2003-2004 Community Action Fund NOVA SCOTIA MAHONE BAY ROESEATE TERN RECOVERY PROJECT BLUENOSE ATLANTIC COASTAL ACTION PROGRAM GRASSY ISLAND COMPLEX IBA, NOVA SCOTIA Located on the south coast of Nova Scotia within Mahone Bay and St. Margaret's Bay, the three islands of the Grassy Island complex have regularly supported nesting endangered Roseate Terns for the past 20 years. However, exploding gull populations fuelled by two major food sources—fisheries refuse and garbage dumps, and human disturbance are having serious impacts on tern populations. The Bluenose Atlantic Coastal Action Program (BACAP) is a non-profit organization that promotes ecosystem restoration, enhancement, and conservation through research and action. With the financial assistance of the Community Action Fund, BACAP is determining ideal locations for tern management sites within the island complex, examining the impact of gull predation on tern colonies, and distributing an "island ethics" brochure on the mainland to promote the need for a secure site free of human disturbance and predators. CAPE SABLE IMPORTANT BIRD AREA PROJECT IBA LOCAL ACTION COMMITTEE CAPE SABLE IBA, NOVA SCOTIA In the spring, the federally endangered and globally vulnerable Piping Plover nests on the sand beaches of Cape Sable’s eastern shore. A diversity of waterbirds and landbirds on the Island is equally rich: loons, herons, egrets, cormorants, seaducks, bay ducks, alcids, and pelagic species can be seen in the spring and fall. The accessibility of the island and proximity of roads and residential areas has lead to the disturbance of breeding plovers and shorebirds that feed along the shoreline. Cape Sable is one of the two most important breeding areas for Piping Plovers in Nova Scotia, so the need for public education and support of protection activities regarding this vital breeding habitat is crucial to the survival of this species. The Cape Sable IBA project is an initiative to educate the public, and particularly youth, about the natural history and conservation of the Piping Plover and other bird species of the region. The Cape Sable Local Action Committee was established to encourage recognition of the Cape Sable area as an ecologically unique habitat for birds and other species. The Committee will continue the work and development of the IBA Welcome Centre and support critical Piping Plover protection and recovery efforts. CENSUS OF GREAT CORMORANTS AT PORTNOVA ISLAND IBA ATLANTIC COASTAL ACTION PROGRAM PORTNOVA ISLANDS IBA, NOVA SCOTIA The rocky and treeless islands, islets and reefs of Portnova Islands IBA off the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island are home to 2.5% of North America’s population of Great Cormorants. ACAP Cape Breton is conducting a census on Portnova Island to establish whether the population of Great Cormorants has stabilized, rebounded, or continued to decline. The data will be used to determine the conservation status of this bird in greater Cape Breton. This information will be supplied to the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Department of Natural Resources so that well informed management decisions can be made regarding this species in Nova Scotia and Canada. NOVA SCOTIA COASTAL GUARDIAN PROGRAM NOVA SCOTIA BIRD SOCIETY POMQUET BEACH REGION IBA, NOVA SCOTIA The Pomquet Beach Region IBA is home to the endangered Piping Plover, as well as Great Blue Heron, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. Although a portion of the Pomquet Beach Region IBA falls within the boundaries of a provincial park, this designation only prohibits development and offers meagre protection for the Piping Plover. Coastal beaches preferred by Piping Plovers are also attractive to beachgoers, which means recreational activity is often unchecked. Disturbance by All-Terrain-Vehicles and other vehicles is a problem, especially at coastal beaches outside the provincial park boundary. On busy weekends, over 1,000 people flock to the swimming area adjacent to the IBA and plover breeding site. The Nova Scotia Bird Society will engage the local communities in the protection and conservation of Piping Plover habitat in the Pomquet Beach Region. To mitigate the impact of human activity on the Piping Plover, an area youth will be hired to oversee public education activities at the beaches. This individual will act as an ambassador for the Nova Scotia Bird Society and will present the plight of the Piping Plover and its habitat to ATV associations, landowners, day camp members, scout guide groups, and the general public.   back to map