Parks Canada is implementing measures to safeguard a rare coastal plant at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island National Park. This year, the purchase of official Parks Canada merchandise, including shirts and tote bags, through online channels will contribute to the preservation efforts for the Gulf of St. Lawrence beach pinweed at these two parks.
David Mazerolle, the ecosystem scientist at Kouchibouguac in eastern New Brunswick, pointed out that the global population of the plant has drastically declined due to climate change and severe winter storms. The diminishing sea ice during winter, caused by milder temperatures, has exposed the coasts to the impact of these storms, affecting the ecosystems.
Parks Canada has been actively gathering seeds of the plant and collaborating with Acadia University to explore methods for germination, growth, and successful transplantation of the species into new habitats to promote its proliferation. The targeted species of beach pinweed is unique to eastern Canada and holds significant ecological value within the region.
Described as a slender shrub standing at 20 to 30 centimeters tall, the Gulf of St. Lawrence beach pinweed thrives on stable dune systems away from ocean waves along the coast. The majority of the plant population is situated on land co-managed by Parks Canada and Mi’kmaw First Nations, making it crucial for Parks Canada to lead conservation efforts.
Efforts to protect the beach pinweed serve as an insurance policy against habitat loss driven by climate change, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the plant’s natural habitats. The species serves as a crucial indicator of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, highlighting the necessity of conservation measures to safeguard its existence.
The ongoing transplantation efforts led by Mazerolle’s team have shown promising results, with successful seed germination and initial transplants completed. The collaboration with Acadia University has been instrumental in advancing the project, aiming for self-sustaining populations of pinweed in various parts of the parks.
Lindsey Burke, a resource management officer at Prince Edward Island National Park, emphasized the significance of protecting the specialized dune habitats essential for the species’ survival. The joint efforts with Acadia University aim to enhance the resilience of the pinweed populations within the park, ensuring their adaptation to local conditions for long-term viability.
