Why Atlantic Canada Matters
Atlantic Canada’s coastline is not a single ecosystem, but a system of distinct coastal zones — each shaped by different physical and ecological dynamics.
From the extreme tides of the Bay of Fundy, to the fragile and warming waters of the Northumberland Shore, the exposed Atlantic-facing coastlines, and the complex landscapes of Cape Breton Island, these regions support highly diverse wetland systems.
Together, they form one of the most significant — yet least understood — coastal carbon landscapes in North America.
These wetlands store carbon, protect coastlines, and support biodiversity. But despite their importance, we still lack the baseline data needed to fully understand their role in climate mitigation and to unlock meaningful climate action.
A DYNAMIC COASTAL SYSTEM
• Wetlands that grow, shift, and store carbon over time
• Tides that move sediment and shape the landscape daily
• Coastlines under pressure from climate change
• Ecosystems that buffer communities from risk
• A system that is active, not static
WHAT’S MISSING
• There is no regional baseline of coastal carbon storage
• High-resolution wetland data is still missing across key zones
• Measurement and verification systems remain underdeveloped
• Pathways into climate finance and restoration funding are not yet established
• Coordination across science, policy, and implementation