It was quite discouraging and disappointing to hear PEI Environment Minister Bown suggest that more study is required for the problem of anoxia in PEI rivers. There has been a number of studies already. The problem is excessive nutrients, expicially nitrates, entering our waterways. The time for study is over, the time for action is now !

From Guardian:

Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown has written to federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea proposing that the two departments partner, along with the University of Prince Edward Island, on a detailed analysis of the problem of anoxia and recommendations to prevent it.

"Anoxia indicates how human activity is harming the health of our rivers and bays,” said the minister. “It is a sign that we have upset the balance of nature in our waterways.”

Anoxia is the absence of oxygen in water caused by a build up of nutrients which causes plants to grow. When the plants die and decay, oxygen is stripped from the water. The water turns milky white or cloudy green and gives off a strong rotten egg odour. The lack of oxygen is often deadly for fish and shellfish.

Brown proposes province, feds, UPEI team up to analyze anoxia
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2010-07-24/article-1603455/Brown...

The issue of anoxia in PEI rivers and estuaries is getting worse with 15 waterways on PEI experiences areas of anoxia this year.

From CBC:

A lack of oxygen in Prince Edward Island waterways, a problem that kills sections of rivers, is the focus for a team of researchers this summer and fall.

Excessive nutrients in rivers start a chain reaction. Algae grow in huge masses, then die. As algae rot, oxygen is consumed in the water, a condition known as anoxia. The river turns green and stinks.

"When oxygen levels drop too low it makes it hard for things to survive, especially anoxic events, when the oxygen levels drop so much, that things can't survive," provincial Environment Department researcher Shawn Schofield told CBC News Tuesday.

...

Anoxic rivers a growing problem for P.E.I.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/07/21/pei-anoxi...

The PEI Government issued a news release on the anoxic state of Island estuaries.

ANOXIC CONDITIONS EVIDENT IN ISLAND ESTUARIES

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The provincial government is taking steps to address the growing number of anoxic events occurring in Prince Edward Island’s estuaries, says Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown.

“Anoxia indicates how human activity is harming the health of our rivers and bays,” said the minister. “It is a sign that we have upset the balance of nature in our waterways.”
Anoxia is the absence of oxygen in water caused by a build up of nutrients which causes plants to grow. When the plants die and decay, oxygen is stripped from the water. The water turns milky white or cloudy green and gives off a strong rotten egg odour. The lack of oxygen is often deadly for fish and shellfish.
Because nutrients enter estuaries from a number of sources including agricultural activity, wastewater management, clear cutting forests and runoff, there are no quick, easy solutions to the problem, said Mr. Brown.
“Reducing the amount of nutrients entering our rivers and bays is the most effective way to address to this growing problem,” he said. “It requires long-term solutions and the support of many stakeholders.”
The Government of Prince Edward Island is taking significant steps to protect and enhance the quality of water on Prince Edward Island.

SICK AND DYING BIRDS IN YOUR YARD

Over the past three summers, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC), Atlantic Region has received numerous reports of sick and dying birds around bird feeders and water baths in people's yards throughout the Maritimes. The primary species affected are purple finch and American goldfinch, and a microscopic parasite, Trichomonas gallinae, causes their illness which is known as trichomoniasis (trichomonosis). It is anticipated that this summer will be no different with widespread mortality of finches occurring throughout the region around people's homes. The CCWHC has a research project focused on tracking this emerging disease problem to better understand its impact on wild bird populations and would like to examine as many of the dead birds as possible. The CCWHC cannot advise or encourage members of the general public to handle dead birds. However, if an interested individual was inclined to collect a specimen, the following procedure should be practiced:

1. Place a plastic bag over hand and pick up the dead bird with hand covered by the plastic bag.
2. Invert the plastic bag over the bird and tie the top of the plastic bag.
3. Wash hands well with warm water and soap.
4. Deliver the dead bird in the bag to the local Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife or Canadian Wildlife Service office where it will be frozen and held for pick up at a later date. On Prince Edward Island (PEI), the specimen can also be directly submitted to the Post Mortem Office at the Atlantic Veterinary College.

The Minke whale that washed up on Cavendish beach recently has been given a special burial.

From CBC:
A dead whale that washed up on P.E.I. has been laid to rest in a unique burial place.

Environment officials have buried the remains of an eight-metre-long female minke whale in a huge compost pit.

"The thought process is to just see how they compost and what's left after the compost procedure," said wildlife biologist Chuck Gallison.

The burial pit is in a field in St. Andrews, approximately 25 kilometres northeast of Charlottetown. The pit contains straw and manure, and underground pipes will help a team control oxygen and temperature levels. The hope is that the whale flesh will melt away, and the bones will remain — clean and whole.
...
P.E.I. whale gets special burial
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/07/29/pei-whale...