Abstract
The importance of the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia transcends its size. The Bay is a highly productive system that supports a range of economic activities in adjacent communities and in the region. Furthermore, the Bay of Fundy exerts a powerful emotion connection on residents and visitors alike. The Bay of Fundy and its enormous tides is integral to Nova Scotia’s identity.
Given the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of the Bay of Fundy, the potential for tidal power development is inevitably a catalyst for discussion about what kinds of new activities might be desirable in the Bay of Fundy and how they might co-exist with existing activities and uses. Interest in managing Nova Scotia’s coastal lands and waters has only increased since the expert panel conducting an environmental assessment for the proposed White Point quarry and marine terminal recommended the province of Nova Scotia develop a comprehensive coastal management policy as soon as possible.
The Panel recommendation, the emerging tidal power technologies, and the Strategic Environmental Assessment process provide an opportunity to consider how integrated coastal management might look in the Bay of Fundy and how communities can engage meaningfully in this type of decision making. It is an indication of the importance of the Bay of Fundy that there have been many past initiatives by community groups, fishing organizations, and governments to better understand and better manage the Bay of Fundy.
Examples of past integrated management initiatives include: Upper Bay of Fundy Pilot Management Plan, Annapolis Basin Clam Management Board, Bay of Fundy Fisheries Council, Southwest New Brunswick Integrated Planning Process, Sustainable Communities Initiative, and the Minas Basin Working Group. Reviewing these past examples can provide insights into what works in integrated management and what are the challenges. It can also help understand how potential new activities such as tidal power can take place within the context of integrated coastal zone management.