CAMP was launched in 2003 as a pilot program on the Gulf of the St. Lawrence estuaries; at Lameque, NB, Scoudouc, NB, Basin Head, PEI, Antigonish, NS. It has proven so successful that by 2007 CAMP coverage extended throughout the Southern Gulf of the St. Lawrence. It has now expanded to 35 sites in 2009.

Partnership among NGOs, universities, government agencies and volunteers is fundamental to the ongoing success of this project. Baseline data is gathered to better understand the health condition of particular estuaries. NGOs provide manpower once a month to collect data. Universities and colleges often help with monthly collection and several students use the data gathered in their various research projects.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientists coordinate data acquisition. DFO staff also provides training, in-kind material support in the form of nets and meters, and in-depth analysis of the data.

Biological data is collected with beach seines. Fish and crustaceans are captured and later released. From this, the community groups gather important information, such as:

• identification of fish and crustacean species;
• numbers of fish and crustaceans;
• water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen;
• general aquatic vegetation profiles;
• sediment samples;
• water samples.

*(Excerpt taken from DFO website on CAMP)

For more information about the program visit the DFO website.

To view MREAC's CAMP 2008 poster illustrating results to date click here.

Courtesy of Nelson Cloud

Courtesy of Nelson Cloud

CAMP sites for Miramichi