Benthic Macrofaunal Production in the Bay of Fundy and the Possible Effects of a Tidal Power Barrage at Economy Point – Cape Tenny

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Abstract
The distribution of macrofaunal productivity in the Bay of Fundy, inclusive of the upper Bay (Chignecto Bay and Minas basin) is presented. The data used in mapping are based on wet biomass from 266, 0.1- and 0.5-m2 grab samples, converted to annual productivity using a lifespan/annual turnover regression. Macrofaunal production of the subtidal area (11 149 km2) of the whole Bay of Fundy is estimated to be 212 × 104 t wet biomass∙yr−1 equivalent to 190 g wet wt∙m−2∙yr−1Production in the intertidal area (1437 km2), by contrast, is estimated to be 13 × 104 t wet biomass∙yr−1 or 92 g wet∙m−2∙yr−1. Possible qualitative macrofaunal changes resulting from building a tidal barrage between Economy Point and Cape Tenny are suggested on the basis of predicted physical changes, particularly tidal current speed, sediment type, and sediment bed stress. The only quantitative prediction possible with our biological data is that suspension-feeding animal production will be 17% less in the lower Bay of Fundy following barrage construction. This reduction is not significant at the 95% confidence level.