Implications of Ecosystem Dynamics for the Integrated

1,78

MB

Management of the Eastern Scotian Shelf

106

stron

6410

ID

Bedford Institute of Oceanography

2006

rok

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary iv

Résumé viii

1.0 INTRODUCTION. 1

2.0 ECOLOGICAL AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. 2

2.1 Ecological Considerations 2

2.2 Management Considerations and Human Impacts . 4

3.0 PHYSICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SETTING 5

3.1 Currents and Water Masses 6

3.2 The Seabed 9

4.0 MAJOR ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS 10

4.1 Phytoplankton . 10

4.2 Zooplankton 12

4.3 Benthos . 17

4.4 Fish and Invertebrates . 19

4.5 Sharks 26

4.6 Marine Mammals 31

4.7 Seabirds. 36

4.8 Other Biota 37

5.0 HUMAN IMPACTS 40

5.1 Environment Versus Exploitation. 40

5.2 Bycatch . 41

5.3 Impacts of Fishing Gear 48

5.4 Oil and Gas Exploration and Production 51

5.5 Marine Environmental Qualities and the Ecosystem 58

6.0 INTEGRATING CONCEPTS. 61

6.1 Biodiversity. 62

6.2 Trophic Interactions 63

6.3 Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics 63

7.0 REFERENCES 73

Appendix 1. Regional Work on Oil and Gas Issues to Date 90

Appendix 2. Science Requirements in Support of Oil and Gas Related Issues . 91