Happy World Maritime Day!

Digby and its surrounding area have a deep connection to the ocean. From the world-renowned scallop industry to our popular whale watching tours, the local economy and culture are intrinsically tied to the sea. World Maritime Day is a time to celebrate this heritage and highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure the health of our marine environment for future generations.

Whale Watching and Scientific Collaboration

 

Digby area whale watching tours are more than just seeing whales; it’s a vital part of marine research and education. Local whale watching tours play a significant role in collecting data on cetacean species like humpback, finback, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Their naturalists and researchers document sightings and photograph whales for identification. This information is shared with various research organizations, including the New England Aquarium and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, contributing to long-term studies on whale populations and behaviours. These efforts also help educate thousands of visitors each year, raising awareness about marine conservation and the importance of a healthy ecosystem.

The Sustainable Scallop Industry

 

Digby has earned the title of the “Scallop Capital of the World” and has a history of pioneering this industry since the 1920s. Today, the inshore scallop fishery is considered one of the most sustainable in the world. It operates under a strict management system that includes limited entry, gear size restrictions, and seasonal closures to protect the resource. The Digby drag also plays a big part in this. Unlike some other fishing gear, this specialized dredge is designed to be highly targeted, specifically harvesting scallops while minimizing bycatch and seabed disturbance. Scallops reside on the surface of the ocean floor, and the Digby drag is built to skim over the top of the sediment rather than digging in. This innovative approach, combined with a strong community commitment to sustainable practices and collaboration with researchers, ensures the health of both the scallop population and the marine environment.

Digby’s commitment to the ocean aligns perfectly with the spirit of World Maritime Day. This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” highlights the responsibility we all share in protecting our marine resources. The collaborative efforts of local whale watching companies and researchers, and the sustainable practices of the scallop industry, all demonstrate how a community can depend on the sea for its livelihood while also acting as a steward for its health and biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for both the local economy and the invaluable marine ecosystem.