The Bay of Fundy has always felt like a mysterious and magical place for me. However, it wasn’t until last September, when I had the chance to take a whale-watching excursion in Saint Andrews, that I truly began to understand the profound importance of protecting this breathtaking ecosystem.
In summer, this elongated inlet is home to over a dozen different whale species, including humpbacks, minkes and the endangered North Atlantic right whale. While I had seen harbour porpoises in the water before, I had yet to spot one of these bigger whales, but I was looking forward to the opportunity to see one.
When we set sail in the morning, the thick fog made me doubt that we would see much. But as our vessel cut through the water, I was able to spot seals basking on rocky outcrops, birds gracefully soaring overhead and playful porpoises dancing in the waves. The fog made it seem as if time had paused to honour the beauty of the Bay of Fundy.
Suddenly, the excitement onboard became palpable when a magnificent minke whale emerged near the boat. I was awed at the whale’s sheer grace and power as it moved effortlessly through the water. The whale’s imposing presence was a humbling reminder of our responsibility to protect this vital ecosystem.
The Bay of Fundy is a whale’s playground, carrying plankton, krill and a variety of fish, providing a critical environment to feed and raise young calves. However, these whales face several threats, including pollution, noise from shipping and fishing vessels and warming waters. Sightings of the endangered North Atlantic right whale have become increasingly rare in the Bay of Fundy as the whales move further north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence due to lack of food.
Protecting our oceans is challenging, but the rewards are immense. With your help, we can advocate for stronger marine protections that against the impacts that threaten whales and other species that call the Bay of Fundy home.
The Conservation Council’s marine program director, Matt Abbott, tirelessly works year-round with other organizations, First Nations, fishers’ associations, government agencies and coastal communities to tackle this challenge head-on. On this World Oceans Day, June 8, we’re asking for your help to support us and continue this vital work.
That includes work Matt does to call out the greenwashing of industrial salmon farming, working to improve fish passage on the Skutik (St. Croix) River and advising the government on laws that will keep our waters safe.
It’s the perfect time to support us. For the month of June, we are participating in CanadaHelps’ Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Each donation of $3 or more enters the Conservation Council in a draw to win an additional $10,000 donation.
Having completed an internship with the Conservation Council, my whale-watching voyage gave me a deeper understanding of the delicate balance within this ecosystem that sustains countless species and supports the livelihoods of our communities. Shaped by its unique environmental conditions, the Bay of Fundy provides essential benefits for human and non-human communities alike.
Your donation, no matter the size, will directly support our crucial work advocating for vibrant, thriving marine environments in New Brunswick. As stewards of this precious ecosystem, it is our duty to safeguard its wonders, ensuring that future generations may also experience the magic of the Bay of Fundy.
Vincent Scully was the Conservation Council’s marine specialist intern in the summer of 2023.