Parks Canada is implementing measures to safeguard a rare coastal plant at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island National Park. In a novel approach, proceeds from the online sale of shirts, tote bags, and other official Parks Canada merchandise this year will go towards the preservation of 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 this plant has significantly declined due to the impacts of climate change and severe winter storms. The loss of coastal ice during milder winter temperatures has exacerbated the effects of winter storms on these ecosystems.
To address this issue, Parks Canada has been gathering the plant’s seeds and collaborating with research partners at Acadia University to explore methods for germinating, cultivating, and transplanting the species to new habitats where it can thrive. The specific variety of beach pinweed being targeted for protection is exclusive to eastern Canada, particularly the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Describing the Gulf of St. Lawrence beach pinweed as a small shrub standing 20 to 30 centimetres tall, Mazerolle highlighted its presence in stable dune systems away from ocean waves. A significant portion of the plant’s population is situated on land managed jointly by Parks Canada and Mi’kmaw First Nations, enabling effective conservation efforts.
Sean Blaney, the executive director of the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, emphasized the crucial role of national parks in safeguarding this rare species. As habitats suitable for the beach pinweed diminish due to climate change, conservation initiatives are essential to prevent the potential extinction of this plant.
The ongoing transplantation efforts led by Mazerolle and his team have shown promising results, with successful initial transplants and encouraging progress in seed germination at Acadia University. Lindsey Burke, a resource management officer at Prince Edward Island National Park, highlighted the importance of protecting areas vital to the beach pinweed as it serves as an indicator of well-preserved dune ecosystems.
Through collaborations with Acadia University and strategic transplants, the goal is for the beach pinweed to establish self-sustaining populations within the parks. By acclimating the plants to park conditions before transplantation, the team aims to enhance their chances of thriving in their new environments.
