Canada’s coastal zones (includes estuaries) are being developed at an incredible rate. Since there is only so much land, this development is not sustainable and many of the effects on habitat quality are not predictable because the effects of individual projects are
Canada’s coastal zones (includes estuaries) are being developed at an incredible rate. Since there is only so much land, this development is not sustainable and many of the effects on habitat quality are not predictable because the effects of individual projects are subtle and often cumulative in time. Eventually, these subtle or not so subtle effects pass a threshold and the habitat type suddenly jumps to a different, and sometimes noxious, state. At this point, it is too late to avert a problem and another environmental crisis has been created. This is the result that scientific societies seek to prevent. The Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society (ACCESS) is a multidisciplinary organization of individuals who study and manage the structure and functions of estuaries and coasts, and the effects of human activities on these fragile environments.
The Society’s members are dedicated to advancing human understanding and appreciation of Atlantic Canada’s estuaries and coasts, to the wise use and management of these environments, and to making the results of their research and management actions available to their colleagues and to the public. Members of the Society include academic and government researchers, public sector managers, teachers, consultants, students and others who are interested in estuaries.