We need help to support continued action on behalf of Sable Island.

April, 2005

 Now that the Government of Canada has committed funding to maintain the Sable Island Station for the next two to three years, government officials will review legal statutes and designations for Sable Island, as well as the operational roles and infrastructure of the Station. Jurisdiction, funding sources, conservation and research, the offshore energy industry, and tourism, amongst other things, will be considered. The discussions will involve the mandates, policies and legislation of at least six federal government departments, and four departments in the provincial government. In some cases constitutional law applies.

To effectively participate and to ensure fair and adequate public consultation, we need to hire a part-time researcher to independently review various management options and conservation designations, to prepare summaries and position papers, and to help with organizing talks and meetings. This person would be employed as part-time staff with the Ecology Action Centre. The Green Horse Society, its friends, and the EAC are now attempting to raise money to fund this position.

Why the Ecology Action Centre? Since becoming involved in 2003, the Ecology Action Centre has done a great deal to promote public and political awareness about Sable Island. The EAC has been working on environmental issues in Nova Scotia since 1971. The EAC Marine Issues Committee, which deals with Sable Island, conducts primary research, runs educational programs, organizes scientific symposia and workshops, and works collaboratively with fishermen’s groups, academics, volunteers, and the department of Fisheries & Oceans. It has had a significant role in protection of the deep-sea corals off Nova Scotia, improvement of fisheries and industry regulations, and development of Marine Protected Areas. It has participated in a coalition of American and Canadian groups to further marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices in the Gulf of Maine. Partners include the Conservation Law Foundation, American Oceans Campaign, The Ocean Conservancy, and the Marine Conservation Biology Institute.

The Sable Island Green Horse Society strongly encourages anyone interested in the protection and conservation of the Island to assist by making a contribution (tax deductible) to the EAC’s Sable Island fund. Any amount donated will be used to provide a part-time researcher, and thereby help secure long-term stewardship for Sable Island. www.ecologyaction.ca

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