Bio-Diversification in the Courtenay Bay Tidal Marsh

Figure 3. ACAP Saint John staff use pressure washers to remove physical debris, dirt and the iodine based
disinfectant from Fyke nets used in Marsh Creek, June 2012. Latex gloves, rubber gloves, chest waders and
full rain were required equipment during field sampling and the subsequent disinfection due to the high risk
of disease related to the deposition of untreated municipal wastewater (raw sewage) into Marsh Creek.
c. Beach Seining
Beach seines were used in two locations within the Marsh Creek watershed. Ashburn Lake was sampled on
July 4 & 31, and on August 22, 2012 using a 10m x 1.5m seine (Figure 3). Three substrate types were
sampled (sandy, mixed organic & rock, and organic) and were in keeping with historical sample locations
conducted in each of the past five years. Sampling was
conducted as part of an ongoing youth education program,
and as a presence/absence study conducted by ACAP Saint
John. Fish parameters (i.e. length, abundance, etc.) were not
collected so as to maintain the health of the fish; however,
presence / absence data was recorded with respect to any
previously undocumented species in this lake.
Fish were also sampled in the lower reaches of Marsh Creek
in a brackish area referred to as the Courtenay Forebay. A 6m
x 1m seine was used to determine fish community
composition. The sampling took place on September 13,
2012 adjacent to the causeway and included six hauls. Total
counts were taken along with sub-samples of total lengths.
Figure 3. Beach seining Ashburn Lake.