A new approach to seaweed management in Eastern Canada: the case of Ascophyllum nodosum

Recent collapses of some important fisheries in Atlantic Canada have create d a strong public concern regarding management policies for marine resource s. Consequently, a precautionary approach has been urged for these resource s. Previously marine plant management was either 'laissez faire' or based o nly on single species resource sustainability. A new approach was applied t o the management of the fucoid Ascophyllum nodosum (Rockweed) as this resou rce plays a role as a habitat for invertebrates and vertebrates. In 1995, u nder a four-year pilot plan, the A. nodosum harvest expanded from Nova Scot ia to the unexploited area of southern New Brunswick. A new joint federal/p rovincial management strategy for Rockweed was implemented after reviewing existing biological information and 30 years of harvesting history and expe rience in Nova Scotia. Maximum exploitation rate, cutting height, gear rest rictions, and protected areas were management measures within a precautiona ry pilot harvest plan. A research and monitoring program involving the indu stry, universities and the provincial and federal government was simultaneo usly initiated to evaluate the effect of the harvest on the resource and as sociated species and to provide information to improve the management of ro ckweed. A scientific peer committee carried out a review of this informatio n in April 1998 and 1999. The consensus was that the harvest impact on the habitat architecture was minimal and of short duration, therefore, it was a dvised to continue the harvest but to maintain the precautionary approach t o management.