Toxins close shoreline to clamdiggers
Paralytic shellfish poisoning risk high in Digby County’s St. Marys Bay
By BRIAN MEDEL Yarmouth Bureau
Sat, Jul 24 - 4:53 AM
Federal fishery officer Leisha Clarke-Doherty posts a notice Friday announcing the closure of shellfish harvesting in St. Marys Bay.(Brian Medel / STAFF)
BELLIVEAUS COVE — All the beaches and shorelines of St. Marys Bay in Digby County are now off limits to commercial and recreational clamdiggers because the potential for paralytic shellfish poisoning has increased dramatically this month.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency tests regularly and issued the warning this week, federal fishery officer Howard Blinn said Friday.
"They test the clams," Blinn said.
The levels of biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning are extremely high, he said.
As a result, "all of St. Marys Bay . . . is closed for mussels, soft-shelled clams, bar clams, razor clams, etc."
Scallops are not included in the closure, said Blinn.
Fishery officers posted signs Friday morning on public roads leading to popular beach areas. The signs warn of the danger and prohibit commercial and recreational harvesting until further notice.
Toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning are natural but sometime accumulate in bivalve shellfish, which include shellfish with hinged upper and lower shells.
"These closures are very common, especially in the Annapolis Basin," said Gary d’Entremont, the acting inspection manager in the agency’s Yarmouth office.
"They occur every year."
The toxins are produced as a result of a plankton bloom, he said. The agency will increase its sampling during the closure.
"We want to monitor how far it’s progressing," said d’Entremont.
In a news release, the food inspection agency said consumers may ask wherever they purchase clams or mussels if there is proper documentation to ensure that the shellfish was harvested from an approved or open area.
The agency has issued a fact sheet on paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning may begin within a few minutes of eating contaminated shellfish or may take up to 10 hours to develop.
Symptoms include a tingling or numbness around the lips that gradually spreads to the face and neck.
Fingertips and toes may also be affected and victims may experience headache and dizziness, said the fact sheet.
A person suffering from paralytic shellfish poisoning may have trouble breathing and seeing, and may vomit.
Medical attention should be sought.
In extreme cases, respiratory arrest and death may result within two to 12 hours after consuming contaminated shellfish, the fact sheet said.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning can occur in other countries and people should always be cautious when consuming mussels and clams while vacationing, the agency said.
( bmedel@herald.ca)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
DSWNA News
Marketing Update from DSWNA!
In This Issue:
Opportunities:
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010-11, Booking Form
Explore Our Shores Advertising Campaign
Travel packages/Travel Deals
Special Partner Deal!
Radio campaign, C100
Telegraph Journal
Chronicle Herald
DSWNA on-line advertising
Maritime Travel Saver Program, version francais - FREE!
The Arts Map - FREE listing!
Municipal & Community Pages on dswna.com
The 2011 Travel Guides to Canada - deadline November 8th, 2010
Culinary Tourism World Summit - early bird registration ends July 31st!
Brides 2011-Halifax Bridal Show, January 23rd, 2011
Market Canada to Australia
Share Nova Scotia Favourites
novascotia.com - advertising opportunities
Adventures in Taste: How you can Participate! Visit their website for more information
* Please note: all invoices will be submitted to partners via email where possible
Recent DSWNA Marketing & Promotions:
DSWNA hosts CTV's Live at 5
Look Live at 5 YouTube videos
Explore our Shores campaign
Newspaper Insert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explore our Shores campaign
This campaign is led by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage working in close partnership with Destination Southwest Nova Association. This is a multi-phase advertising campaign, focusing on targeting the Maritimes, that captures a range/volume of activities in Southwestern Nova Scotia. Advertising is supported by editorial, FAMS, social media etc. all tied together by a micro site built to highlight experiences and industry packages, www.exploreourshores.ca.
Travel Packages/Travel Deals
Promote your travel deals and packages on www.exploreourshores.ca for $30 + hst. Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-3105.
Partner Deal
If a partner of DSWNA purchases a $30 Travel Package space on the exploreourshores website, DSWNA will post that package on www.dswna.com and novascotia.com (if not there already).
C100 & Exploreourshores.com Halifax radio campaign - August 23rd- September 1st
C100 is excited to partner with Destination Southwest Nova this summer to give our listeners an opportunity to experience all that Southwest Nova Scotia has to offer.
As partner in this promotion, you will be features in a 6 week campaign that incorporates an on-air commercial schedule, weekly contesting executions, and an online microsite (Exploreourshores.com) that will detail area interests and events and individual offers from the participating sponsors with website links.
The promotion will focus on the five participating partners highlighting their specific offerings through the high frequency commercial schedule. The experiences each partner offers, combined with the contesting and online info, will give people a reason to get out and experience the area ultimately building the Southwest Nova Scotia brand among C100 listeners.
Cost: $2,000 + hst
Deadline: August 16th, 2010
Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-3105
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph Journal - August – October advertisement/editorial campaign
Building on visitor awareness as well as leveraging specials and value add-on's, along with commitments from the province in this marketplace, 4 half-page editorial (lure) focusing on attractions and outdoor activities, and a half-page of partner spaces will be purchased in the Telegraph Journal.
Insertion dates (week of): August 5th, 19th, Sept 3, 17th, 31st, Oct 14th and 28th
Cost: $250.00 per insertion, 6 partners per insertion
Deadline: one week prior to publication
Contact:Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-
In This Issue:
Opportunities:
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010-11, Booking Form
Explore Our Shores Advertising Campaign
Travel packages/Travel Deals
Special Partner Deal!
Radio campaign, C100
Telegraph Journal
Chronicle Herald
DSWNA on-line advertising
Maritime Travel Saver Program, version francais - FREE!
The Arts Map - FREE listing!
Municipal & Community Pages on dswna.com
The 2011 Travel Guides to Canada - deadline November 8th, 2010
Culinary Tourism World Summit - early bird registration ends July 31st!
Brides 2011-Halifax Bridal Show, January 23rd, 2011
Market Canada to Australia
Share Nova Scotia Favourites
novascotia.com - advertising opportunities
Adventures in Taste: How you can Participate! Visit their website for more information
* Please note: all invoices will be submitted to partners via email where possible
Recent DSWNA Marketing & Promotions:
DSWNA hosts CTV's Live at 5
Look Live at 5 YouTube videos
Explore our Shores campaign
Newspaper Insert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explore our Shores campaign
This campaign is led by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage working in close partnership with Destination Southwest Nova Association. This is a multi-phase advertising campaign, focusing on targeting the Maritimes, that captures a range/volume of activities in Southwestern Nova Scotia. Advertising is supported by editorial, FAMS, social media etc. all tied together by a micro site built to highlight experiences and industry packages, www.exploreourshores.ca.
Travel Packages/Travel Deals
Promote your travel deals and packages on www.exploreourshores.ca for $30 + hst. Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-3105.
Partner Deal
If a partner of DSWNA purchases a $30 Travel Package space on the exploreourshores website, DSWNA will post that package on www.dswna.com and novascotia.com (if not there already).
C100 & Exploreourshores.com Halifax radio campaign - August 23rd- September 1st
C100 is excited to partner with Destination Southwest Nova this summer to give our listeners an opportunity to experience all that Southwest Nova Scotia has to offer.
As partner in this promotion, you will be features in a 6 week campaign that incorporates an on-air commercial schedule, weekly contesting executions, and an online microsite (Exploreourshores.com) that will detail area interests and events and individual offers from the participating sponsors with website links.
The promotion will focus on the five participating partners highlighting their specific offerings through the high frequency commercial schedule. The experiences each partner offers, combined with the contesting and online info, will give people a reason to get out and experience the area ultimately building the Southwest Nova Scotia brand among C100 listeners.
Cost: $2,000 + hst
Deadline: August 16th, 2010
Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-3105
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph Journal - August – October advertisement/editorial campaign
Building on visitor awareness as well as leveraging specials and value add-on's, along with commitments from the province in this marketplace, 4 half-page editorial (lure) focusing on attractions and outdoor activities, and a half-page of partner spaces will be purchased in the Telegraph Journal.
Insertion dates (week of): August 5th, 19th, Sept 3, 17th, 31st, Oct 14th and 28th
Cost: $250.00 per insertion, 6 partners per insertion
Deadline: one week prior to publication
Contact:Contact: Liz Morine, lmorine@dswna.com, 365-
Labels:
DSWNA
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tourism Stats
NS: Province releases latest tourism stats
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, July 21, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The provincial government recently released its latest tourism industry figures, revealing a rise in visitor numbers.
Nova Scotia reportedly welcomed 614,100 visitors between January and May, up four per cent compared to the same time last year.
The province experienced a decrease of three per cent during the month of May, a slight drop compared to 2009.
Visits to novascotia.com during May increased by 21 per cent compared to last year, reflecting increased marketing efforts in key markets.
Room nights sold between January and May were up two per cent across the province compared to the same time period in 2009. Room nights sold in May remained unchanged.
Between January and May, domestic travel showed a growth of four per cent. Visits from Ontario were up five per cent and visitors from Atlantic Canada and Quebec increased by six per cent in each market compared to this time last year. Visits from Western Canada were down 19 per cent.
Visitors from the United States from January to May also increased by four per cent compared to last year, while overseas visitors were down by four per cent. Visitors from the United Kingdom are down slightly, with a two per cent decrease.
The number of people traveling to Nova Scotia by road during the first five months of the year grew by seven per cent. Air travel decreased by four per cent in the same period.
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, July 21, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The provincial government recently released its latest tourism industry figures, revealing a rise in visitor numbers.
Nova Scotia reportedly welcomed 614,100 visitors between January and May, up four per cent compared to the same time last year.
The province experienced a decrease of three per cent during the month of May, a slight drop compared to 2009.
Visits to novascotia.com during May increased by 21 per cent compared to last year, reflecting increased marketing efforts in key markets.
Room nights sold between January and May were up two per cent across the province compared to the same time period in 2009. Room nights sold in May remained unchanged.
Between January and May, domestic travel showed a growth of four per cent. Visits from Ontario were up five per cent and visitors from Atlantic Canada and Quebec increased by six per cent in each market compared to this time last year. Visits from Western Canada were down 19 per cent.
Visitors from the United States from January to May also increased by four per cent compared to last year, while overseas visitors were down by four per cent. Visitors from the United Kingdom are down slightly, with a two per cent decrease.
The number of people traveling to Nova Scotia by road during the first five months of the year grew by seven per cent. Air travel decreased by four per cent in the same period.
Tax Payers Federation Wants an Office Here
NS: Scandal prompts taxpayers federation to come east
By Alex Boutilier, Metro Halifax
Source: Metro Halifax, July 21, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The MLA expense scandal and the recent HST increase have a national taxpayers’ advocacy group planning to open up an Atlantic bureau.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is only “months” away from establishing an east coast office in Halifax, according to spokesman Scott Hennig.
The policy watchdog organization is currently in the fundraising stages for the new office, which would cover all four Atlantic Canadian provinces.
“We rely on the support of regular, taxpaying Canadians to step forward and put up the money to help us get started,” said Hennig.
Hennig pointed to the MLA expense scandal and the recent HST increase as catalysts for the decision to move forward with the office.
“In Nova Scotia, there’s been some prime examples of places where there’s been waste, places where there’s been a lack of accountability,” he said. “We’re hopeful that there’s enough Atlantic Canadians who want to see a full-time, on-the-ground presence of a taxpayer watchdog.”
By Alex Boutilier, Metro Halifax
Source: Metro Halifax, July 21, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The MLA expense scandal and the recent HST increase have a national taxpayers’ advocacy group planning to open up an Atlantic bureau.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is only “months” away from establishing an east coast office in Halifax, according to spokesman Scott Hennig.
The policy watchdog organization is currently in the fundraising stages for the new office, which would cover all four Atlantic Canadian provinces.
“We rely on the support of regular, taxpaying Canadians to step forward and put up the money to help us get started,” said Hennig.
Hennig pointed to the MLA expense scandal and the recent HST increase as catalysts for the decision to move forward with the office.
“In Nova Scotia, there’s been some prime examples of places where there’s been waste, places where there’s been a lack of accountability,” he said. “We’re hopeful that there’s enough Atlantic Canadians who want to see a full-time, on-the-ground presence of a taxpayer watchdog.”
Labels:
taxes canada nova scotia HST
Oh Sure, Let's Have Lots of Mercury
Blogger's Note: Something smells in what went down here
NS: Province eases emissions rules after outcry over rate hike
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, July 22, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Premier Dexter said on Tuesday that he and his NDP government would consider loosening regulations on mercury emissions as one option to reduce a potential Nova Scotia Power rate hike.
Today, they followed through.
In a media release issued late this morning, the premier announced the government plans to amend its air quality regulations to extend the deadline for achieving the 2010 cap until 2014 and require an even lower emissions cap of 35 kilograms by 2020. By 2020, total mercury emissions will be lower than originally set. Nova Scotia Power will be required to make up for any emissions over 65 kilograms per year and submit a plan on how it will be accomplished.
The NDP government’s move comes a week after it was publicly criticized by business and community groups for not taking action to help mitigate a proposed double-digit electricity rate hike by Nova Scotia Power.
“Nova Scotians said the proposed power increase would have a devastating impact and government listened,” said Premier Dexter. “Nova Scotia Power has agreed to look at a change in their technology in order to reduce costs, make electricity more affordable and ensure the province meets its mercury emission targets.”
Nova Scotia Power released projections two weeks ago about the cost of fuel to generate power which could see electricity rates increase by 12 per cent or more for residential customers and 18 per cent or more for large industries, effective in January.
The utility, however, attributes only about half of the increase to the cost of meeting provincial regulations on mercury emissions, currently set at 65 kilograms per year.
This had some calling “foul” on Wednesday. In Metro News, Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger said slackening the rules wouldn’t solve anything since mercury emissions accounted for only a portion of the rate increase. He accused the government of deliberately misleading the public, calling the emissions standards debate a “red herring”.
“Why not focus the public discussion on what is the long-term solution to all these rate increases, instead of talking about the short-term political gains,” said Younger.
NS: Province eases emissions rules after outcry over rate hike
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, July 22, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Premier Dexter said on Tuesday that he and his NDP government would consider loosening regulations on mercury emissions as one option to reduce a potential Nova Scotia Power rate hike.
Today, they followed through.
In a media release issued late this morning, the premier announced the government plans to amend its air quality regulations to extend the deadline for achieving the 2010 cap until 2014 and require an even lower emissions cap of 35 kilograms by 2020. By 2020, total mercury emissions will be lower than originally set. Nova Scotia Power will be required to make up for any emissions over 65 kilograms per year and submit a plan on how it will be accomplished.
The NDP government’s move comes a week after it was publicly criticized by business and community groups for not taking action to help mitigate a proposed double-digit electricity rate hike by Nova Scotia Power.
“Nova Scotians said the proposed power increase would have a devastating impact and government listened,” said Premier Dexter. “Nova Scotia Power has agreed to look at a change in their technology in order to reduce costs, make electricity more affordable and ensure the province meets its mercury emission targets.”
Nova Scotia Power released projections two weeks ago about the cost of fuel to generate power which could see electricity rates increase by 12 per cent or more for residential customers and 18 per cent or more for large industries, effective in January.
The utility, however, attributes only about half of the increase to the cost of meeting provincial regulations on mercury emissions, currently set at 65 kilograms per year.
This had some calling “foul” on Wednesday. In Metro News, Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger said slackening the rules wouldn’t solve anything since mercury emissions accounted for only a portion of the rate increase. He accused the government of deliberately misleading the public, calling the emissions standards debate a “red herring”.
“Why not focus the public discussion on what is the long-term solution to all these rate increases, instead of talking about the short-term political gains,” said Younger.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Treasure Island No More
Nova Scotia to limit treasure hunting
By JULIA SKIKAVICH, QMI Agency
Last Updated: July 14, 2010 7:16pm
Treasure hunters will have until the end of the year to unearth the legendary trove on Oak Island before the Nova Scotia government cracks down on excavations.
The provincial government intends to end commercial treasure hunting on the island on Dec. 31.
Legend has it 2,000 lbs. of treasure are buried on the island in an area
called the Money Pit.
When the Nova Scotia legislature returns in the fall it will table
legislation to repeal the Treasure Trove Act and amend legislation to
protect "special places" in the province and to remove all references to
"treasure,” the government announced Wednesday. It will also put in place an Oak Island Act to specifically regulate hunts on the island off Nova Scotia's south shore.
The legislation is an effort to preserve marine resources and to bring the province in line with a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) convention for the protection of cultural
heritage, said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell.
The Treasure Trove Act was enacted in 1954 to govern treasure hunting on Oak Island and to license salvage operations for shipwrecks off Nova Scotia's coast.
If passed, the new legislation will prevent commercial treasure hunting in the province and its offshore waters, said David Salter, a spokesman for the natural resources department.
Treasure hunting will only be permitted for archeological or historical purposes and any finds would become property of the Crown, Salter said.
Under the proposed legislation, treasure hunters will have to apply for a
heritage research permit and will need an archeologist to lead the
excavations, which must have a historical purpose, said Michael Noonan,
director of communications for the tourism, culture and heritage department.
The exact implications of the Oak Island Act will remain to be seen after the legislation is drafted and if it is enacted, Noonan said.
But government officials expect the legislative changes will mean less interest in treasure hunting, Salter said, since there will no longer be the opportunity for personal or commercial gain.
About a dozen commercial treasure hunters operate in the province and five licences have been renewed up to the proposed Dec. 31 deadline.
Interest in the legendary treasure on Oak Island "waxes and wanes over
periods of time," said Noonan.
Though the legislation would limit treasure hunting and excavations on Oak Island and offshore, it could open up other niche tourism opportunities like scuba diving tours at shipwreck sites, said Noonan.
The hunt for treasure on Oak Island began in 1795 when 16-year-old Daniel McGinnis discovered a circular depression adjacent to a tree with a tackle block, which is used in shipping for hoisting heavy weights.
Excavations at the site, which became known as the Money Pit, have
reportedly found flagstones, markings from digging and coconut fibre going down at least 31 metres.
One of the stones reportedly had an inscription that when deciphered read, "forty feet below, two million pounds lie buried."
No one knows for sure what may be buried on the island.
Some theories argue it's pirate treasure of Captain Kidd or Blackbeard.
Others say it's more likely naval treasure buried by the Spaniards,
British or French.
Theories suggest the legendary treasure could be gold or silver or even the jewels of Marie Antoinette, important historic documents or artifacts hidden by the Knights of Templar.
Though excavations have continued on the island, modern geologists have argued the pit, which is susceptible to flooding, is a sinkhole and a series of natural caverns — not booby traps.
By JULIA SKIKAVICH, QMI Agency
Last Updated: July 14, 2010 7:16pm
Treasure hunters will have until the end of the year to unearth the legendary trove on Oak Island before the Nova Scotia government cracks down on excavations.
The provincial government intends to end commercial treasure hunting on the island on Dec. 31.
Legend has it 2,000 lbs. of treasure are buried on the island in an area
called the Money Pit.
When the Nova Scotia legislature returns in the fall it will table
legislation to repeal the Treasure Trove Act and amend legislation to
protect "special places" in the province and to remove all references to
"treasure,” the government announced Wednesday. It will also put in place an Oak Island Act to specifically regulate hunts on the island off Nova Scotia's south shore.
The legislation is an effort to preserve marine resources and to bring the province in line with a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) convention for the protection of cultural
heritage, said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell.
The Treasure Trove Act was enacted in 1954 to govern treasure hunting on Oak Island and to license salvage operations for shipwrecks off Nova Scotia's coast.
If passed, the new legislation will prevent commercial treasure hunting in the province and its offshore waters, said David Salter, a spokesman for the natural resources department.
Treasure hunting will only be permitted for archeological or historical purposes and any finds would become property of the Crown, Salter said.
Under the proposed legislation, treasure hunters will have to apply for a
heritage research permit and will need an archeologist to lead the
excavations, which must have a historical purpose, said Michael Noonan,
director of communications for the tourism, culture and heritage department.
The exact implications of the Oak Island Act will remain to be seen after the legislation is drafted and if it is enacted, Noonan said.
But government officials expect the legislative changes will mean less interest in treasure hunting, Salter said, since there will no longer be the opportunity for personal or commercial gain.
About a dozen commercial treasure hunters operate in the province and five licences have been renewed up to the proposed Dec. 31 deadline.
Interest in the legendary treasure on Oak Island "waxes and wanes over
periods of time," said Noonan.
Though the legislation would limit treasure hunting and excavations on Oak Island and offshore, it could open up other niche tourism opportunities like scuba diving tours at shipwreck sites, said Noonan.
The hunt for treasure on Oak Island began in 1795 when 16-year-old Daniel McGinnis discovered a circular depression adjacent to a tree with a tackle block, which is used in shipping for hoisting heavy weights.
Excavations at the site, which became known as the Money Pit, have
reportedly found flagstones, markings from digging and coconut fibre going down at least 31 metres.
One of the stones reportedly had an inscription that when deciphered read, "forty feet below, two million pounds lie buried."
No one knows for sure what may be buried on the island.
Some theories argue it's pirate treasure of Captain Kidd or Blackbeard.
Others say it's more likely naval treasure buried by the Spaniards,
British or French.
Theories suggest the legendary treasure could be gold or silver or even the jewels of Marie Antoinette, important historic documents or artifacts hidden by the Knights of Templar.
Though excavations have continued on the island, modern geologists have argued the pit, which is susceptible to flooding, is a sinkhole and a series of natural caverns — not booby traps.
Monday, July 19, 2010
maine and nova scotia collaborating
July 12--The leaders of Maine and Nova Scotia have signed an agreement pledging closer collaboration on research and development of tidal energy as well as offshore wind energy.
Gov. John Baldacci and Premier Darrell Dexter signed the memorandum of understanding Monday during a meeting of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Massachusetts.
Also at Monday's meeting, Baldacci signed an agreement with New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham to create a joint cultural initiative to explore cross-border projects and encourage additional trade opportunities.
The initiative also aims to simplify cross-border processes for artists, cultural institutions and "creative businesses," and identify new or expanded tourism opportunities.
Energy security, energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources were a major focus of the discussions at the Monday meeting.
Under the energy agreement, Maine and Nova Scotia will "investigate opportunities and areas within which to cooperate on furthering offshore wind and tidal energy technology and application."
The two governments also hope to bring together researchers, policymakers and potential energy developers. As part of that effort, Maine and Nova Scotia will host a Tidal Energy Symposium in conjunction with next year's conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Nova Scotia.
"Maine is forging a path toward clean, renewable, home-grown energy development which will keep hard-earned dollars here at home and provide good paying jobs, all while preserving our valuable natural resources," Baldacci said in a statement. "Premier Dexter shares my commitment to work regionally to address these criti-cal issues, and I'm pleased that we are forging this partnership to explore the opportunities before us."
Much of the recent focus on renewable energy in the Gulf of Maine has been on offshore wind. The region is considered to have some of the best offshore wind resources on the planet, but the technology to capture that wind in the deep, stormy waters of the gulf is still in development.
But the Gulf of Maine and, in particular, the Bay of Fundy have the highest tidal ranges in the world, making it a prime location for industrial tidal energy projects.
As with offshore wind power, there is significant research taking place in both countries -- including a pilot project deployed near Eastport -- on technologies that harness the power of the tides with minimal impacts on marine life, fisheries and communities.
Blogger's note: merging our cultures, infrastructure systems and trade are the precursors to...what?
Gov. John Baldacci and Premier Darrell Dexter signed the memorandum of understanding Monday during a meeting of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Massachusetts.
Also at Monday's meeting, Baldacci signed an agreement with New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham to create a joint cultural initiative to explore cross-border projects and encourage additional trade opportunities.
The initiative also aims to simplify cross-border processes for artists, cultural institutions and "creative businesses," and identify new or expanded tourism opportunities.
Energy security, energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources were a major focus of the discussions at the Monday meeting.
Under the energy agreement, Maine and Nova Scotia will "investigate opportunities and areas within which to cooperate on furthering offshore wind and tidal energy technology and application."
The two governments also hope to bring together researchers, policymakers and potential energy developers. As part of that effort, Maine and Nova Scotia will host a Tidal Energy Symposium in conjunction with next year's conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Nova Scotia.
"Maine is forging a path toward clean, renewable, home-grown energy development which will keep hard-earned dollars here at home and provide good paying jobs, all while preserving our valuable natural resources," Baldacci said in a statement. "Premier Dexter shares my commitment to work regionally to address these criti-cal issues, and I'm pleased that we are forging this partnership to explore the opportunities before us."
Much of the recent focus on renewable energy in the Gulf of Maine has been on offshore wind. The region is considered to have some of the best offshore wind resources on the planet, but the technology to capture that wind in the deep, stormy waters of the gulf is still in development.
But the Gulf of Maine and, in particular, the Bay of Fundy have the highest tidal ranges in the world, making it a prime location for industrial tidal energy projects.
As with offshore wind power, there is significant research taking place in both countries -- including a pilot project deployed near Eastport -- on technologies that harness the power of the tides with minimal impacts on marine life, fisheries and communities.
Blogger's note: merging our cultures, infrastructure systems and trade are the precursors to...what?
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