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Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Final Report By: The Shediac Bay Watershed Association Inc. Jolyne Hébert March 1, 2015

Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Final Report … · Club les ami(e)s de la nature du Sud-est . ii Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report

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Page 1: Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Final Report … · Club les ami(e)s de la nature du Sud-est . ii Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report

Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach

Final Report

By:

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association Inc.

Jolyne Hébert

March 1, 2015

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i Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association Board of Directors sends thanks to the numerous

groups and individuals that contributed to making our programs a success again this year. In

particular, the SBWA extends its appreciation to following individuals and organizations for

their interest and involvement with the Shediac Bay Watershed Association during the 2014-

2015 fiscal year.

New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Environment Canada

Shell Environmental Fund

New Brunswick Department of the Environment and Local Government

Shediac Market in the Park

Groupe de développement durable du pays de Cocagne

South-eastern Anglers Association

Vision H2O

NBEN

Town of Shediac

Shediac Bay Marina

Dupuis Printing

Branch Design

Encorp Atlantic

Coop Atlantic, Shediac

Ecole Mgr-Francois Bourgeois

Shediac Cape School

Homarus, Maritime Fishermen’s Union

University of Moncton

Acadie-Nouvelle

CBC News

Times &Transcript

Amis de la Kouchibouguacis

Southern Gulf of St-Lawrence Coallition

Bassin versant de la baie de Caraquet

Home Hardware Grande-Digue

Nature NB

Club les ami(e)s de la nature du Sud-est

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ii Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 5

1.1 Description of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association .................................... 5

1.2 Overview of the Shediac Bay Watershed ........................................................... 5 1.3 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach program ................................ 6

2 SHEDIAC AND SCOUDOUC RIVERS WATER QUALITY MONITORING ......................... 8

2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Material and Methods ......................................................................................... 9

2.2.1 Water Quality .......................................................................................... 9 2.2.2 Macro-invertebrate ................................................................................. 9

2.3 Results ............................................................................................................... 10

2.3.1 Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers Physico-chemical Characteristics ........ 10 2.3.1.1 Water Temperature ................................................................... 10 2.3.1.2 Dissolved Oxygen ..................................................................... 10 2.3.1.3 Potential Hydrogen ................................................................... 11

2.3.1.4 Conductivity .............................................................................. 12 2.3.1.5 Nitrate-Nitrogen ........................................................................ 13

2.3.1.6 Total Phosphorus ...................................................................... 14 2.3.1.7 Total Coliform .......................................................................... 15 2.3.1.8 Escherichia coli ......................................................................... 15

2.3.1.9 Macro-Invertebrate Survey ....................................................... 17 2.3.2 Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers General Characteristics ........................ 17

2.3.2.1 Riparian Zones .......................................................................... 17 2.3.2.2 Substrate .................................................................................... 17

2.4 Discussion ......................................................................................................... 18

3 PARTNERSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS ....................................................................... 19

3.1 Stakeholders and Partnerships .......................................................................... 19

4 HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY ENHANCEMENT ..................................................... 20

4.1 Community Aquatic Community Program ....................................................... 20

4.2 Freshwater mussels in Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers ...................................... 20 4.3 Habitat Restoration ........................................................................................... 21 4.4 Electrofishing .................................................................................................... 23

4.5 Tern Platform .................................................................................................... 23 4.6 Biodiversity enhancement for the Town of Shediac ......................................... 24

5 PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION .............................................................................. 25

5.1 Meeting and Information Sessions ....................................................................... 25 5.2 Beach Sweep ........................................................................................................ 26 5.3 Hockey net removal.............................................................................................. 27 5.4 Education and Awareness ................................................................................. 28

5.4.1 Shediac Market in the Park ................................................................... 28

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iii Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

5.4.2 Homarus Eco-centre at Pointe-du-Chêne ............................................. 28

5.4.3 School Presentations ............................................................................. 28 5.4.4 Booth at the Lobster festival ................................................................. 29 5.4.5 Booth at the Bouctouche Eco-Festival ................................................. 29

5.4.6 News Coverage ..................................................................................... 29 5.4.7 Socials Medias and Website ................................................................. 30

6 CLOSING COMMENTS ................................................................................................ 31

7 APPENDIX A – MEDIA COVERAGE ............................................................................ 33

7.1 Le crabe vert poursuit sa colonisation au Nouveau-Brunswick ....................... 33

7.2 Green crab may soon be a diner's delight ......................................................... 35 7.3 Group searches for rare freshwater mussel near Shediac ................................. 36 7.4 Brook floater mussel a rare sight in Shediac Bay ............................................. 37

7.5 Shediac group aims to relocate colony of common terns ................................. 38 7.6 Harper Government invests in Round II Recreational Fisheries Conservation

Projects in Southeast New Brunswick .............................................................. 39

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4 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

TABLE OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1: MAP OF SHEDIAC BAY WATERSHED INCLUDING WATER QUALITY SAMPLING SITE AND STREAM

RESTORATION LOCATIONS, 2014 ............................................................................................................................ 6 FIGURE 2. WATER TEMPERATURES FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 3. WATER TEMPERATURES FOR SHEDIAC

RIVER, 2014 ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 FIGURE 4. DO LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 5. DO LEVELS FOR THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 11 FIGURE 6. PH LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 7. PH LEVELS FOR THE SHEDIAC RIVER,

2014 .................................................................................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 8. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 9. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR

SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ......................................................................................................................................... 13 FIGURE 10. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 11. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR

SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ......................................................................................................................................... 13 FIGURE 12. NITRATE LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 13. NITRATE LEVELS FOR THE

SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ......................................................................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 14: PHOSPHORUS LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 15: PHOSPHORUS LEVELS FOR

SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ......................................................................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 16: TOTAL COLIFORM COUNT FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 17: TOTAL COLIFORM COUNT FOR

SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ......................................................................................................................................... 15 FIGURE 18: E.COLI LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 19: E.COLI LEVELS FOR SHEDIAC

RIVER, 2014 ........................................................................................................................................................ 16 FIGURE 20: COMMUNITY AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM (CAMP), FISH WITH SPINAL DEFORMITY, (2014). .......... 20 FIGURE 21: FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEYING IN THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014 ............................................................ 20 FIGURE 22: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER HUT AT SITE PELLERIN RD. ................................................................ 21 FIGURE 23: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER DAM AT ST-PHILIPPE BRIDGE ............................................................ 21 FIGURE 24: BEFORE AND AFTER OF A DEBRIS JAM AND SOME FRESHLY PLANTED TREES AT SCOTCH SETTLEMENT ...... 22 FIGURE 25: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER DAM AT BATEMAN MILL CULVERT ................................................... 22 FIGURE 26: ELECTROFISHING SURVEYS IN SHEDIAC RIVER (LEFT) SALMON PARR (RIGHT), 2014 ................................. 23 FIGURE 27: TERN PLATFORM AT POINTE-DU-CHÊNE AND 3 CHICKS, 2014 ................................................................... 23 FIGURE 28: TREES AND SHRUBS PLANTED ALONG THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL AND WALKING PATH OF THE CENTENNIAL

PARK, 2014 .......................................................................................................................................................... 24 FIGURE 29: BEACH SWEEP WITH MFB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SEPTEMBER 2014 ........................................................ 26 FIGURE 30: HOCKEY NET REMOVAL BY SBWA FIELD TEAM, SUMMER 2014 ................................................................ 27 FIGURE 31: AWARENESS SESSIONS AT THE SHEDIAC MARKET IN THE PARK ................................................................ 28 FIGURE 32: TROUT AQUARIUM IN THE CLASSROOM, 2014 ............................................................................................ 28

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5 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

INTRODUCTION

Description of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association (SBWA) was founded in 1999 as a result of

growing concerns from local community residents over the ecological health of Shediac Bay. In

order to establish a long-term water quality-monitoring program, a community-based association

was formed.

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association vision and mission statements are as follows:

Our Vision – Communities working together to foster a healthy ecosystem that will sustain the

quality of water for future generations.

Our Mission – The SBWA will accomplish its vision through education and community

stewardship.

The Board of Directors includes the following members: Mr. David Dunn, President Mr. Gerry Dionne Mr. Denis Haché

Mr. Armand Robichaud, Vice-President Ms. Connie Doyle, Treasurer Ms. Brenda Ryan

Mr. Victorin Mallet, Past President Ms. Frances Kelly, Secretary

Mr. Bill Murray, Past President Mr. Joe Caissie

Ms. Dominique Audet Mr. Erick Bataller

Mr. Pierre Landry Mr. Léo-Paul Bourgeois

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association gratefully receives guidance, donations and in-

kind support from various organizations and interest groups. SBWA has a database of over 325

stakeholders consisting of business-owners, industry, foresters, farmers, local residents, cottage

owners, recreation boaters and swimmers, conservation groups and community organizations

within the Shediac Bay Watershed.

Overview of the Shediac Bay Watershed

The Shediac Bay Watershed covers 400 km2 of land area and stretches along 36 km of

coastline, from Cap Bimet to Cap de Cocagne (Fig. 1). The Shediac Bay Watershed is composed

of two major river systems emptying into Shediac Bay: the Shediac River and the Scoudouc

River. The Shediac and the Scoudouc rivers are characterized by dendritic patterns of small

tributaries covering a watershed of 201.8 and 143.3 km2, respectively. The Shediac River is

composed of two major water arms. The northern water arm is created by the convergence of the

McQuade Brook, the Weisner and the Calhoun Brook. The southern large water arm of the

Shediac River is the continuation of the Batemans Brook. Water velocity in both rivers is

generally weak due to the gentle regional elevation. The watershed boundaries stretch into both

Kent and Westmorland County and cross into both the Shediac and Moncton Parish. During

summer, the Watershed region consists of a population of approximately 15,000 people.

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6 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

FIGURE 1: MAP OF SHEDIAC BAY WATERSHED INCLUDING WATER QUALITY SAMPLING SITE AND STREAM RESTORATION LOCATIONS, 2014

Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach program

Table I: Summary

Project Deliverables

1) Public education

- Fish Friends Program in 2 local elementary

school

-1 tree planting event for the National Tree

Day with MFB school

-Two bilingual newsletter to the public

throughout the watershed relaying

information on current watershed issues and

current SBWA projects and events.

- 10 Environmental Education Sessions at the

Shediac Farmers Market. The SBWA

Information Booth was displayed at Shediac

Market In The Park every Sunday for 10

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7 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

weeks in 2014. We spoke to more than 300

visitors at the market.

-Environmental Education on social medias

(Facebook, our website) and public awareness

(news articles).

2) Partnerships

-At least 25 strong partnerships created with

stakeholders, government and other ENGOs.

-Meet regularly with other ENGOs and

Associations (ex. Vision H2O) to identify

how we can efficiently work together and

share expertise.

-5 interviews with the medias

-1 important Freshwater Mussels Project in

collaboration with Southeastern Anglers

Association. As a keystone species,

freshwater mussels are filter feeders that helps

improve water quality.

3) Monitor Water Quality

-Water quality testing and monitoring was

conducted between June and October 2014.

Sampling sessions were conducted on a

monthly basis at 9 sampling sites (former

Water Classification sites).

-Community Aquatic Monitoring Program

(CAMP) with DFO during summer.

- Bi-weekly water sampling at 1 site for a

nutrient study conducted by DFO, following

CAMP protocol, during September and

October for a total of 5 sample days

4) Beach Survey and Beach Sweeps -2 events aimed to combat marine litter and

contribute to the protection and conservation

of our marine environment at Shediac Bay

Marina. The first beach sweep was held on

June 7th to celebrate World Oceans Day and

the second event on September 16th with 47

second graders from MFB school in Shediac,

plus teachers and volunteering parents. The

children received a presentation on sources

and damages of litter in the environment.

The Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program focuses on continuing

remediation efforts within the Shediac Bay Watershed. The program also focuses on forming

partnerships, environmental education and water quality monitoring. The following objectives

are set within this program.

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8 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

1) Conduct water quality monitoring

Water quality physico-chemical parameters monitoring

Bio-indicators monitoring (macro-invertebrates, fish abundance and diversity)

Creation and promotion of the status of the watershed, webpage and social media.

2) Continue environmental education and public awareness projects (Market in the

Park, Community events, environmental education on social media, beech sweeps, tree

planting, environmental education in schools, Community garden)

3) Continue forming partnership with other groups and organizations

SHEDIAC AND SCOUDOUC RIVERS WATER QUALITY

MONITORING

Introduction

Water quality monitoring began in the Shediac Bay Watershed during the water

classification program in 2000-01. Basic physical measurements were then taken at the same

sites from 2002 to 2006. In 2007, additional parameters were measured (nitrate-nitrogen, total

phosphorus and E. coli counts) on a monthly basis at each sampling sites. The water quality

monitoring is used to support the need for specific remediation actions and measure the

effectiveness of the work. It is also used to complete detailed sanitary surveys and establish the

status of our rivers.

Such monitoring helps determine if changes to the water quality occurred and if sections of

the stream or river remain are suitable for aquatic life. It is of outmost importance to have

accurate and continuous data of water parameters for the watershed. This allows for effective

management strategies and the creation of remediation plans.

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9 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Material and Methods

2.2.1 Water Quality

Water quality testing was conducted between June and October 2014. Sampling sessions

were conducted on a monthly basis at 9 sampling sites (former Water Classification sites) (Fig.

1).

Water quality sampling was performed using the protocol developed by the New

Brunswick Department of Environment.

Basic water quality parameters (DO, temperature, pH, conductivity and salinity) were

measured using a water-condition instrument YSI QS600. Total coliforms, E.coli, Nitrate

concentrations and Phosphorus were measured in the lab of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance.

The equipment needed to perform the stream habitat assessment included clipboard and

pencils, waders, GPS unit, digital camera, water-condition instrument (YSI), reference

documents (identification key), meter stick and measuring tape as well as waterproof board and

field sheets.

2.2.2 Macro-invertebrate

A Benthic Macro-Invertebrate survey was performed on a test site in the Weisner Brook,

tributary of the Shediac River on October 30th 2014. The protocol used was based on the

Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) in partnership with a study from the

Southern Gulf of St-Lawrence Coalition (SGSL).

Sampling was done using a 400µm D-frame net (kick-net). Benthos was disturbed during a 3

minute period with the net facing upstream to allow collection of disturbed benthos and

invertebrates in the kick-net. All specimens were stored and preserved using 70 % ethanol.

Macro-invertebrates were sent to the University of Moncton, Moncton campus, at the Atlantic

Region Environmental Science Centre (ESC) laboratory. The site data from field sheets

including site photos have been entered in the CABIN Data Management website.

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10 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Results

2.3.1 Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers Physico-chemical Characteristics

2.3.1.1 Water Temperature

Water temperature can fluctuate depending on the period of the day and during season

changes. Values are influenced by numerous factors such as shade covering the stream, water

velocity and water depth. It is considered that water above 25 or 29 degrees Celsius (ºC) tends to

be of poor quality because less oxygen can be dissolved. Therefore, water temperature directly

influences the dissolved oxygen levels.

The overall mean water temperature for all sites was 15.05 ºC, which is an acceptable

value. The overall mean water temperatures were 14.52 ºC and 15.46 ºC for the Scoudouc River

(Fig. 8) and for the Shediac River (Fig. 9), respectively. The highest temperature recorded was

25.3 ºC, at site ShdE on July 23rd, and the lowest temperature recorded was 7.26ºC, at site ScdB

on October 29th. The overall mean water temperature for both rivers during the 2014 sampling

season was 14.9 ºC.

FIGURE 2. WATER TEMPERATURES FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 3. WATER TEMPERATURES FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.2 Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen (DO) represents the concentration of oxygen in gaseous form in the

water column. Most of the oxygen in the water comes from the surface atmosphere and is mixed

in the water by turbulence and current. The measurement of the concentration of dissolved

oxygen in surface waters is essential for measuring changes in water condition and rating water

quality. It has a direct effect on aquatic life and can be influenced by stream habitat alteration.

DO is essential for fish and many other forms of aquatic life. DO vary with temperature, tending

to be higher when the water temperature is low. According to the Canadian Council of Ministers

0

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June July August September October

Chart Title

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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Chart Title

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

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11 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

of the Environment’s (CCME) Canadian water quality guidelines, the minimal amount of DO

required for cold water aquatic life is 9.5 mg/l (early life stages) and 6.5 mg/l (other life stages).

In 2014, the overall DO mean for all the sites was 10.88 mg/l. The overall mean for the

Scoudouc River (Fig. 10) and the Shediac River (Fig. 11) were 8.99 mg/l and 12.14 mg/l,

respectively. The highest level recorded was 20.32 mg/l at site Shd C on June 25th and the lowest

level recorded was 2.89 mg/l at site ScdD on June 25th. The highest and lowest levels seem out

of the usual range, there is the possibility that those readings are incorrect. As in July, we could

not get a reading for the sites ScdB and ScdE. The months of September and October, the YSI

was also not giving any readings for DO, we will fix the issue for the next field season. The

overall DO mean for both rivers during season 2014 was 10.56 mg/l.

FIGURE 4. DO LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 5. DO LEVELS FOR THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.3 Potential Hydrogen

The potential hydrogen (pH) level indicates the acidity level of a stream. It affects how

much other substances (such as metals) dissolve in the water. Many organisms that live in water

are sensitive to changes in pH and may be adversely affected by pH that is either too high or low.

The pH varies naturally depending on bedrock, climate and vegetation cover, but may also be

affected by industrial or other effluents, the exposure of some kinds of rock (for example during

road construction) or drainage from some mining operations. According to the CCME’s

Canadian water quality guidelines, pH should be between 6.5 and 9. Levels under or above these

may cause some problems for aquatic life in the streams.

The overall pH mean for all the sites was 7.44. The overall pH mean for the Scoudouc

River (Fig. 12) and Shediac River (Fig. 13) were 7.41 and 7.46, respectively. The highest level

recorded was 8.9 at ShdC on July 23rd and the lowest level recorded was 6.31 at ScdE on

October 29th. The pH mean for both rivers was 7.45.

02468

101214161820

June July August September October

Dis

olv

ed O

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n (

mg/

L)

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

02468

101214161820

June July August September October

Dis

olv

ed O

xyge

n (

mg/

L)

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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12 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

FIGURE 6. PH LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 71. PH LEVELS FOR THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.4 Conductivity

Conductivity is the measurement of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. It is

affected by the amount of inorganic dissolved solids (nitrate, chloride, sulfate, sodium, etc.)

found in the water. The conductivity level may be influenced by rainwater, agricultural or urban

runoff and the geology of the area. There are no set criteria for conductivity levels for water

quality, but the US Environmental Protection Agency states that streams conductivity levels

ranging between 0.15 and 0.5 mS/cm usually seem to support a good mixed fisheries.

Consequently, a higher conductivity level may indicate a higher amount of dissolved material in

the water and the presence of contaminants.

The following interpretation for conductivity of 2014 excludes the month of July. The overall

conductivity mean for all sites, was 0.108 mS/cm. The overall conductivity mean for the

Scoudouc River (Fig. 14) and for the Shediac River (Fig. 15) were 0.124 mS/cm and 0.097

mS/cm, respectively. The highest conductivity level recorded was 0.579 mS/cm at site ScdG on

September 24th and the lowest level recorded was 0.016 mS/cm at site ShdE on October 29th. The

overall mean for last year was 0.111 mS/cm.

The month of July was very different from the usual conductivity readings. The levels measured

where between 71.3 and 302.5 mS/cm, with an average of 155.5 mS/cm. This may be due to an

instrument malfunction, but in the event that it is not, we included the results in separate charts.

0

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June July August September October

pH

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

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pH

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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13 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

FIGURE 8. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 9. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

FIGURE 10. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 11. CONDUCTIVITY LEVELS FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.5 Nitrate-Nitrogen

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, but the presence of excessive amounts in water

presents a major pollution problem. Nitrogen compounds may enter water as nitrates or be

converted to nitrates from agricultural fertilizers, sewage, industrial and packing house wastes,

drainage from livestock feeding areas, farm manures and legumes. The acceptable amount of

Nitrate-nitrogen for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is set at 13 mg/l (NO3).

The overall mean for all sites was 0.22 mg/l. The overall mean for the Scoudouc River

(Fig. 16) and the Shediac River (Fig. 17) were 0.29 mg/l and 0.16 mg/l, respectively. The highest

level recorded was 0.98 mg/l at site ScdE on August 28th and the lowest level recorded was 0.01

mg/l at ScdD and ScdE on September 24th. The overall mean for both rivers was 0.23 mg/l.

00.05

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0.20.25

0.30.35

0.40.45

0.50.55

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June July August September October

Co

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S/cm

)

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S/cm

)

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250

300

350

July

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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July

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14 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

FIGURE 12. NITRATE LEVELS FOR THE SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 13. NITRATE LEVELS FOR THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.6 Total Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for aquatic plants, but can be a potential pollutant as

well. Large amount of phosphorus coming from cleaning products (detergents), agricultural and

residential fertilizer components can cause eutrophication. CCME’s guidelines suggest that total

phosphorus levels should be under 0.035 mg/l to maintain a meso-eutrophic state or better.

The overall mean for all sites was 0.10 mg/l. The overall mean for the Scoudouc River

(Fig. 16) and the Shediac River (Fig. 17) were 0.08 mg/l and 0.11 mg/l, respectively. The highest

level recorded was 0.4 mg/l at site ShdE on June 25th and the lowest level recorded was 0.01 mg/l

at multiple sites, on various months. The overall mean for both rivers was 0.10 mg/l.

FIGURE 14: PHOSPHORUS LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 15: PHOSPHORUS LEVELS FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

-0.05

0.05

0.15

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0.45

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Nit

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-Nit

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mg/

L)

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

-0.05

0.05

0.15

0.25

0.35

0.45

0.55

0.65

0.75

0.85

June July August September October

Nit

rate

-Nit

roge

n (

mg/

L)

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

June July August September October

Ph

osp

ho

rus

(mg/

L)

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

June July August September October

Ph

osp

ho

rus

(mg/

L)

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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15 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

2.3.1.7 Total Coliform

Coliforms are the commonly-used bacterial indicator of sanitary quality for food and water.

Coliforms are abundant in warm-blooded animals, but can also be found in aquatic

environments, in soil and on vegetation. The acceptable count of coliforms in water for

recreation is set at 400 MPN/100ml.

The overall mean for all sites was 2105.33 MPN/100ml. The overall means for the

Scoudouc River (Fig. 18) and the Shediac River (Fig. 19) were 1994.10 MPN/100ml and

2194.32 MPN/100ml, respectively. The highest “Most Probable Number Count” detectable by

laboratory analysis is >2419.6 MPN/100ml, and it was the level measured at 78% of all sampled

site during the 2014 sampling season. The lowest level recorded (74.4 MPN/100ml) was

measured at site ScdB on August 28th. The overall mean for both rivers was 2094.2 MPN/100ml.

FIGURE 16: TOTAL COLIFORM COUNT FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 17: TOTAL COLIFORM COUNT FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

2.3.1.8 Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of many species of bacteria living in the lower intestines of

mammals. The presence of E. coli in water is a common indicator of fecal contamination. The

acceptable count of E.coli in water is set at 400 MPN/100ml.

The overall mean for E.coli for all sites was 199.44 MPN. The overall mean for the

Scoudouc River (Fig. 20) and the Shediac River (Fig. 21) were 267.20 MPN and 145.22 MPN,

respectively. The highest “Most Probable Number Count” detectable by laboratory analysis is

>2419.6 MPN/100ml, and it was the level measured at only one site, ScdG on June 25th. The

lowest level recorded was 25.9 MPN at ScdE on September 24th. The overall mean for both

rivers during season 2014 was 206.21 MPN.

0250500750

100012501500175020002250250027503000

June July August September October

Tota

l co

lifo

rm (

MP

N/1

00

mL)

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

0250500750

10001250150017502000225025002750

June July August September October

Tota

l co

lifo

rm (

MP

N/1

00

mL)

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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16 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

FIGURE 18: E.COLI LEVELS FOR SCOUDOUC RIVER, 2014 FIGURE 19: E.COLI LEVELS FOR SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

Table 2: Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality - Summary Table (Health Canada,

2010)

Parameter Considerations Guideline

Value

Indicators of Fecal

Contamination:

Escherichia coli

(Primary-Contact

Recreation)

Geometric mean concentration (minimum 5 samples) ≤ 200 E. coli

/100 mL

Single sample maximum concentration ≤ 400 E. coli

/100 mL

Indicators of Fecal

Contamination:

Escherichia coli

(Secondary-Contact

Recreation)

Geometric mean concentration not to exceed a value of 5

times the existing guideline value for primary-contact

recreation

≤ 1000 E. coli

/ 100 mL

Primary contact: Recreational activity in which the whole body or the face and trunk are

frequently immersed or the face is frequently wetted by spray, and where it is likely that some

water will be swallowed. Inadvertent immersion, through being swept into the water by a wave

or slipping, would also result in whole body contact. Examples include swimming, wading,

waterskiing, rafting/kayaking or subsurface diving (Health Canada, 2010).

Theses primary contact activities are not frequent in Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers but happen

typically during the canoe run in spring.

Secondary contact: Recreational activity in which only the limbs are regularly wetted and in

which greater contact (including swallowing water) is unusual. Examples include sailing,

canoeing or fishing (Health Canada, 2010).

These activities are frequent and regular in Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers.

0200400600800

10001200140016001800200022002400

June July August September October

E.co

li (M

PN

/mL)

Scd B Scd D Scd E Scd G

0200400600800

10001200140016001800200022002400

June July August September October

E.co

li (M

PN

/10

0m

L)

Shd B Shd C Shd E Shd G Shd H

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17 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

2.3.1.9 Macro-Invertebrate Survey

Laboratory analysis results of our sample is pending.

2.3.2 Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers General Characteristics

2.3.2.1 Riparian Zones

Overall, the banks were mostly composed of shrubs and mixed forest. Many of our sample

sites are located at bridges and near residential areas for easy access, therefore there is the

possibility of human involvement impacting the water quality. Sources of these pollutants can

include: pollutants from the roadways (fuel, vehicle fluids, etc.), farm lands, cattle fields,

fertilizers, pesticides/herbicides, inadequate buffer zones, etc.

Site ScdG flows through crop fields, and there is a row of shrubs and mixed trees on both

sides. However, using 2015 satellite imagery from Google Earth, the width on these two rows are

approximately 20 metres at its widest and approximately 8 metres at its narrowest. The

remaining 30 metres of the recommended buffer zone consists of grass. There is evidence that

the buffer zone may be inadequate, as the substrate upstream of the sample site is covered by

thick layers of silt for approximately 200 metres. The water levels of this 200m section is very

high compared to downstream of sample site; depth upstream 75cm - >1m, while downstream is

20-45 cm (with substrate of bedrock, rocks and gravel). Upstream and downstream

characteristics of the sample site are completely different in regards to: riparian zone, substrate,

channel width and wetted depth.

2.3.2.2 Substrate

In general, the Shediac River is mostly represented by coarser substrate (rubble, gravel,

rock and bedrock), mostly surrounded by sand with minimal fine particles. Bedrock is only

found in Shediac River, mainly site ShdC is characterized as 80% bedrock with small amount of

rock, gravel and sand. The water is mostly transparent and clear of any colour.

The Scoudouc River is mostly characterized by rubble and gravel and finer sediment (fine

particles and sand). When entering most sites, there is often a cloud of sediment lifted from the

slippery bottom. The water colour is mostly transparent with a yellowish/brownish colour.

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18 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Discussion

General water quality in both river systems was relatively good. Water temperature and pH

values were acceptable. The Scoudouc River is deeper and the riparian zone is covered by dense

vegetation that provides more shade. Therefore, water temperature is generally lower in the

Scoudouc River.

Water temperatures did not exceed the maximum recommended limits 25°C, with the

exception of ShdE on July 30th, which is very wide at the sample site, therefore has a large

surface not protected by a tree canopy. However, there are 3 other sites in the Shediac River that

had temperatures above 22°C in July, a level that is high enough to cause thermal stress in

Altantic salmon parrs, and that lethal limits range between 25° and 28° C (Crisp 1993). The

limits for growth of the salmon parrs range between 6.0°C and 22.5°C, with the optimal

temperature of 15.9°C (Elliot and Hurley 1997).

Dissolved oxygen values were generally over the recommended guidelines for cold water

species (early and other life stages). However, the values for the Shediac River in June are above

the maximum DO saturation (15 mg/L), which would suggest device malfunction. There are

many other examples of device malfunction: Scd D 2.89 ml/L for June, Scd E 0.10 mg/L in July,

and 0.10 mg/L for all sites in September and October. The dissolved oxygen sensor will be

repaired over the winter to be ready for next season.

All pH levels are acceptable under the CCME guidelines, which are located 6.5 and 9.0 for

the protection of aquatic life. The pH is mostly consistent between the sites during the same

months. We see slightly higher levels (more alkaline) at all sites during July and August.

The conductivity measurements support the fact that sedimentation loading and

agricultural runoff could be a problem at site ScdG, where each value is greater than all other

sites (average Scd G 0.298 mS/cm). In September, the levels are exceptionally high 0.579 mg/L.

As described in the riparian zone characteristics (2.3.2.1), this site is in the center of two farm

fields, and the substrate is covered by thick layers of silt that may be the cause for higher

conductivity levels, due to an excess of inorganic dissolved solids. Also, in July, there was a

dramatic change in the conductivity levels that may be caused by an instrument malfunction or a

unit of conversion error on the YSI reading. The field team took note of the reading of the

machine as it was, therefore it was not a human error. There was no rain 24 hours before the

sampling of July 23rd.

Elevated concentrations of nitrate can be harmful to aquatic life, and may contribute to

excessive growth of algae or aquatic plants (eutrophication). Major sources of excess nitrate

include fertilizer runoff from farm fields or domestic landscaping, runoff from manure and

seepage from septic systems. Levels were within the CCME’s guidelines for water quality and

protection of freshwater aquatic life (13 mg/L) at all sites throughout the season. Levels were

relatively good all season at the site ScdG, which is situated in an agricultural area, and had

lower levels than other sites in the Scoudouc River. All sites in the Scoudouc River had elevated

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19 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

levels in August compared to other months (figure 12). The Shediac River shows relatively low

levels during the sample season (figure 13).

Recommendations in NB regarding water quality for freshwater for phosphorus are 0.03

mg/L. Our results are over the recommended levels in 82% of samples, some by as much as 13

times the recommendation. Looking at data from the previous years of testing phosphorus, they

seem to be consistently higher than the recommended limit as well. There is the question of the

laboratory methodology and precision, however further investigation is needed to establish

proper testing. Other factors capable of elevating phosphorus concentrations need to be evaluated

in the possibility that there is an outside source impacting the watershed.

E. coli is the best indicator of fecal contamination in fresh waters by fecal matter by human

or animal origin. Typical sources in the watershed include wildlife, farm animals and

malfunctioning sewage systems. The presence of E.coli usually has little effect on the health of

aquatic life, but may affect the suitability of the water for recreational use. This is why the results

are compared to recreational use guidelines. Most E.coli is not itself hazardous to humans (with

the exception of some less common strains) but the presence of E.coli indicates an increased risk

that other more harmful pathogens may also be present.

E. coli concentrations are elevated at the site ScdG in June, with a value that exceeds the

maximum detection limit (>2419.6 MPN/100 ml) and is the highest concentration for 2014, and

is also elevated compared to other sites in august and September (figure 18). Farming activities

and waste water treatment lagoon runoffs could influence the E.coli concentration in the

Scoudouc River.

Continuing to perform water quality monitoring is of the utmost importance in making sure

our watershed is properly managed. Such activities complement remediation work by

determining not only where work is needed most, but also if such work is accomplishing its

purpose.

PARTNERSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders and Partnerships

Continued industries and stakeholders partnerships are essential to continue long term

remediation efforts. Future remediation steps include the reduction of siltation in many small

tributaries of the Scoudouc Rivers, where human activities such as ATV crossings are affecting

the habitat integrity. SBWA is in contact with the ATV Country Wheeler Club.

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20 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY ENHANCEMENT

Community Aquatic Community Program

Again this year, we were able to monitor the water quality within the Shediac Bay Watershed by

partnering with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the Community Aquatic Monitoring

Program (CAMP) from June to August of 2014. This is a long-term monitoring program aiming

to study ecosystem evolution and changes over time. Data collection is expected to continue in

the 2015 field season.

FIGURE 20: COMMUNITY AQUATIC MONITORING PROGRAM (CAMP), FISH WITH SPINAL DEFORMITY, (2014).

Freshwater mussels in Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers

Freshwater mussels are an important part of a river’s ecosystem, as natural filter feeders capable

of filtering up to 37.8 liters per day, they help maintain the quality of the water. The SBWA has

been conducting freshwater mussel surveys to assess populations and freshwater mussel habitat.

In recent years, the disappearance of the species “Brook Floater” (Alasmidonta varicosa) in

various parts of North America, has raised concern for the status of the global population of this

species.

In 2005, SBWA found the Brook Floater at several locations in the Shediac and Scoudouc River.

This last summer, the field team has attempted to re-confirm the presence of the Brook Floater,

without success. The team did find a healthy population of a more common species, the Eastern

Pearlshell (Margaritifera margaritifera), with a count of 8,746 individuals.

FIGURE 21: FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEYING IN THE SHEDIAC RIVER, 2014

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21 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Habitat Restoration

Fish Habitat restoration is a major initiative of the SBWA. Areas where bank erosion

occurs causes an excess of sediment in the watercourse, that can cause various issues for aquatic

ecosystems; it can suffocate fish and fish eggs, bury aquatic insects, can carry harmful pollutants

such as phosphorus that can further worsen conditions of the ecosystem, etc.

Fish passage issues are both naturally occurring and man-made, like beaver dams, debris

jams, hanging culverts, and man-made dams. When these barriers occur in the lower areas of a

watershed, it can close off a very large amount of suitable spawning grounds for important

migratory fish species like the Atlantic salmon.

During the summer of 2014, the SBWA did restoration work at 4 sites throughout the

watershed. The sites where located around water quality sites, and are identified a Pellerin road

(ScdD), St-Philippe (ShdG), Scotch Settlement (ShdB) and Bateman Mill (ShdH).

- Pellerin road had an abandoned beaver dam inside the culvert that was removed, in

addition to the hut that was cleaned (debris moved above the highest water level). Trees

such as white pine, red maples and tamarack where planted along the banks to increase

stabilization.

FIGURE 22: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER HUT AT SITE PELLERIN RD.

- St-Philippe had a beaver dam underneath the bridge and many trees cut from the

surrounding banks. The dam was cleared and approximately 30 trees where replanted.

FIGURE 23: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER DAM AT ST-PHILIPPE BRIDGE

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22 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

- Scotch Settlement had multiple debris jams and pile ups from abandoned beaver dams.

Debris was cleared and trees and willow stalks were planted on the rivers bank, the length

of the site was approximately 100 meters.

FIGURE 24: BEFORE AND AFTER OF A DEBRIS JAM AND SOME FRESHLY PLANTED TREES AT SCOTCH SETTLEMENT

- Bateman Mill also had a beaver dam in front of a culvert, which was cleared and some

trees were planted. The area surrounding of the site is a wetland, therefore water tolerant

coniferous trees were planted.

FIGURE 25: BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE BEAVER DAM AT BATEMAN MILL CULVERT

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23 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Electrofishing

As part of our restoration efforts, electrofishing surveys were done at our restoration sites to

establish population densities, so that we can measure the improvements of our restoration with

future electrofishing surveys.

FIGURE 26: ELECTROFISHING SURVEYS IN SHEDIAC RIVER (LEFT) SALMON PARR (RIGHT), 2014

Tern Platform

A colony of common tern in Shediac was displaced after their usual nesting area, a barge at the

Shediac Marina, was disturbed by the reconstruction of the barge with rocks. A floating platform

was placed near Pointe-du-Chêne in the hopes that the colony would adopt it for nesting. The

platform was equipped with wooden tern decoys and a bird song generating machine. The

project was a success, as one couple made a nest with 3 chicks, which we believe all survived to

stage of being fledged.

FIGURE 27: TERN PLATFORM AT POINTE-DU-CHÊNE AND 3 CHICKS, 2014

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24 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Biodiversity enhancement for the Town of Shediac

The SBWA has entered a partnership with the Town of Shediac in a native tree planting

project, funded by Environment Canada’s EcoAction program. The project has a goal to plant

more than 500 trees and shrubs that are native to our region, and to build and place at least 60

bird houses within Shediac town limits.

The work began in October, starting with the Millennium Trail, where 30 hemlocks were

planted along both sides of the trail to create a corridor of conifers. A row of shrubs (15 highbush

cranberries) was also planted along a walking trail in the Centennial Park as well as a few rows

of white ash trees. Also in this area, shrubs were planted around the fence of the dog park, a mix

of elderberry and alternate leaved dogwood. We will continue to plant trees and shrubs in other

parks and trails within the town limits next year. We will also be partnering with the MFB

School in their learning garden project “Jardin Pédagomax”, in which we will be contributing

approximately 1500$ in trees and shrubs as part of this biodiversity project.

The bird houses will be built this winter, by partnering with the 4th grade students of MFB

School and Nature NB. They will be placed throughout the town parks. Five models of bird

houses will be built to favor biodiversity.

FIGURE 28: TREES AND SHRUBS PLANTED ALONG THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL AND WALKING PATH OF THE CENTENNIAL PARK, 2014

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25 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

5 PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

5.1 Meeting and Information Sessions

In order to accomplish the various objectives, regular meetings between various members and

partners were required. The board of directors of the SBWA met to discuss and implement the

various activities of the Association as per the following dates:

March 2014: Fish friends program with 2 local schools

June 5 2014: SBWA Annual Board Meeting, Shediac NB.

July 14, 2014: Freshwater mussel training - Harry Colling MREAC and Marc Ouellette DFO

July 31st : NBEN Coastal biodiversity working group, Moncton, NB

August 7th : Presentation to In Gardenio club, Grande-Digue, NB

September 11, 2014: SBWA Board Meeting, Shediac NB.

October 2-5 : Freshwater Alliance watershed rally, Ottawa, ON

October 16, 2014: SBWA Board Meeting, Shediac NB.

October 20, 2014: DFO Press release on restoration funding, Shediac NB

November 5, 2014: Meeting for ENGOs in S.E. New Brunswick, Shediac NB

November 16, 2014: Storm water Management & Community Involvement Seminar, Canadian

Water Network Moncton, NB.

November 21 2014: Atlantic salmon Forum, NSLC Adopt a Stream and Atlantic Salmon

Federation, Amherst NS.

November 20, 2014: SBWA Board Meeting, Shediac NB.

January 21, 2015: Workshop for Watershed Groups in NB, hosted by NBEN Fredericton NB.

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26 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

5.2 Beach Sweep

Each year the SBWA organizes community beach sweeps to fight against shoreline litter that can

detract from enjoyment of coastal environment. This year, the SBWA organized two events

aimed to combat marine litter and contribute to the protection and conservation of our marine

environment. The first beach sweep was held on June 7 to celebrate World Oceans Day,

sponsored in part by the Town of Shediac and Gestion H2O. It was a cold windy day, but we still

had over 30 volunteers, including families and their children.

The weather was more favorable for our second event on September 16th. Students from the

second grade of MFB School in Shediac received a presentation on litter in the environment; the

sources and impacts on wildlife. The 47 student then formed teams with teachers and

volunteering parents, to collect garbage on the coast of the Shediac Marina, at low tide. There

was then a BBQ lunch, courtesy of the Shediac Co-op.

FIGURE 29: BEACH SWEEP WITH MFB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SEPTEMBER 2014

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27 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

5.3 Hockey net removal

In 2014, the sight of the abandoned hockey net in the Albert-Gallant River has been all too

familiar for the neighbouring residents. It was abandoned on the ice and left to become a

structure fixed on the muddy bottom of the shallow side of the river, visible at low tide. A

request was made to the SBWA to help clean up the site. The field team put on their waders and

retrieved the net, bringing it to the shore at the Home hardware dumpster, who had happily

agreed to dispose of the item.

FIGURE 30: HOCKEY NET REMOVAL BY SBWA FIELD TEAM, SUMMER 2014

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28 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Education and Awareness

5.4.1 Shediac Market in the Park

The SBWA Information Booth was displayed at Shediac’s Market in The Park every second

week this past summer. Public response was very supportive. Topics of particular interest were

green crab, habitat restoration, water quality, and our tern platform. Our booth also allowed

promoted the SBWA and attracted several new members.

FIGURE 31: AWARENESS SESSIONS AT THE SHEDIAC MARKET IN THE PARK

5.4.2 Homarus Eco-centre at Pointe-du-Chêne

The SBWA works in partnership with Homarus Eco-Center, located at the Pointe-du-

Chêne wharf. We shared two of our summer students with the Eco-Center, to lend a helping hand

in providing presentations and educational activities throughout the summer. The center was

very busy, attracting local people, tourists and summer camp groups. There were approximately

3 000 visitors throughout the summer months.

5.4.3 School Presentations

In March of 2014, the Fish friends program started with the 4/5th grade class of Shediac Cape

School and with the 6th grade class of MFB School in Shediac. Each aquarium held 150 trout

eggs that where raised and then released into local rivers. The students learned about fish habitat

and fish life cycles.

FIGURE 32: TROUT AQUARIUM IN THE CLASSROOM, 2014

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29 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

On June 4th, the SBWA visited the MFB elementary School in Shediac to bring the students of

the 6th grade outside for a presentation on the Acadian forest, accompanied with an activity of

planting 2 trees in the school yard.

5.4.4 Booth at the Lobster festival

SBWA was invited to share their educational materials at an information booth at the Shediac

Lobster festival on July 9th, 2014. Brochures on a variety of topics were handed out and

numerous visitors received information on the activities of the Association.

5.4.5 Booth at the Bouctouche Eco-Festival

SBWA was invited to share their educational materials at an information booth at the

Bouctouche Eco-Festival on Sept 20th, 2014. Brochures on a variety of topics were handed out

and numerous visitors received information on the activities of the Association.

5.4.6 News Coverage

Green Crab

There was coverage by CBC news New Brunswick on our green crab study at minute 17:00 of

the August 1st 2014, newscast. See link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2481064219/ . A second

CBC news article was published on the green crab on September 1st, 2014

An article on our green crab project was published by Acadie Nouvelle on July 30th, 2014

Freshwater Mussels

CBC news New Brunswick covered our freshwater mussel project in both a news article and

radio report on July 24th 2014, and again on November 4th 2014. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/group-searches-for-rare-freshwater-mussel-near-shediac-1.2716449 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/brook-floater-mussel-a-rare-sight-in-shediac-bay-

1.2824021?cmp=rss

Stream Restoration

CBC news New Brunswick covered our restoration project on an evening news broadcast on July

15th 2014, the following link at 27 min: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/NB/ID/2473960352/

Press release on Restoration project funding by DFO October 20th 2014

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30 Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program Final Report March 2015

Tern Platform

CBC news New Brunswick report on our tern platform project on June 3rd, 2014 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shediac-group-aims-to-relocate-colony-of-common-terns-

1.2662912

5.4.7 Socials Medias and Website

http://www.facebook.com/#!/shediacbaywatershedassociation

0@SBWA12

www.shediacbaywatershed.com

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CLOSING COMMENTS

The Shediac and Scoudouc Rivers are the largest source of bacteria input in Shediac Bay.

Also, Parlee Beach Provincial Park is an important tourist attraction during the summer months.

It is important to monitor water quality in the watershed and make necessary actions for the

health of our rivers and the bay.

The work performed during the development of the water quality project included different

activities related to water quality remediation planning and public outreach. The water quality

monitoring program is crucial for the management of the watershed. The water quality

monitoring program allowed us to identify problematic areas and water quality trends.

Continuing to perform water quality monitoring and adopt new methods of doing so is very

important to ensure that our watershed is properly managed. Such activities complement

remediation work by determining not only where this work is needed most, but also if such work

is properly accomplished. All these efforts should be distributed on a long period of time in order

to produce accurate indicators of water quality and habitat integrity.

The Status of Shediac Bay and its Watershed – An Introduction has gained momentum

throughout the year and is well recognized by residents. We are working to develop a Strategic

Watershed Management Plan.

The media also plays a huge role in enhancing the association’s profile. Various articles

were in newspapers, radio stations, television to announce our projects and events. The SBWA

has built reliability among the community. When a project is taking place, we take the

opportunity to make interviews with different media. This way, the public can refer to us as a

complete group performing many projects to aiming to maintain the water quality. The SBWA

also installed their booth at various community events during the year. Hosting events such as

the beach sweeps also served to raise awareness and the association’s visibility while helping

members of the community realize that their participation can have an enormous positive impact

on our watershed.

Furthermore, developing and implementing an annual environmental education program

with local schools has proven especially useful in sensitizing our youth, teachers and parents on

watershed issues and the importance of protecting our waterways. Children responded very well

to our presentations and the schools greatly appreciate our work.

Directly working with various governmental agencies has helped in reaching many

stakeholders. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, for example has assisted the SBWA in

different projects such as Invasive aquatic species identification with the public. Increasing our

visibility is crucial for the long-term development of a watershed group. We believe that we can

greatly contribute at multiple levels for the management of bays and watersheds. The SBWA is

engaged to respond to environmental concerns and complaints by contacting appropriate

governmental agencies to verify regulations and permit compliances. In some cases formal

complaints are directed to the concerned governmental bodies. The Department of Fisheries and

Oceans and Environment Canada are contacted when sedimentation issues or fish habitat

deterioration are observed.

The SBWA also enjoyed the support of multiple volunteers and members during the year.

Their support always ensures the stability of the group and allows us to continue to develop great

educational activities.

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Finally, the Water Quality Remediation and Public Outreach Program was very successful

and we accomplished many activities and events over the past year. Many endeavours remain to

be completed due to the magnitude and scope of the remediation work left to be tackled.

The SBWA is definitively making a big difference in the community. Monitoring results

show modifications in stream water quality. Our work needs to be performed on a long-term

basis in order to obtain positive results. However, we are confident that our group can enhance

and maintain the water quality and a healthy community for future years since action taken at a

community scale has proven to be successful.

.

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Le crabe vert poursuit sa colonisation au

Nouveau-Brunswick

Publié: 17 h 26 min, Mercredi 30 juillet 2014 par Jean-Marc Doiron

La population du crabe vert, une espèce envahissante, continue de grandir dans la baie de Shediac. - Acadie

Nouvelle: Jean-Marc Doiron

Marcel LeBlanc, un employé étudiant de Shediac, vérifie un casier de crabe vert. Son travail permet de tenir compte

du taux de population de l’espèce envahissante dans la baie de Shediac. – Acadie Nouvelle: Jean-Marc Doiron

SHEDIAC – Le crabe vert poursuit sa colonisation des côtes du sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick. Le crustacé

envahissant représente une menace pour les espèces qui habitent les estuaires.

Dans un petit bateau du ministère des Pêches et des Océans, mercredi, le gérant de l’Association du bassin versant

de la baie de Shediac, Jim Weldon, a vérifié une dizaine de casiers conçus pour attraper le vorace crustacé.

En 24 heures, certains des casiers avaient attrapé plus de 20 crabes verts.

7 APPENDIX A – MEDIA COVERAGE

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«Les nombres sont légèrement à la hausse à comparer à l’an dernier, selon nos premières indications. Nous voyons

de plus petits crabes cette année, ce qui veut dire qu’ils survivent bien», nous apprend M. Weldon.

«Dans le dernier mois, ils ont presque doublé de grosseur. Ils sont très contents de l’alimentation fournie par les

algues de la baie.»

Il y a trois ans, le premier crabe vert a été trouvé dans la baie de Shediac. Depuis, entre 100 000 et 5 millions de

crabes verts, mesurant de six à neuf centimètres de largeur, y habitent, selon les estimations de M. Weldon.

Originaire d’Europe et d’Afrique du Nord, le crabe vert est considéré comme l’une des cent pires espèces exotiques

envahissantes au monde. Au début des années 1990, il a été aperçu pour la première fois dans le golfe Saint-Laurent.

Il est reconnu pour son habileté à survivre à de grandes variations de température (de 0 à 30 degrés Celsius) et son

extrême voracité.

Afin d’illustrer leur agressivité, la directrice scientifique d’Homarus, la docteure Dounia Daoud, a introduit un

poisson mort dans un aquarium contenant des crabes verts. En l’espace de quelques secondes, ils se sont rués vers

l’appât, bouillonnant comme des piranhas. Un des crabes a même grimpé sur le poisson et s’est dirigé vers les doigts

de la chercheuse, qui tenait toujours le poisson, avant qu’elle le secoue.

«Ce crabe-là est tellement résistant et se reproduit tellement vite qu’il pourrait très bien, un jour, étendre son habitat.

J’aimerais qu’on étudie ça dès maintenant, afin qu’on ne soit pas pris avec des crabes verts qui envahissent toutes

nos eaux», a-t-elle affirmé.

L’introduction du crabe vert dans l’écosystème menace les populations de palourdes, de coques, de moules,

d’huîtres et d’anguilles, entre autres.

«Les pêcheurs d’anguilles, par exemple, ont des casiers un peu partout dans la baie. Les crabes entrent, en grand

nombre, dans les casiers à anguilles, et mordent les anguilles qui perdent leur valeur», nous apprend M. Weldon.

Selon M. Weldon, la population du crabe vert, qui n’a pas de prédateurs naturels dans la région, aurait colonisé au

moins jusqu’à Bouctouche. Ce serait vraisemblable d’imaginer qu’un jour, à chaque endroit ou une rivière coule

dans le détroit de Northumberland au sud de Miramichi, on y trouvera une population de crabe vert.

Pas de risque pour les nageurs et les homards.

Les amateurs de la plage et les pêcheurs de homard n’ont pas à s’inquiéter que le crabe vert bouleverse leur routine.

Le vorace crustacé habite les estuaires et les eaux peu profondes où poussent de longues algues. Il ne colonise

habituellement pas l’habitat des homards, soit les eaux de 5 à 10 mètres avec un fond rocheux ni l’eau des plages,

qui est couverte de sable.

«Le crabe vert, on commence à l’étudier, mais il n’est pas encore une menace pour le homard. Ils n’ont pas le même

habitat», a affirmé la chercheuse Dounia Daoud.

«Les eaux plus chaudes et peu profondes, avec leurs lits de plantes marines, contiennent beaucoup de nourriture

pour les crabes verts.»

À l’avenir, si la population du crabe vert croît de façon exponentielle et que l’habitat devient surchargé, ils

pourraient étendre leur territoire jusqu’aux eaux plus profondes où se trouvent les homards, selon Mme Daoud.

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Green crab may soon be a diner's delight

UPEI, DFO pilot project aims to harvest, market the invasive species as a

delicacy

CBC News Posted: Sep 01, 2014 2:57 PM AT Last Updated: Sep 01, 2014 2:57 PM AT

Green crabs arrived in P.E.I. about 15 years ago.

Finding ways to harvest and market the destructive green crab as a delicacy to reduce the crustacean's impact on the

local shellfish industry is being investigated by the University of Prince Edward Island.

The green crab is an invasive species that has been multiplying exponentially since arriving in P.E.I. 15 years ago

and UPEI researchers have been trying to figure out how to get rid of them.

'You more or less batter them up and deep fry them.'- Luke Poirier, UPEI graduate student

"The green crab is a concern for the shellfish industry and for the government," said UPEI biology professor Pedro

Quijon.

"They can eat an insane amount of little oysters very, very quickly, and up-rooting eelgrass, for example, which is

really bad."

But now, UPEI is working with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans on a pilot project that would

promote the crab as a food item and potentially limit the negative effects it has on other marine life.

Graduate student Luke Poirier is researching the successful green crab market in Italy, hoping to eventually see a

similar market established on P.E.I.

"The idea is that you fish them when they moult, which is how crabs grow, and they're soft to the touch," said

Poirier.

"And you more or less just batter them up and deep fry them, similar to like an appetizer or something at a

restaurant."

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Group searches for rare freshwater

mussel near Shediac

Brook floater mussels are considered endangered in the United States

CBC News Posted: Jul 24, 2014 7:06 AM AT Last Updated: Jul 24, 2014 7:06 AM AT

Rémi Donelle, the manager of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association, is searching for a rare species of mussels,

the brook floater, near Saint-Philippe. (Tori Weldon/CBC)

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association is looking for a rare fresh water mussel around Saint-Philippe that was

spotted in the area in 2005.

The brook floater population has dwindled in the United States, making the mussel's home in New Brunswick and

Nova Scotia an important stronghold.

Rémi Donelle, the manager of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association, said a few dozen of the rare mussels were

found in the Shediac area in 2005 when they were last studied.

"We are hoping to find some, we should,” Donelle said.

“It is a rare mussel, so there was a few found in the 2005 study, so we're hoping to find, at least on some sites, this

rare mussel."

Donelle is using an unconventional looking device to find the rare mussels. He has a black garbage can with

plexiglass taped to the bottom.

It may look odd, but it does allow Donelle to search for the brook floaters.

However, Donnelle said the watershed association hasn't found any brook floaters yet this summer.

"We don't know if that's because of change in the habitat or if it's been misidentified in the past or if we just haven't

seen it yet," he said.

Donelle said the rare mussel is considered an endangered species in parts of the United States and it's being

considered for the species of concern list in Canada.

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But Donelle said he hopes the mussel turns up in the Shediac area. He said that would be a sign of healthy water

systems and it could increase the chance of the brook floater’s survival.

If others find these mussels, the watershed association's manager has some simple advice.

“If they do see mussels just leave them there, they can live really long, they can live a few hundred years if they are

undisturbed, they would be edible, but they wouldn't be good,” Donelle said.

If the rare mussels are found, the watershed association will start work on habitat protection and restoration in the

fall.

Brook floater mussel a rare sight in

Shediac Bay

A 2005 survey found the brook floater mussel in 10 locations along the Shediac

River, no sightings this summer

CBC News Posted: Nov 04, 2014 10:18 PM AT Last Updated: Nov 04, 2014 10:18 PM AT

Rémi Donelle, the manager of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association, is pictured searching for the brook floater

mussel over the summer. (Tori Weldon/CBC)

A rare freshwater mussel, already a species at risk according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, has become

rarer in Shediac Bay.

In 2005, a survey found the brook floater mussel in 10 locations along the Shediac River, but this summer passed

without a sighting.

Jolyne Hébert spent about 60 hours searching riverbed bottoms this summer, looking for the brook floater.

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The environmental technician at the Shediac Bay Watershed Association says it was discouraging.

“We started to doubt whether or not we were actually going to find them, we started to, if you will, lose hope a little

bit,” she said.

The rare mussel didn't appear and that was surprising given the information collected almost 10 years ago.

“There were some sites where there were reported up to 27 even 30 brook floaters that they had found so we put a

higher priority on those sites,” Hébert said. “When we did the sweep we thought it was a bit strange that we hadn't

seen one.”

Rémi Donelle is the project manager and says the brook floater is only found in the Northeastern United States, parts

of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Lack of mussels could be a sign

“These rivers were considered to be one place where there was a good population of brook floaters so if not, then it

means the species is rarer than first thought,” he said.

Donelle says the missing mussels are a cause for concern, because a healthy population is usually a sign of healthy

rivers.

“The freshwater mussels, they need a good clean habitat, to live, to reproduce,” he said. “They need fish, so if there

is no mussels, or if there is a decline in the mussels it might raise flags, warning flags that the environment might be

degrading.”

The group says it will continue its search next summer.

Shediac group aims to relocate colony of

common terns Shediac Bay Watershed Association hopes a new platform will encourage the

terns to stay in the area

CBC News Posted: Jun 03, 2014 8:18 AM AT Last Updated: Jun 03, 2014 8:18 AM AT

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Rémi Donelle, the manager of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association, looks at a new platform that the group hopes

will keep a colony of common terns in the bay. (Tori Weldon/CBC)

A group in Pointe-du-Chêne is hoping to entice a displaced colony of common terns to stay in the bay after the barge

the birds were using as their summer home was replaced last fall with a rock wall.

The Shediac Bay Watershed Association installed a floating platform on the weekend, complete with guard rails for

clumsy chicks, shade and a recorded tern call to attract the birds.

Rémi Donelle, the manager of the Shediac Bay Watershed Association, said the group does not have a lot of time to

waste if it wants to successfully lure the terns to the platform.

He said if the birds leave the area to nest elsewhere, it is unlikely that they will return to Shediac Bay.

“We really want to keep those birds in the Shediac Bay because it's something that's quite rare, tern colonies, they're

not found everywhere,” he said.

Donelle said he hopes the recorded tern call that is on the platform will attract the birds to the new location. It seems

to be working, he said.

“I can see that birds are hanging around way more,” he said.

But Donelle said he won't know if the new colony has been successfully relocated until eggs are laid.

“The terns arrived maybe two or three weeks ago, they'll be nesting anytime so, in the next three to four weeks we

should know if we've got a success or not,” he said.

If the terns do choose to nest there, Donelle said the watershed association will try to expand the platform to

accommodate a full colony.

Terns have caused controversy in the past in southeastern New Brunswick. In 2009, boaters and birders sparred over

the terns’ nesting habits.

Boaters were upset by the mess the birds were leaving behind.

Harper Government invests in Round II

Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects

in Southeast New Brunswick

October 20, 2014

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The Government of Canada to invest up to $5.5 million to restore recreational fisheries habitat through the National

Conservation Plan

Shediac, New Brunswick – On behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Robert

Goguen, Member of Parliament for Moncton-Dieppe-Riverview, today announced that, under the second round of

the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide up to

$74,000 for three projects to conserve fish habitat in Shediac, Cap-Pelé and Saint-Louis-de-Kent.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to

support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation

organizations. Given its early success and high demand, an additional investment in Economic Action Plan 2014

increased the funding available through the program to a total investment of $25 million.

On May 15, 2014, the National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to

conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to

conserve and restore our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. To date,

the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million (Round I), in 94

fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada and funding to support up to an additional 128 projects (Round

II) is currently underway. Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site (www.dfo-

mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick facts

Here are the details on the three projects:

•Groupe du bassin versant de la région de Cap-Pelé Inc. – Restoration of the Tedish River including river clean-up

(waste, wood debris, old beaver dam), removal of major barriers to migration, reduction of sedimentation, planting

of seedlings on damaged river bank and encouragement of community to participate in the restoration.

•Shediac Bay Watershed Association – The removing of beaver dams and the replanting of river banks of the

Scoudouc and Shediac Rivers to avoid bank exposure after the dam removal.

•Friends of the Kouchibouguacis – The removal of a degraded creosote wall and the restoration of the shoreline

namely by planting approximately 250 trees, shrubs and plants.

Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, more than $521,000 had

been made available for 12 projects in New Brunswick.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of

lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations.

Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes

billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation

Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“Today we have taken yet another step to support the individuals and organizations who are working to help restore

the rivers of Shediac, Cap-Pelé and Saint-Louis-de-Kent. Projects like these are helping to restore fishing habitats

within our communities while also supporting a popular New Brunswick recreational activity. These projects will

benefit our community for years to come.”

Robert Goguen, Member of Parliament for Moncton-Dieppe-Riverview