Human dependence on other animals is part of the web of life. A reliance on animal populations was instrumental in shaping Mi'kmaq and colonial cultures. To a degree, this still holds true today, as the commercial fishery continues to shape the life and sustenance of many of the province's coastal communities. Our reliance on animal species has influenced populations and diversity, changed habitat structure, and ultimately contributed to the modification of landscapes in Nova Scotia.

This section outlines significant activities that have had documented influences on terrestrial and aquatic-animal communities in Nova Scotia.

This Document Includes:

Historical Context
Prehistory to European Contact
European Contact to the 1800s
1900s
Animals and Resources Today
Habitat Modification Habitat Conservation and Management
"Eco-tourism"
Hunting
Freshwater Fishing
Stocking
Acidification of Fresh Waters
Damming
Inshore and Offshore Fishery
Groundfish Resources
Pelagic Fish Resources
Mollusc and Crustacean Resources
Aquaculture
Environmental Concerns in the Marine Fishery
Introduced Species
Birds
Mammals
Fish
Amphibians and Reptiles
Invertebrates

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Additional Keywords:
trapping, hunting, marine mammals, quotas, sanctuaries, wildlife management, ecological reserves, recreational fishing, Fisheries Act, cod, culling, game species, migratory fish, pests, edge habitat

Associated Topics

T3.3 Glaciation, Deglaciation and Sea-level Changes
T4.3 Post-glacial Colonization by Animals
T11.2 Forest and Edge-habitat Birds
T11.3 Open-habitat Birds
T11.4 Birds of Prey
T11.5 Freshwater Wetland Birds and Waterfowl
T11.6 Shorebirds and Other Birds of Coastal Wetlands
T11.7 Seabirds and Birds of Marine Habitats
T11.10 Ungulates
T11.12 Marine Mammals
T11.13 Freshwater Fishes
T11.14 Marine Fishes
T11.17 Marine Invertebrates
T11.18 Rare and Endangered Animals
T12.3 Geology and Resources
T12.8 Fresh Water and Resources

Associated Habitats

H1 Offshore
H3 Freshwater
H6 Forests