Nova Scotia's marine waters play a major role in the province's economy and lifestyle. Our interaction with coastal and offshore waters and the resources they support has shaped many aspects of Nova Scotia's landscape and human-settlement patterns, while providing food, tidal energy and recreation. The creation of offshore protected areas will help to conserve fish species and other resources which are currently vulnerable. In the early 1600s, according to historic accounts, fish were so plentiful that they impeded the passage of ships. Cod could be caught by simply lowering wicker baskets over the side of a boat.

This Document Includes:

Historical Context
Pre-European Settlement 1800s
1900s
The Ocean and Resources Today
The Offshore Fishery Harbours
Discharge
Estuaries
Causeways and Bridges
Recreation and Tourism
Offshore Protected Areas

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Additional Keywords:
Mi'kmaq, fishing, shipbuilding, Gulf Stream, trade, phytoplankton blooms, upwelling, whale watching, biochemical oxygen demand, BOD, total suspended solids, TSS, marine pollution, oil spills, water quality, beaches, cod, transportation, organic waste, aquaculture, Gulf of Maine Action Plan

Associated Topics

T6 The Ocean
T11.7 Seabirds and Birds of Marine Habitats
T11.12 Marine Mammals
T11.14 Marine Fishes
T11.15 Amphibians and Reptiles
T12.3 Geology and Resources
T12.7 The Coast and Resources
T12.10 Plants and Resources
T12.11 Animals and Resources

Associated Habitats

H1.1 Open Water
H1.2 Benthic
H2.4 Mud Flat
H2.5 Tidal Marsh