Vol. 3, No. 2 Contents
Headline Back Issues
Spring 1999
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Gulf Log
Premiers, governors adopt emissions plansBy Joy Manson Fredericton, New Brunswick ---- The New England states and eastern Canadian provinces have joined forces to address the issues of mercury emissions and acid deposition in a region that includes the Gulf of Maine.
Although some of the mercury present in the Gulf of Maine region exists naturally, most of it is released by incinerators, boilers, and manufacturing plants both within and outside the region. Mercury is also found in some household products. When mercury is released into the atmosphere during combustion and manufacturing processes, it is converted to other forms and mixes with rain, snow, sleet, or dust and falls back to earth, a process known as atmospheric deposition. The mercury can then mix with certain bacteria in marine sediments that convert it to its most toxic form ---- methyl mercury ---- which can cause nerve and developmental damage in humans and animals. Sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere converts to sulfuric acid, which can increase the acidity of rain, snow, sleet, fog, dew, gases, or dust. Acidified rainwater more easily dissolves heavy metals ---- including mercury ---- in upland soils, subsequently depositing them in estuaries in the form of runoff. Acid deposition demands a regional approach to research and strategic action, according to scientific representatives on the NEG/ECP. The Acid Rain Action Plan will incorporate coordinated data management and exchange, a forest mapping project, and monitoring programs for surface water quality and the presence of fine particulates in the air. The Mercury Action Plan aims to reduce mercury emissions by 50 percent by 2003 through source reduction and waste management, and research and strategic monitoring. A public outreach working group is developing a strategy and resource materials in support of the plans. For more information, please contact Rheal Poirier at (902) 424-5905, or John Shea at (613) 423-6900. Scientists studying risks to salmonOrono, Maine ---- University of Maine Scientists are studying the effects of acidity and aluminum on Atlantic salmon smolts ---- juvenile salmon that are ready to migrate ---- with support from a $55,764 grant from the US Geological Survey's Biological Services Division. Scientists Terry Haines and Malcolm Shick of the Department of Biological Sciences are working with the Maine Atlantic Salmon Authority and the National Marine Fisheries Service. They are investigating the risks posed to salmon smolts in Maine by acidic stream water and dissolved aluminum during the smolts' migration into seawater. Research in Norway suggests that salmon smolt deaths could increase under such conditions. Smolt survival during the young salmons' transition to seawater has not previously been evaluated in Maine other than through limited tagging and tracking studies in 1996, according to the university. Those concerned about conservation of Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine cite numerous threats to the species, including disease, obstruction of their migration routes by dams and causeways, and loss of habitat. NMFS adopts new code of angling ethicsWashington, DC ---- The federal agency charged with managing saltwater species in the US has adopted a new code intended to promote ethical, conservation-minded fishing behavior by recreational fishermen, the Commerce Department's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced in March. NMFS developed the "Code of Angling Ethics" with the help of angling groups, including the American Sportfishing Association, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, and Trout Unlimited, according to the agency. Recreational fishermen who adopt the code agree to adhere to conservation practices that include avoiding spilling or dumping pollutants, such as gasoline and oil, into the aquatic environment; disposing of all trash, including worn fishing gear, in appropriate containers; taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals, including live baitfish, into non-native habitats; and using tackle and techniques that minimize harm to fish when engaging in "catch and release" angling. NMFS is providing the code to recreational fishermen, fishing clubs, bait and tackle shops, and fishing boat operators through a variety of cards, stickers, and posters that promote its use. The code is also posted at www.nmfs.gov/irf/irf.html on the agency's recreational fisheries web site. Beach health strategy pushes monitoringWashington, DC ---- A new long-term strategy recently released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will help states and localities protect public health at beaches and recreational waters, according to the agency. Though studies have linked some illnesses to contaminated recreational waters, many localities still do not regularly monitor recreational water quality and many states have not adopted EPA's water quality criteria for bacteria. Despite significant progress in protecting beaches, coastal areas, and other water bodies from pollution, many recreational waters remain threatened by bacterial contamination from sewage and polluted runoff from farms and city streets. Each year, thousands of beaches are closed to swimming because of pollution. Under the new plan, EPA says it will: conduct annual National Beach Health Surveys to collect data on state and local monitoring and protection activities; assist state and local managers in strengthening water quality standards based on EPA's recommended criteria; strive for consistent management of recreational water quality programs; improve the science that supports monitoring at these sites; and continue the dialog with state, local, and other public health officials through conferences and meetings. State and local information on recreational water quality, as well as EPA's Beach Action Plan, are available at www.epa.gov/ost/beaches or by calling the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-800-490-9198. UN promotes shark, seabird conservationWashington, DC ---- The world's fishing nations have negotiated final agreements that will improve international conservation and management of sharks and seabirds, according to the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Committee on Fisheries decided in February at its annual meeting in Rome, Italy to approve final Plans of Action to improve the conservation of sharks and seabirds at the national, regional, and global levels. According to NOAA, the plans provide concrete and specific steps, and call for FAO members to develop and implement national plans by 2001. CalendarGOMC mini-fair and forum The Gulf of Maine Council's summer meeting is scheduled to take place June 10-11 at the Rodd Grand Hotel in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The meeting will feature a "Mini-Fair" showcasing nongovernmental organizations, and a forum on communication among the diverse groups and organizations in the Gulf. For more information, contact the GOMC Secretariat's office. CZ '99 Coastal Zone '99 ---- The People, The Coast, The Ocean: Vision 2020 will take place July 24-30, in San Diego, California. Visit omega.cc.umb.edu/~cz99 or E-mail Chantal Lefebre at cz99@umbsky.cc.umb.edu or fax (617) 287-5575 for more information. CZ Canada 2000 This bilingual event (French/English) is scheduled to take place at the Trade and Convention Center in Saint John, New Brunswick September 17-22, 2000. Addressing the theme, Coastal Stewardship: Lessons Learned and the Paths Ahead, the conference will focus on aboriginal practices, community-based actions, coastal health, and oceans governance. Discussion will be based on a review document, Baseline 2000, to be distributed to participants before the conference. For a registration kit call (506) 453-2253 or e-mail czczcc2000@gov.nb.ca or visit www.gov.nb.ca/dfa/czc-zcc200.htm for more information. |
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At its June 1998 conference in New Brunswick, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) adopted two action plans to reduce mercury and acid rain emissions. A workshop on the plans' progress was scheduled for June 4 in Portland, Maine.