| dc.description.abstract | Deep-sea cold-water coral and sponges are vital for maintaining ecosystem integrity. Deep-sea coral and sponge species can be found individually or in a grouping, both systems create habitat for marine species by providing an area to rest, spawn, feed and seek refuge. Deep-sea corals and sponges are both sessile species that contain long lifespans and slow-growing times; making them extremely fragile and vulnerable to surrounding threats and pressures. Canada contains multiple coral and sponges conservation laws, strategies and plans; however, their ‘effectiveness’ is being limited by climate change. Direct impacts can be restricted but indirect impacts are estimated to create inhabitable environments for deep-sea corals and sponges which may bring them to extinction. Eastern Canada has yet to fully implement climate change modeling, monitoring, and management plans for the deep-sea; and without proper instructions, these ecosystems may perish within the next 10-20 years. Nonetheless, other countries such as Australia and New Zealand are further advanced in their coral and sponge research and plans for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Many countries have produced cold-water coral and sponge modeling, monitoring and management measures themselves as they understand the vulnerability and importance of protecting such species. The purpose of this paper is to identify both the successful cases of climate change adaptation into modeling, monitoring and management, and to identify how countries are taking climate action into their own hands. Canada often reviews international nations' strategic measures when developing their own laws, strategies and plans and enforcing modeling, monitoring and management. Therefore, extensively reviewing international nations’ coral and sponge conservation measures related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, is crucial for the survival of deep-sea fauna in Eastern Canada and to understand how Canada can adopt methods and adapt their thinking into future, modeling, monitoring and management plans. This review will then allow for the determination of plausible recommendations that will aid in ecosystem success. Our findings will suggest that Canada is focused on direct impact mitigation and neglects the inclusion of climate change modeling, monitoring and management, and that Canada needs to consider developing and implementing the recommendations presented to ensure ecosystem preservation.
Keywords: Eastern Canada, Climate Change, Cold-Water Coral, Management | en_US |
