Bay of Fundy Dykelands

ResNet has launched investigations, co-designed with local industry, government, NGO, and Indigenous partners and other stakeholders, into the provision, modelling, and governance of multiple ecosystem services in six working landscapes across Canada. One of these landscapes is the Bay of Fundy Dykelands in Nova Scotia, where TransCoastal Adaptations contributes to ResNET research co-led by Dr. Jeremy Lundholm and Dr. Kate Sherren.

COMPARISON OF POLLINATOR ASSEMBLAGES ON AGRICULTURAL DYKELANDS IN THE BAY OF FUNDY

Researchers Terrell Roulston and Evan McNamara investigate wild pollinators in Bay of Fundy agroecosystems and the services they provide, which include increasing crop yields and maintaining natural plant communities.

Roulston is researching the role of dykelands and saltmarshes adjacent to croplands in supporting the health of local pollinators. Roulston’s research has found a similar abundance of pollinators in both habitats, and has found pollinators such as Bumble Bees and Leaf-cutter Bees visiting wind-pollinated saltmarsh grass Sporobolus alterniflorus, which is unexpected.

McNamara is investigating differences between pollinator assemblages on farmlands in the Bay of Fundy based on their proximity to dyke and saltmarsh ecosystems.

This research will help farmers understand the value of pollination services to their crops, and the related costs and benefits associated with processes such as dyke realignment and saltmarsh restoration.

Salt marsh Sediment accretion

Researchers Élise Rogers and Megan Elliot investigate the spatial and temporal variabilities in sediment flux on restored salt marshes, and how these relate to sediment accretion on the marsh.

They measure sediment flux parameters in various seasons to calculate sediment flux. Additionally, they measure changes in salt marsh elevation and accretion over time. With the resulting data, they are able to better understand the relationship between sediment flux and salt marsh accretion.

The findings from this research will help predict tidal wetland restoration timeframes with increased accuracy, and help us understand how salt marshes adapt to rising sea levels.

Wave attenuation capacity of vegetation

Researcher Makadunyiswe Ngulube studied the wave dissipation potential of salt marsh vegetation in a temperate, hypertidal estuary. Research was conducted in Clifton Marsh in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, where vegetation is monospecific with Spartina alterniflora.

Ngulube’s research involved deploying RBR wave loggers extending from mudflat to the vegetated marsh area to collect wave data over six months in 2020. Vegetation surveys were also carried out bi-weekly to measure various vegetation parameters such as stem height, stem diameter and leaf width.

This research helps us better understand the protective services provided by foreshore marshes, particularly their ability to attenuate wave energy. Potential benefits of this ecosystem service include the mitigation coastal hazards associated with wave energy, including reducing flood risk and storm surge.