherland@unb.ca.

- 29 August is the deadline for early registration to Ocean Innovation 2003 scheduled for 20-21 October 2003 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

- 29 August 2003 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to CARIS 2003, scheduled for 18-21 November 2003 in St. Louis, Missouri.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
- 4-7 August 2003: Limnology Waterbirds 2003, Sackville, New Brunswick.

- 10-14 August 2003: 133rd American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Quibec City, Quibec.

- 10-16 August 2003: 21st International Cartographic Conference, Durban, South Africa.

- 17-23 August 2003: 4th International Symbiosis Society Congress, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

- 24-26 August 2003: Workshop Vulnerability in Coastal Communities: Adaptations to Change and Planning for the Future, Change Islands, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

- 4-6 September 2003: 2nd International Conference entitled People and the Sea II - Conflicts, threats, and opportunities, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

- 7-17 September 2003: IUCN 5th World Congress on Protected Areas, or IUCN 5th World Parks Congress, Durban, South Africa.

- 9-12 September 2003: Coasts & Ports Australasian Conference 2003, Auckland, New Zealand.

- 9-12 September 2003: 2nd International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals, Erlangen, Germany.

- 14-18 September 2003: 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation, Seattle, Washington, USA.

- 22-26 September 2003: 22nd Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference, Park City, Utah.

- 25-28 September 2003: Watershed Approaches to Environmental Education Conference, Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

- For a more complete list of upcoming conferences and workshops, access http://www.dal.ca/aczisc/conf.

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