Fathom Five National Marine Park State of the Park Report, 2010

State of the Park Report 2010

Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada © Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2010.

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Parks Canada Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada : state of the park report 2010.

Issued also in French under title: Parc marin national du Canada Fathom Five, rapport sur l’état du parc 2010.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-100-17046-6

Cat. no.: R64-400/2010E

1. Fathom Five National Marine Park (Ont.)--Management. 2. Marine parks and reserves--Ontario--Management. 3. Marine parks and reserves—Canada --Management. 4. National parks and reserves--Ontario--Management. 5. National parks and reserves--Canada--Management. I. Title.

FC3064 F37 P37 2011 333.78’4 C2010-980226-8

Cover Image: Flowerpot Island at Fathom Five National Marine Park. Photo Credit: Scott Currie STATE OF THE park REPORT FATHOM FIVE NATIONAL MARINE park OF CANADA

State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park i no data 45% Figure 1 Rating for Fathom Five in Achieving 2005 Parks Canada Performance Expectations not met 22% mostly met 33% The key issues facing Fathom Five are related to to related The key issues facing Fathom Five are to governance and uncertainties with respect ownership of the park. Important steps, such as from the transfer of the lakebed and shipwrecks Key Ontario to Canada have not yet occurred. issues include the need to focus on ecological management, the cultural resource sustainability, with the Saugeen Ojibway Nations, and relationship the significant knowledge gap in social science for the park. research Performance ratings for Fathom Five are sum- Performance ratings for Fathom Five are 1 and indicate that many of the marized in Figure the 2005/06 Parks Canada expectations from due to a lack Corporate Plan can not be reported outcomes from of social science data. However, that the 1998 Park Management Plan indicate many of the commitments have been achieved. Many of the indicators and measures have changed since the first State of the Park Report. In some cases this reflects a a this reflects State of the Park Report. In some cases have changed since the first and measures Many of the indicators 1. In in Table provided of the indicators are A summary and in other cases data availability. to corporate needs response Coastal lake wide observations. comprehensive in a mixed state similar to more brief, the ecological indicators are fair and appear to be in flux (e.g., are ecosystems and offshore islands rated in good condition, whereas ecosystems are The species at risk indicator could not be rated at this time. The four cultural invasive species, climate change, etc.). manage- resource condition, submerged and terrestrial resource indicators, including submerged and terrestrial resource and understanding indicators could not be Visitor experience and public appreciation rated as fair. ment practices are Bruce Peninsula National from insights analysis has been completed. However, rated at this time as no explicit study or social science study and analysis suggests Park’s improving. that these indicators may be good and Parks Canada delivers its national marine conservation area (NMCA) program through an integrated mandate that an integrated mandate that through program (NMCA) its national marine conservation area Parks Canada delivers - report periodic requires is held as a public accountability and This and present’. to ‘protect a responsibility underscores of condition and trends Five National Marine Park assesses the the State of the Park Report for Fathom this end, ing. To understanding. and visitor experience, and public appreciation conservation, to resource and indicators related measures context for the management planning process. analysis and also provides This report Summary Executive ii State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park State oftheParkSummary TABLE 1 Support Meaning Satisfaction Enjoyment Learning Submerged andTerrestrial Resource ManagementPractices Species atRisk Offshore Ecosystem Islands Understanding Appreciation and Public Appreciation andUnderstanding Visits Experience Visitor Submerged andTerrestrial Resource Condition Resource Conservation–Cultural Resources Coastal Ecosystem Resource Conservation–Ecological INDICATOR Note: RefertoAppendix1fordefinitions relatedtoconditionandtrend Good Fair CONDITION STATE Poor comprehensive strategyis recognized. Fathom Fivethrough stakeholder andcommunityinvolvement.Theneedfora This indicatorisnotrated.However, there appearstobeanincrease insupportfor range ofaudiences. and qualityofopportunitiestofacilitateappreciation andunderstandingamongawider This indicatorisnotrated.However, there hasbeenanoverallincrease inthenumber A measure ofmeaning,connectiontoplace,isnotrated. Measures toassessoverallsatisfactionandwithfeesare notrated. staff are Centre, notrated.Enjoymentwithfacilities,particularly theVisitor isgood. Measures toassessvisitorenjoyment,includingextent,services,activities,andwith opportunities, andsatisfactionremain notrated. has alsooccurred. Measuresactivities,includingattendance,learning oflearning through Centre, theVisitor adeclineinattendancetraditionalstaff-guided programs Although attendancetointerpretive activitieshasincreased since2006primarily marketing efforts alsoremain notrated. between visitorstoFathomFiveandBrucePeninsulaNationalPark.Satisfaction a measure itremains notratedgiventhelackofthresholds andmethodtodistinguish Attendance hasincreased Centre sincetheopeningofVisitor in2006,however, as absent andtherefore isnotrated.Notrends are available. received littleeffort andare considered inpoorcondition.Amanagementstrategyis considered infaircondition.Inventoryandmonitoringofterrestrial resources have Inventory, assessmentandmonitoringefforts ofsubmergedculturalresources are Objects (artefacts)are ingoodcondition.Notrends are available. remains asfair. Buildings,structures, landscapesandlandscapefeatures are notrated. Although terrestrial archaeological siteshavereceived littleattentiontheircondition natural andexpectedrate.Notrends are available. Submerged culturalresources (shipwrecks) are infairconditionanddeterioratingata received direct managementaction. MassasuagaRattlesnakehas species atriskwithinFathomFive.OnlytheEastern Little informationisavailableontheconditionandtrend ofthetwelveCOSEWIC remains inpoorconditionandstableduetoadverseeffects ofclimatechange. is beginningtoshowsignsofrecovery andwasassessedasfair. Icecovermeasure and invasivespecies.Water qualitystillranks asgood,thoughdecreasing. Laketrout This ecosystemhasundergoneadramaticchangeinthe20thcenturyfrom over-fishing under development.Notrends are available. stable inthepastfouryears,however, thresholds andtrends forthismeasure are still Alvar qualityisgoodandhabitatconnectivityfair. Colonialwaterbirds havebeen communities are notrated. levels. Notrend reported forcoastalfishesandconnectivity. Aquaticplant good condition.Stabletrends are reported forcoastalwetlandwaterqualityandlake Coastal wetlandwaterquality, lakelevels,coastalfishesandconnectivityare in RATIONALE Not rated Improving Stable TREND Declining Not rated State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park iii I 9 1 3 5 7 9 III 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 19 20 21 22 23 23 25 27 29 33 35 37 41 ...... Islands Ecosystem Indicator. Offshore Ecosystem Indicator. Offshore Species at Risk Indicator ...... Conservation: Cultural Resources Resource ...... Condition Indicator Submerged Cultural Resource Condition Indicator...... Cultural Resource Terrestrial Indicator ...... Cultural Resources Management Practice: Submerged Cultural Resource ...... Indicator Cultural Resources Management Practice: Terrestrial Cultural Resource Visitor Experience Visits Indicator ...... Learning Indicator ...... Enjoyment Indicator ...... Satisfaction Indicator...... Meaning Indicator ...... External Relations and Understanding Indicator...... Appreciation Support Indicator ...... Coastal Ecosystem Indicator...... 4.2 4.3 4.4 Performance Rating...... Management Plan Results...... Key Issues...... First Nations Context State of the Park...... Conservation: Ecological Sustainability 4.1 Resource Contents able of

5.0 6.0 7.0 ...... 8.0 References ... 9.0 Glossary...... rating...... Appendix 1 - Legend for condition and trend T Summary ...... Executive of Contents...... Table ...... 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Context...... 3.0 Coastal Communities 4.0

1 Introduction

Purpose The local tour boat and diving charter industries thrive with the onset of the summer months as visitors find their way to the The purpose of the State of the Park Report (SoPR) is to: quaint village of Tobermory. The Visitor Centre serves as a gateway to the park and orients visitors to the marine heritage • Provide a snapshot of the state of the park; of Fathom Five. A 20 metre tower offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the tip of Bruce Peninsula and the islands of • Report the park’s achievement in meeting its Fathom Five. performance expectations, as well as its contribution to the Agency’s strategic outcome;

• Report the results of the park’s efforts to maintain or improve the state of the park since the last management plan; and

• Identify key issues facing the park for consideration in management planning.

Fathom Five National Marine Park Fathom Five came about as an addition while negotiations were State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine taking place for establishment of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Fathom Five National Marine Park had originally been a provincial marine park established in 1972 primarily to protect 27 known shipwrecks and regulate diving in a 114 km2 area.

On the surface, Fathom Five is known for its cold clear waters, picturesque shorelines, numerous islands and escarpment landscapes. Recreational boating, sport fishing, sightseeing cruises, snorkling and scuba diving are common uses. Commercially, there is a fishery (primarily lake whitefish), and the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ferry transports approximately 250,000 passengers annually between the Bruce Peninsula and the south shore of Manitoulin Island.

Scuba diving and visits to Flowerpot Island are the two most popular activities in Fathom Five with over 40,000 visitors to Figure 2 Flowerpot each year and approximately 3,500 registered divers. Location of Fathom Five National Marine Park

1 2 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park and prey onotherfisheggs suchaslaketrout andwhitefish. impact nativebenthicfishes(e.g.,sculpinanddarter)crayfish in 2005FathomFive,candominatethecoastallakebedand known contributortobird mortality. Roundgobies,firstobserved growth creating favourableconditionsforType Ebotulism,a Their wasteaffects water quality andincreases nutrientsforalgae erable suspendedmaterialfrom thewatercolumntolakebed. observed since1992.Theseefficient filterfeeders,moveconsid- impacting waterquality. ZebraandQuaggamusselshavebeen dense mats,musclingoutnativespecies,affecting circulation and been foundinafewareas sincetheearly1980’s, andforms profound impactoncoastalwetlands,Eurasianwatermilfoilhas snakes. Althoughclimatechangemayprove tohavethemost raccoonsandwater upon byotherspeciesincludingterns, habitat ofsome30-40speciesfishes,whichare thenpreyed the area. Theseareas are usedforspawning,nursery, andadult and playasignificantdisproportionate role inthe ecologyof Coastal wetlandsare highlyproductive andbiologically richareas cantly alterfoodwebdynamicsinanalready unstableecosystem. and aswithotherintroduced specieshasthepotentialtosignifi- septicemia (VHS),isthenewestassaulttolakeecosystem Diporeia sp.appearstoberelated hemorrhagic tothem.Viral shift innutrientflowandacrashthebenthicinvertebrate the 1990’s zebraandquaggamusselsappeared andtherecent ecosystem, andby1959,laketrout populationshadcollapsed.In of thesealamprey, rainbowsmeltandalewifedestabilizedthe is influx.Inthe1940’s, overharvestcoupledwiththeintroduction Below thesurface,anotherstoryunfolds.This“sweetwatersea” Map ofFathom FiveNationalMarinePark andBrucePeninsulaNationalPark Figure 3 social well-beinginacomplexsocial-ecologicalsystem. Conservation Areas (NMCA) formonitoringconservationand promote therelevance andimportanceofNationalMarine system fortheupperGreat Lakes.Thishasthepotentialto Fathom Fivethecanaryincoalmineandanearlywarning fact thatthispartofthemarineregion isbeingassessed–renders ecosystem structure andfunction againstamovingbaseline.The Ecosystem changeisthe“newnorm”asFathomFiveassesses • • • • • • Lake Huron Facts Total humanpopulationofbasinis US Great LakesMarineSanctuary. Sanctuary (Alpena,MI)istheonly Thunder BayNationalMarine Water retention timeis22years. and 6thbyvolumeintheworld. The 5thlargestlakebysurfacearea Basin. Channel, SaginawBay, andtheMain of water:GeorgianBay, theNorth Four separatebutinteractingbodies Lakes. ecosystem, theLaurentian Great Part oftheworld’s largestfreshwater 2,694,154.

2 First Nations Context

First Nations Context committee. When the courts began defining “consultation” more clearly, the Saugeen Ojibway Nations withdrew from Fathom Five is within the traditional territory of two First participation in the Park Advisory Committee because they Nations. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, is did not want their attendance at meetings to be construed as located approximately 70 km southeast of the Fathom Five formal consultation. near Wiarton, Ontario and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation, is located 85 km to the southwest, near The park has organized a special workshop dealing with Southampton, Ontario. When working together on matters of relationship building and information sharing around Species mutual interest they are collectively identified as the Saugeen at Risk, held at the Chippewas of Nawash in January 2009. Ojibway Nations. In the former St Edmunds Township, they Joint natural resource inventory and data sharing about share a Hunting Reserve that is surrounded on three sides by species at risk has also taken place. The new Visitor Centre Bruce Peninsula National Park. contains many cultural elements linked to First Nations and First Nations people have been hired to conduct interpretive The Saugeen Ojibway Nations and the federal and provincial programs with Aboriginal content. governments have unresolved matters related to the interpretation of earlier treaties, in particular Treaty 45 ½ (1836) and Treaty 72 (1857) on the issues of unsold, surrendered lands on the peninsula and on hunting and fishing rights on State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine surrendered lands. In 1994, the Saugeen Ojibway Nations began litigation in Superior Court of Ontario, challenging the validity of Treaty 72 and suing for compensation, along with the return of federal and provincial lands, including those lands being assembled for the national park. In 2003, the Saugeen Ojibway Nations filed a second litigation, claiming Aboriginal title to the lakebeds and waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

When Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park were established on July 20, 1987 under a Federal-Provincial Agreement signed between Ontario and the Government of Canada, limited discussion took place with Saugeen Ojibway Nations. The first management plans for both parks were approved in 1998 with limited direct Saugeen Ojibway Nations engagement. First Nations’ input to decisions was sought mainly through the Park Aboriginal man with fishing net Advisory Committee, in concert with other partners on this Photo Credit: Parks Canada

3 4 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Making birch barkcanoe formalized AboriginalAdvisoryrelationship withthepark. plan consultationandwillalsolookatwaysofdevelopinga formalmanagement Memorandum ofUnderstandingconcerning Parks CanadaandSaugeenOjibwayNationshavesigneda relationships. opportunities tounderstandthepotentialofgoodworking places suchasothernationalparkswithsimilarchallengesand people, shared naturalresource inventoryefforts, andsitevisitsto training ofemployees,increased employmentofFirstNations partnership agreement includes itemssuchascross-cultural protection, interpretation andculturalheritageprotection. Adraft such asemployment,socio-economicopportunities,resource discussions tooccuraround ParksCanada’s corporatepriorities forward aworkplanandbudgetthatwouldallow“partnership” better relationships. ThetwoFirstNationswere invited toput More recently, newtalkshavestartedthatare aimedatbuilding Station havebeenprovided atnocharge. and parkfacilitiessuchasthecabinsatEmmettLakeResearch national parksare waivedforSaugeenOjibwayNationsmembers Centerroad).Nations companies(e.g.,theVisitor Entryfeestothe Aboriginal business,havebeenawarded toSaugeenOjibway through Procurement thefederalgovernment Strategy for for services,andonoccasionAboriginalsetasidecontracts Ojibway Nationseconomicopportunitieshaveincludedcontracting full-time permanentemploymentforseveralmembers.Saugeen Supporting trainingprograms andcareer progression hasledto park staff roster hasincludedSaugeenOjibwayNations members. has beendirected toSaugeenOjibwayNations.Consistentlythe Specific employmentandeconomicopportunitieswithintheparks Photo Credit:Parks Canada First Nationsdrummers Map ofTraditional Territories Figure 4 Photo Credit: Willy WatertonPhoto Credit:Willy State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 55 Photo Credit: Willy Waterton Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory Harbour in Tobermory Little Tub slowly building the relationship on which integration with on which integration with slowly building the relationship initiatives is substantial and comprehensive these more within this presented possible. At this time, few results or data based on such collaborative efforts document are sharing.

Monitoring and reporting could be a vessel for Parks Canada could be a vessel for Parks Canada Monitoring and reporting on Lake Huron. to engage with other agencies and interests in a much small area Since the site comprises a relatively larger multi-jurisdictional aquatic ecosystem, (e.g., 0.002 % collaboration is seen as essential for of Lake Huron), area With to and relevance. respect effectiveness, efficiency, two notable international “State of” reporting, initiatives exist, the biannual State of the Lake Ecosystem Conference forum initiated (SOLEC, 2009) and the “State of Lake Huron” every Binational Partnership approximately by the Lake Huron 5 years. Fathom Five and Parks Canada as a whole are Lakewide Context

Coastal communities adjacent to Fathom Five include the Five include the Coastal communities adjacent to Fathom The development. and rural residential village of Tobermory 500 and increases population is approximately resident is very little occupation of the seasonally to 2,500. There the Fathom Five islands, and most development follows to Cape Hurd along the tip of Bruce Peninsula from shoreline is a tourism-based economy with Dunks Point. Tobermory The and October. 99% of visitation occurring between May Marine M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ferry operates seasonally. central to the tourism base heritage and water sports are diving, kayaking and fishing. boat tours, wreck which offers by local The passion for marine heritage is evidenced collection at leadership in the development of the maritime at program and the very popular volunteer the Visitor Centre months, the the Flowerpot Lightstation. During the summer thrive with and Big Tub two harbours, known as Little Tub activity as visitors come to experience the peninsula environment. Community Coastal

3 Context Communities Coastal 6 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 7

In order to protect marine ecosystems and maintain maintain In order to protect marine ecosystems and Section 9(3) Section 9(3) “ the primary in the considerations marine biodiversity, plans development and modification of management principles of and interim management plans shall be ecosystem management and the precautionary principle.” Although the Act (and policy) does not herald terms such as terms such as Although the Act (and policy) does not herald or explicitly define “ecological integrity” or “ecological health”, management, the management concepts of ecosystem principle or ecologically sustainable use, the precautionary ecosystem is to protect areas priority for marine protected is that use function and biodiversity and ensure structure, Act, meeting the ecologically sustainable. As noted in the generations is also a priority for and future needs of present on the some context 2 provides Table the NMCA program. two priorities and how they can guide indicators and measures.

Marine conservation be managed and areas shall Section 4(3) Section 4(3) “ used in a sustainable manner that meets the needs of present and future generations without compromising the structure and function of the ecosystems, including the submerged lands and water column, with which they are associated.” Specific to National Marine Conservation Areas the Act the Act Specific to National Marine Conservation Areas (Canada, 2002) states that: This report provides a high level snapshot of the condition of of a high level snapshot of the condition provides This report and gives an indication of natural and cultural resources stable or declining. whether or not the condition is improving, is also The state of visitor experience and external relations new to ‘state of’ outlined, however these aspects are data is available. The synopsis little and therefore reporting for identifying on the following pages forms the foundation park management strategies that will achieve desired education public outreach outcomes for heritage protection, and visitor experience. Parks Canada is the federal agency that manages the manages the Parks Canada is the federal agency that system of national parks, marine conservation representative heritage sites in Canada. The Agency delivers its and areas, a an integrated mandate that underscores through program This is held as a public and present”. to “protect responsibility periodic “State of the Park” accountability and requires reporting.

4 of the Park State 8 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park General GoalsandObjectivestoAssessMeasures andIndicators table 2 > 3.01=Good; 1.76-3.00=Fair;< Poor Measures scores were averaged for eachindicatorandthefollow scaleusedtoranktheindicator: their designated ecologicalthresholds. The valueswere: Good=3.5; Fair=2.5;Poor1.0 Indicator scores were determined basedontheiraveragemeasure score. Measures were assignedanumericalscore basedon Indicator score determination Thresholds usedinDescription ofRatingAssessmentsforEcological Sustainability Indicators T sustainable manner experience ina Enrich thehuman function structure and ecosystem Maintain Coastal SpeciesatRisk(N/R) Offshore Island Indicator able 3

Connection Quality IceCoverage Water Quality AlvarQuality CoastalConnectivity CoastalFishes LakeLevels CoastalWetland Water LakeTrout HabitatAmountand BenthicCommunity Colonialwaterbirds AquaticPlantCommunities

Proportion ofwildlaketrout Catch-per-unit effort Measure • • • • • • • • research. Understand thevisitordynamicsanddemographicsofFathomFivethrough socialscience knowledge, public/staff scientificknowledgeandunderstandingofsustainability. Foster appreciation andunderstandingofecologicalknowledge,e.g.,respect forlocal thetic, recreation, cultural,andecologicalservices,based ontheneedsandinterests ofvisitors. Create andsupportavibrantsetoftraditional,ecological,culturalactivitiesincludingaes- experience opportunities. Demonstrate anecosystemapproach whenplanningforsustainableuseandfacilitationofvisitor disturbance regimes, energyflow. Maintain ecosystemfunctionswithintherangeofnaturalvariability, e.g.,nutrientcycles, Restore damagedordegradedecosystems. Prevent non-nativeinvasivespeciesfrom becoming established. of abundanceanddistribution. Maintain viablepopulationsofallnativespecies,includinggeneticvariants,innaturalpatterns (Great Lakecoastsandislands) Ecologically ScaledLandscapeIndes Not Rated Not rated Not Rated OMNR criteria OMNR criteria Environment Canada Alvar QualityRank Local experience Wetland FishIndex(WFIChow-Fraser) 1963-2003 dailyaveragesasbaseline Range ofvariabilityapproach using Water QualityIndex(WQIChow-Fraser) 1978-96 asbaseline Range ofvariabilityapproach using Source/Rationale inside 80%C.I. 30% to21% < 1dock/ha Majority lie percentile > 10ha Good > 20% > 3.25 > 66 > 80 > 3 > 0 th

1 to2docks/ha 33% to30%or inside 95%C.I. 21% to19% 20% to10% 66 3.25 to2.5 Majority lie

5 to10ha percentile 80 to60 0 >(-1) th 3 to1 Fair to33 rd

outside 95%C.I.

> 2docks/ha

Majority lie (-1) to(-3) percentile < 19%or > 33% < 10% < 5ha < 33 Poor < 2.6 < 60 < 1

State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 9 V O N P E S e t L a JU

D 95% Confidence Interval (1963-2003) Interval 95% Confidence (1963-2003) Interval 80% Confidence Average Lake Level 2005-2009 Daily Level (1963-present) Lowest Water Y A M R A Photo Credit: Parks Canada M N

0 . 8 7 1 5 . 7 7 1 0 . 7 7 1 5 . 6 7 1 0 . 6 7 1 5 . 5 7 1 0 . 5 7 1

Figure 5 to 2005-2009 compared daily lake levels from Average historical (1963-2003) lake levels.

fish. This assessment is based on a range of variability of variability fish. This assessment is based on a range comparing the daily average lake level for the past approach, lake levels from 5 years (2005-2009) with the daily average 5. Although the 40 years (1963-2003), Figure the previous low in 2005-2009, 84.1% of relatively lake levels were lake levels within the expected range, therefore were readings to be good with a stable trend. considered are responsible Aquatic Plant Community - Aquatic plants are as fish and for essential functions in the wetlands such and oxygen production plankton habitat, nutrient retention, being developed: % currently are measures services. Three and Taylor, invasive species, aquatic plant cover (Trebitz Smallmouth Bass l e v e L a e S e v o b A m - State Photo Credit: Robyn Korn Coastal Connectivity Coastal Fishes Lake Levels Aquatic Plant Communities Coastal Measures Coastal Quality Water Costal Wetland Coastal wetland monitoring Coastal Ecosystem Indicator Coastal Ecosystem of by the effects The coastline of Fathom Five is dominated and tempera- including wave action, hydrology, Lake Huron, wetlands have established in a few protected Coastal ture. potential vulner bays. Given the biological significance and an important natural Lake Levels - Lake level fluctuations are the extent of aquatic in coastal ecosystems affecting process levels including plant habitat and consequently higher trophic - Water quality assessment quality assessment Quality - Water Water Coastal Wetland has been and pH and conductivity, is focused on turbidity, Five since 2005 completed annually at 8 sites in Fathom of human Quality Index to assess the degree using a Water 2007). Although the island sites disturbance (Chow-Fraser, mainland sites, the have slightly higher water quality than the the consistently good, therefore overall index values are to have considered coastal wetlands of Fathom Five are good water quality with a stable trend. ability to disturbance, the coastal indicator is focused on is focused on ability to disturbance, the coastal indicator condition of the coastal The current wetland measures. trend. indicator is assessed as good with a stable : rvation ce Conse Reso ur 4.1 y bilit Sustaina gical Ecolo 10 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park threshold forfair(1dock/ha).Notrend hasbeendetermined. (Figure 6).Thecurrent statusisstillgood,thoughitnearsthe ha alongthemainland,upfrom 0.18docks/hain1966 development are uncertain.In2006there were 0.73docks/ long-term cumulativeimpactsassociatedwithin-shore Despite themitigationofconstructionrelated concerns, water markrequire anauthorizationfrom ParksCanada. Fathom Five.Projects extendingbelowtheordinary high shoreline alterationsoccur onprivatelandsadjacentto Coastal Connectivity-Dockconstructionandother (Neogobius melanostomus). decline mayberelated to the invasiveround goby good, butnotrend hasbeen assessedtodate.BigTub’s Big Tub Harbour, thecoastalwetlandsofFathomFiverankas (Seilheimer andChow-Faser, theexceptionof 2006).With abundance andspecies-specifictolerancestodegradations developed fortheGreat Lakes, andbasedonspecies populations were assessed withthewetlandfishindex vital habitatformore than 40 speciesoffish.Coastalfish Coastal Fishes-wetlandsofFathomFiveprovide established are underway. Cove Islandin2008,andattemptstoeradicatebefore itgets (Phragmites australis),hasbeendetectedinHayBayand Beals, 1997).Aninvasivespecies,thecommonreed 2007), andanaquaticplantdiversityindex(Brazner

In-shore developmentdensityinA)1966andB)2006 Figure 6 A)

Islands EcosystemIndicator alvars are foundonBearsRumpandCoveislands.Fathom and thehabitattheyprovide forrare species.InFathomFive, soil, andwhicharerecognized internationally fortheirrarity, ecosystems lyingonalimestoneplainwithverylittleorno Alvar Quality-Alvarsorpavementbarrens are open between patches. habitat forspecifictaxonomicgroups, withgoodconnectivity Lower Great Lakes.Theislandsprovide afairamountof were compared withislandsandshorelines throughout the amphibians andsmallmammals.ThevaluesforFathomFive both theextentandconnectivityofhabitatavailablefor Habitat AmountandConnection-Thismeasure examines established todate. of theislandindicatorisassessedasfairwithnotrend ture andreceives 40,000visitorsayear. Thecurrent condition the marinepark.OnlyFlowerpotIslandhaspublicinfrastruc- several islets,comprisingatotalarea of13.5km²or12% The FathomFivearchipelago consistsoffourteenislandsand Island Measures Colonial Waterbirds Alvar Quality Habitat AmountandConnection State State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 11 Photo Credit: Ethan Meleg Figure 7 nesting sites in Fathom Five Location of the five colonial waterbird National Marine Park and the vicinity. Benthic Invertebrate Diporea Benthic Invertebrate Diporea - Offshore water quality is based on data from is based on data from water quality Quality - Offshore Water park ecosystem. The waters have 8 sites within the greater low concentrations of nutrients, especially poor in phospho- Recent per litre. of 5 microgram rus with a total threshold in the phos- trend years (2000-2007) showed a decreasing due to sequestering by phorus concentration, probably total nitrogen 8). Average quagga and zebra mussels (Figure similar between 1984-1994 and conditions remained has experienced a Benthic Invertebrate Community has experienced a The invasion of dramatic change in the last 5-10 years. and D. rostriformis quagga and zebra mussels (Dreissena crash in the native polymorpha) is suspected in causing the trapping sp. crustaceans; the invasive mussels are Diporeia thus affecting are nutrients and energy in the lakebed, and the invasive round food web dynamics. In shallower waters, Benthic monitoring the native ecology. goby is also affecting within Fathom Five was initiated in 2009. State Photo Credit: Parks Canada Ice Coverage Water Quality Water Lake Trout Offshore Measures Offshore Benthic Community The offshore ecosystem of Fathom Five is low productivity, of Fathom Five is low productivity, ecosystem The offshore with generally deep (> 30 m), cold (average <10°C) waters, and high in oxygen concentra- low in productivity which are tion (> 95%). The ecosystem has undergone a dramatic such impacts as over-fishing change in the past century from condition of the offshore and invasive species. The current has been determined to date. indicator is fair and no trend Offshore Ecosystem Indicator Colonial Waterbird monitoring Colonial Waterbird - Six colonial waterbird species nest on species nest on waterbird - Six colonial Colonial Waterbirds Snake and the adjacent of Fathom Five 4 shoals/islands auritus), cormorant (Phalacrocorax Island: double-crested delawa- ring-billed gull (Larus (Larus argentatus), herring gull common tern (Sterna blue heron rensis), hirundo), great (Nycticorax night heron and black-crowned herodias), (Ardea on the largest nesting colonies are nycticorax). Although birds boundaries) Fathom Five’s Snake Island (just outside in the marine park. forage those colonies frequently from community has been colonial waterbird Fathom Five’s as thresholds years, however, stable in the past four relatively it still being developed, are for this measure and trends not rated at this time. remains Five alvars were assessed as good based on information information based on as good assessed were Five alvars been assessed. has trend but no in a report, found 12 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Lake Trout stable. indicating that this measure isinpoorcondition butrelatively years havefallenbelowthelower threshold score of19% showed nosignificanttrend. However, three ofthelastfive snow. Thoughtheicecoverisdeclining,lastten years shores andimportantfishhabitats,limitinglakeeffect food webs.Icedeflectswinter stormeffects byprotecting influenceprimary productivitycoverage, whichinturn and noticeable through warmersurfacewatersanddecreased ice Ice Coverage-Theeffects ofclimatechangewillbemost date. trout are assessedasfair. Notrend hasbeenestablishedto Fathom Fivewere wild(i.e.,notstockedfish).Currently, lake of LakeHuron. In200916.7%ofthelaketrout examinedin species isbeginningtoshowsignsofrecovery insomeareas fishing. Through stockingandinvasivespeciesremoval this non-native sealamprey, Petromyzon marinus,andover- then declineddramaticallyfollowingtheinvasionof namaycush) wasthedominantpredator inFathomFive,but Lake Trout -Historically, thelaketrout (Salvelineus trend. remains good,butdecline in phosphorussignalsadeclining 1994-2007 (0.45-0.46microgram/litre). Overallwaterquality Islands ofFathomFive Photo Credit:ParksCanada Photo Credit:ParksCanada Eastern Massasaugarattlesnake Eastern species thatoccurinFathomFiveare listedontheESA, the managementofspeciesatriskinFathomFive.Three Endangered SpeciesAct, 2007 (ESA,2007)are relevant to Therefore, speciesdesignationsundertheOntario der ofFathomFive(112km²)remains provincial jurisdiction. SARA appliesare ontheislands (14km²),whiletheremain- should benotedthattheonlyportionsofparkwhere the federalSpeciesatRiskAct(SARA)(Table 4).However, it year round habitatfornine specieslistedonSchedule1of Fathom FiveNationalMarineParkprovides seasonaland Species atRiskIndicator TP µg/L 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.012 trend between2000-2007. regression model(--)showsasignificantdecreasing represented byare from GeorgianBay. Thelinear Values represented byare from LakeHuron andvalues Ecosystem. Total phosphorusconcentrationsintheGreater Park Figure 8 1 9 9 4 1 9 9 6 1 9 9 8 Photo Credit:Parks Canada 2 0 Y 0 e 0 a r 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 6 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 13 State Comments Maybe extirpated from Huron from Maybe extirpated in 2006 in FFNMP Rediscovered but no inventories have been Known to occur in FFNMP done. Lake Huron. extirpated from Considered Lakes and may be the Great extirpated from Considered extinct. regularly but is known to occur This migrant butterfly not been conducted to date systematic surveys have a known gestation site and many Regular monitoring of suggest a small but stable popu- incidental observations on Cove Island. lation is present of this species but it has not records historical are There times. recent in been recorded have been Known to occur in FFNMP but no inventories done. Cultural Resource Measures Cultural Resource Sites Archaeological Objects : 4.2 Resource Conservation ural Resources Cult Submerged Cultural Resource Condition Indicator compo- Fathom Five has both submerged and terrestrial consist of a total of 29 nents. Submerged cultural resources of 27 vessels and 2 sites underwater sites, the remains materials. The overall related comprised of shipwreck is available. condition for this indicator is fair and no trend Sites - All of the above underwater sites lie Archaeological within the boundaries of Fathom Five and have been exam- Service Underwater Archaeology ined by Parks Canada’s have been identified. A few (UAS). Not all of the shipwrecks Trend N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A MA Rank* MAU MA1 MAU MAU MAX MAU MA2 MAH MAU Endangered Threatened Special Concern Special Concern Threatened Special Concern Threatened Special Concern Special Concern SARA designation e 4 e 4 abl Common Name Common Cisco Shortnose Shortjaw Cisco Deepwater Sculpin Lakes Kiyi Upper Great Blackfin Cisco Monarch Massasauga Rattlesnake Eastern Snake Ribbon Milksnake Some of the most noteworthy at-risk fauna in Fathom Five in Fathom Five Some of the most noteworthy at-risk fauna The six herring-like cisco species which the cisco. are Fathom Five evolved historically occupied the deepwaters of The Lakes. which colonized the early Great an ancestor from between the ciscoes is the size and most notable difference an adaptation to reflecting shape of their head features, and over-fishing Unfortunately, food sources. different invasive species, have caused the extinction of one, while four other species may be extirpated or threatened. the most globally imperilled, and this species are Freshwater significant or tragic as it is conservation imperative is no more area. within a protected 2007 but not on the SARA. These are: Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon 2007 but not on the SARA. These are: and Bald Eagle (Threatened), Whip-poor-will (Threatened), (Special Concern). *MA1 – critically imperilled; MA2 – imperilled; MA3 – vulnerable; MA4 – apparently secure; MA5 – secure; MAH – historical; MAU – known to MAH – historical; MAU – known to MA5 – secure; secure; MA3 – vulnerable; MA4 – apparently *MA1 – critically imperilled; MA2 – imperilled; occur but of unknown status; MAX - extirpated T Marine Park National Five in Fathom 1 Species Schedule SARA 14 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park site conditionisratedasfairand notrend isavailable. damaged orare atriskofbeingdamaged.Thearchaeological known archaeological sitesintheparkhaveeitherbeen medium significance,andnine low. Justoverone-third ofthe (24) sitesare considered tobeofhighsignificance,two sites are historicsites,mainlyloggingcamps.Twenty-four portage sites,burials,andceremonial sites.Theremaining six include campsites,rock structures, lithictoolworkshops, documented, ofwhich29are Aboriginal.TheAboriginalsites nance andprotection. Atotalof35siteswere locatedand to eachresource, andrecommend strategiesformainte- the resources, assessthecurrent conditionandlevelofthreat cultural resources, evaluatethearchaeological importanceof were toprovide theparkwithanup-datedinventoryof the mainlandproperty. Theobjectivesoftheseinvestigations and 1991focusedprimarilyonislandshores andthecoastof Archaeological Sites–Thearchaeological surveys in1988 resource conditionisratedasfairandnotrend isavailable. Lighthouse property onFlowerpot Island.Theoverall tion wasdonein2009,tomitigatethecleanupof Griffon Cove,etc.).Themost recent archaeological investiga- potential (suchasGlenSiteinFlowerpotIsland,DunksBay, involved simplesurveysofcoastalareas exhibitinggoodsite The mostextensiveinvestigationsinFathomFivehave Indicator Terrestrial CulturalResourceConditon The objectconditionisratedasfairandnotrend isavailable. ered from theshipwrecks havenotbeenassessedrecently. Centre, andotherswere placedinstorage.Artefacts gath- divers. Manyoftheseartefactsare ondisplayintheVisitors were collectedbyFathomFivepersonnelandassociated Objects -Overtheyearsobjectsfrom severalshipwrecks site conditionisratedasfairandnotrend isavailable. undergone aconservationassessment.Thearchaeological the archaeological investigation,13ofthesewrecks have other siteswere examinedinalimitedfashion.Inadditionto Objects Landscapes andLandscapeFeatures Buildings andStructures Archaeological Sites Cultural Resource Measures State condition andnotrend is available. Ontario. Thearchaeological objectcollectionisratedingood Five are housedattheOntario ServiceCentre inCornwall, An additional~25,000archaeological artefactsfrom Fathom assessed in1997,andconservationmeasures were outlined. CentreVisitor inTobermory, Ontario.Theartefactswere artefacts are stored andpresented intheParksCanada Objects –TheFathomFivemarinearchaeological cultural rated. values. Theconditionandtrend forthismeasure was not assessment ofthepark’s landscapesintermsofcultural Landscapes andLandscapeFeatures –There hasbeenno trend forthismeasure wasnotrated. were deemednottobeheritagebuildings.Theconditionand assessed byFederalHeritageBuildingsReviewOffice, but cabin andFlowerpotLightkeeper’s Househavebeen building inDunk’s Bay, onthepark’s mainlandproperty. That associated withthestationremain. There isalsoalog lighthouse itselfisnolongeroperational,fivebuildings been includedinthenationalmarinepark.Although light keeping.TheFlowerpotstationhasjustrecently buildings inthepark,andmostoftheseare associatedwith Buildings andStructures –There are averyfewhistoric Artefact Collection at Visitor CentreArtefact CollectionatVisitor Photo Credit:ParksCanada State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 15 Photo Credit: Parks Canada Wrecks at Big Tub Harbour at Big Tub Wrecks side-scan sonar survey, and documentation of the wreck and documentation of the wreck side-scan sonar survey, the early survey years from sites. Several records/reports is in progress. have to be finalized, and the 2007 report conducted on a few shallow Conservation assessments were is rated as fair and water sites. The condition of this measure is available. no trend - archaeo Evaluation – In the Ringer & Folkes (1991) marine listed as having were the Fathom Five wrecks logical report, were or national significance. The shipwrecks local, regional, not evaluated in a well documented at the time, but were Cultural Resource manner consistent with the present is rated as The condition of this measure Management Policy. is available. fair and no trend State Photo Credit: Ethan Meleg Monitoring Cultural Resource Management Cultural Resource Strategy Inventory Evaluation Selected Management Practices Measures - Between 1988 and 1994, and later in 2007, 29 Inventory - Between 1988 and 1994, and later in 2007, 29 additional sites, are inventoried. There underwater sites were dump site, dock that have yet to be inventoried (e.g. the ore site on Russel Island sites, anchor sites, and the “Griffon” not the focus of the UAS surveys. sites were etc). Precontact investigations included a The underwater archaeological Although the 1998 park management plan identifies several Although the 1998 park management plan identifies several management priorities, including the cultural resource manage- cultural resource development of a comprehensive Currently, most have not been implemented. ment strategy, management strategy or a cultural is no coherent there The overall rating for submerged values statement. resource is fair. resources Practice: Cultural Resource Management Submerged Cultural Resources Indicator Flowerpot Island Lightkeepers residence Flowerpot Island Lightkeepers residence 16 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Shipwreck monitoring Diver onAliceG this measure isratedasfair andnotrend isavailable. Theconditionof but one,theArabia,raisessomeconcerns. expected rate.Mosthullshaveareasonable levelofstability are mainlyinfaircondition and are deterioratingatanatural date, thematerialscomposingwrecks (metalandwood) the present situation.According tothedataretrieved tothis mendations onrestructuring themonitoringprogram tosuit progress, andConservationServiceswillprovide recom - analyzing thedatagathered duringthe2007visitisin samples, photographs,andvideo.Themostrecent report Fathom Fivewrecks ninetimes,takingmeasurements, 2007, scientistsfrom theOntarioServiceCentre visited and aZebraQuaggaMusselStudy. Between1992and taken monitoringprojects, includingaCorrosion Rate Study In addition,theCanadianConservationInstitutehasunder integrity oftheremains andthedeteriorationofmaterials. and theratesofdeteriorationshipwrecks, including of theprogram istorecord andevaluatetheprimarycauses six wrecks representative ofthedifferent shiptypes.Theaim place in1992.Theprogram isbasedonthedetailedstudyof Monitoring -Ashipwreck monitoringprogram wasputin no trend isavailable. unknown. Theconditionofthismeasure isratedaspoorand status oftheParksCollectionsManagementPlanis Cultural Resource ManagementPlanare outofdate, andthe Fathom FiveNationalMarineParkManagementPlanandthe Cultural Resource ManagementStrategy-Thecurrent Photo Credit:ParksCanada Photo Credit:Parks Canada - this measure isnotratedandnotrend isavailable. and/or protection measures are developed.The condition of bance are undertaken,archaeological research andmitigation exists. Whenspecificprojects thatrequire grounds distur Monitoring –Noformalculturalresource monitoringprogram trend isavailable strategy. Theconditionofthismeasure isnotratedandno 1998 managementplan.Currently, there isnocomprehensive cultural resource managementstrategyisidentifiedinthe Cultural Resource ManagementStrategy–Theneedfora measure isnotratedandnotrend isavailable potential andtheirlevelofimportance.Theconditionthis within theparkwere evaluatedintermsoftheirinterpretive 1995. Inthisplan,thevariousknownarchaeological sites archaeological resource managementplanwasdevelopedin undertaken thisexercise yet. Ajointterrestrial andmarine values andhumanthemes).Thenationalmarinearea hasnot levels andthenature ofa resource’s historicvalue(physical instrument usedtoevaluateculturalresource management Evaluation –Aculturalresource valuesstatementisthemain measure isratedaspoorand notrend isavailable. further research hasbeenundertaken.Theconditionofthis monitoring andpossiblemitigation.To date,noactionor those culturalresources underthreat andinneedofregular the mainlandproperty. Furthermore, thesurveyhighlighted investigations beundertakenintheinteriorofislandsand and limitedshoveltesting.Thesurveyproposed thatfuture areas withgoodsitepotential, relying onsurfaceexamination the park’s shorelines, wasonlyacursoryexaminationof was limitedinscope.Thesurvey, focusedexclusivelyalong Inventory –Thearchaeological inventory completedin1991 statement. Asaresult, theoverallstateisnotrated. there isnomanagementstrategyorculturalresource values ment strategy, mosthavenotbeenimplemented.Currently, development ofacomprehensive culturalresource manage- cultural resource managementpriorities,includingthe Although the1998parkmanagementplanidentifiesseveral Terrestrial CulturalResourcesIndicator Cultural ResourceManagementPractice: Monitoring Strategy Cultural Resource Management Evaluation Inventory Practices Measures Selected Management State

- State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 17

Renowned as the Dive Capital of Canada, Fathom Five Five Fathom of Canada, Dive Capital as the Renowned wrecks, waters, historic clear with its crystal visitors entices Patterns sports. The 2007 for water based and opportunities of Visitor visitors to at least 22.4% of Use suggested that Five. The also visited Fathom National Park Bruce Peninsula Southwestern Central and visitors come from majority of (43% and 38% respectively). includes Toronto Ontario which between the ages of 35 and (52%) are The majority of visitors This indicator is not rated and no 54 (Parks Canada 2007). is available. trend in an information centre Attendance - Fathom Five operated until the opening of the new Visitor 1988 from Tobermory with a sense of visitors provides The Visitor Centre Centre. and a and hazards, the key features arrival, information about 1996 to 2009 the average From world-class experience. approximately from rose Visitorlength of stay at the Centre statistical data for 10 min to 1 hour and 30 min. Gathering a challenge because many visitors Fathom Five remains boats and others do experience the marine park with private an estimate of the visitation of provides 9 Figure not register. was a change the four main activities in Fathom Five. There at the Visitorin methodology for estimating visitation Centre, the is a 10.7% rise in person-visit-days at there however, diving between 2008 and 2009. Scuba Visitor Centre 600 divers since down by approximately are registrations 2005. Satisfaction with Information The 2009 Visitor Experience Assessment identified Parks website as a weakness for trip planning, and steps Canada’s Trend Photo Credit: Scott Currie Satisfaction with Information Marketing Efforts Measures Attendance Visits Indicator There are no Agency wide criteria/thresholds currently in in currently no Agency wide criteria/thresholds are There poor) for the condition (good, fair, place to be able to assess (Visits,visitor experience indicators Learning, Enjoyment, (VIP) A VisitorSatisfaction, Meaning). Information Program Peninsula National Park in 2007. was completed for Bruce both the National Park and services Since the Visitor Centre some of the data in the VIP helps National Marine Park, visitor experience in Fathom Five. explain the state of it is not possible to rate the in most instances However, specifically for Fathom until a VIP is conducted measures Five. rience r Exp e Visito 4.3 Visitor of a visitor’s sum total as the is defined experience an interaction that with the park; personal interaction stimulates the the emotions, senses, affects awakens the to sense of connection a create helps the visitor to mind, and these places. Lake Huron shoreline shoreline Lake Huron 18 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Kayaking onLake Huron

# of Visitors 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 5 , 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 - Fathom FiveVisitationbyActivity Figure 9 Photo Credit:Parks Canada 2005 F a t h o m F iv 2006 e

o f

V is it 2007 o r s

B Photo Credit:Ethan Meleg Family Preparing toDiveatBigTub Lighthouse y

A c t 2008 iv ity a nd S 2009 it e V F F S low low i c s uba itor e e r r

pot pot Div C e nt e C D r r a a s e m y

V pi i s ng itor

V i s s itor s State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 19 Trend - Although no specific attendance surveys for attendance surveys for - Although no specific Measures Attendance Learning Opportunities Satisfaction: Learning Indicator Learning weekly various learning activities through Fathom Five offers events, including guided and special summer programming stations, workshops, interpretive hikes, guest presentations, indicator is not This brochures/literature. demonstrations, and is available. rated and no trend Attendance 2006 the overall Fathom Five have been completed, since the due to activities has increased participation in interpretive the galleries Visitors now tour through new Visitor Centre. and have the opportunity to learn, enjoy and connect with have been There both natural and cultural history displays. and programs shifts in visitation within the guided interpretive they has been reduced, staff while the number of program to the quality and dynamic Visitor integral Centre remain an important provides The Visitor Centre programming. for new and returning visitors, for the diver information centre and as a venue to host guest speakers and registration, special events. Photo Credit: Ethan Meleg - Visitor Centre Visitor Centre

Interpretive sign at Flowerpot Island Interpretive Photo Credit: Parks Canada The Locals Know campaign by the Canadian Tourism by the Canadian Tourism The Locals Know campaign of the Fathom awareness in increased Commission resulted Destination Marketing Partnership Five. The Georgian Bay all of Georgian Bay a tourism has focused on making the marine park along with other destination, and promotes The Ontario Tourism tourism attractions within the region. Committee is Marketing Partnership - Outdoor Product and is assisting tourism products working on research-driven in developing marketing techniques. The Parks Canada staff highlight campaign’s Ontario Outdoor Adventure 2010 Great of a marketing partnership between of Fathom Five is a result Ontario and Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, Conservation show- Several photos of Fathom Five are Ontario Tourism. calendar Ontario Outdoor Adventure cased in the 2010 Great page. These including the iconic flowerpots on the cover being widely distributed to subscribers of calendars are Canadian Geographic Travel. A significant number of media tours have occurred, and the and the of media tours have occurred, A significant number amount of editorial content a large marine park has received tourism publications. in regional tant marketing opportunities, with partners including Bruce with partners including Bruce tant marketing opportunities, County Tourism. - In the past two years, a significant two years, a significant - In the past Efforts Marketing by Parks Canada driven marketing has occurred, amount of capitalising on impor Parks Canada is groups. and partner are being taken to improve the quality of information; in the in the of information; the quality to improve being taken are details for site-specific will provide the website future planning purposes. 20 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park universities. tion programs are based onspecialrequests by schools and the surrounding communities.Individualizedon-siteeduca- fundamental intellingthehumanstoryofFathomFiveand gallery highlightsthemarineheritageandAboriginalcontent; levels ofcomplexitytoappealawiderangevisitors.The year round basis.Theinformationispresented onmultiple ecological features andkeyissuesaffecting FathomFiveona Centre in2006facilitatedtransferofknowledgeabout -ThecompletionoftheVisitor Satisfaction: Learning information asrequested. Canada staff basedonthe FlowerpotIslandprovides boats, are giveninformation abouttheshipwrecks. Parks takingthetourtoFlowerpotIsland,onthirdVisitors party scientific andtraditionalknowledge. Over 90peopleattendedtheeventtogatherandshare Knowledge Forumwasrecently Centre. heldattheVisitor underwater features ofthe FathomFive.Thesecondannual round opportunitytoexperience theabove-thewaterand and BrucePeninsula.Theorientationfilmpresents ayear visitors, andagalleryfocusedonkeythemesforFathomFive hosting seasonalspecialevents,providing anorientationto role activities,for ofbecomingakeyvenue forvisitorlearning Centre Opportunities-TheVisitor hasfulfilleditsLearning Activities Participation inOn-siteLearning T Attendance DataforFathomFiveNationalMarineParkInterpretive Activities T On-site Special Events On-site Formal Education Activity Learning Guided Interpretive Program Attendance Fiscal Year Total CentreVisitor Attendance able 6 able 5 ~230 2006 545 # Participants/Contacts ~240 2007 662 ~350 1146 2008 ~480 801 2009 not open 2005 8850 8850 previous year Change from +37% -30% 30511 34759 2006 4248 Five. has beennospecific evaluationofservicesrelated toFathom to boththeNationalParkand NationalMarinePark,there Services: Whilemanyoftheservicesfrom staff are available ing, and71%considered thequalityasverysatisfying. Centrethought ofthecondition Visitor as verysatisfy- Facilities: The2007visitorsurveyfoundthat77%ofvisitors been conducted. Extent ofEnjoyment:AFathomFive-specificsurveyhasnot available. visitor services.Thisindicatorisnotratedandnotrend is those related toenjoymentfactors,andthoseaddressing Enjoyment ismeasured through twotypesofquestions: Enjoyment Indicator Staff Activities Services Facilities Extent ofEnjoyment Measures 56844 15540 72384 2007 Fathom Five-FacilityRatingsatVisitorCentre T OVERALL CentreVisitor Quality of CentreVisitor Condition of FACILITIES able 7 59878 16360 76238 2008 Very Satisfied (target 50%) 66359 73514 2009 7155 63 71 77 Satisfied previous year Change from 20 17 Trend 5 +10% -56% -4% (target 85%) Total 94 91 94 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 21 Trend Photo Credit: Parks Canada Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Marine Park and Bruce Fathom Five National Dissatisfaction with fees were clearly expressed in the in the clearly expressed fees were Dissatisfaction with Draft Measures Overall Fees Indicator Satisfaction is available. no trend is not rated and This indicator Overall: a visitor from interconnected, are Peninsula National Park and the content at the their proximity, perspective, due to Visitor satisfaction specific to Fathom gallery. Visitor Centre this time. at Five can not be measured Fees: particularly by visitors who wanted to 2007 visitor survey, national marine experience both the national park and the and wanted to park, or those who camped in Cyprus Lake park venues. Bruce Peninsula National Park is other explore parking permits, the only national park that issues 12 hour Fathom Five has a per person fee valid for 24 hours. whereas paid for camping or parking Many visitors, who have already Campsites on Flowerpot Island Photo Credit: Parks Canada Photo Credit: Scott Currie The Diver Registration Program of Fathom Five Five Fathom of Program Registration The Diver Snorkeling with Crayfish Burnt Point Lookout Overall satisfaction with staff, based on the 2007 VIP based on the 2007 VIP staff, - Overall satisfaction with Staff Park and the Visitorat Bruce Peninsula National Centre, of consistent targets. Provision exceeds Parks Canada activities, fees and site information to visitors regarding that can be improved. characteristics is an area Activities: Activities: safety, visitor administration, provide to was designed this program however, and mooring services; monitoring, provide challenges to effectively faces certain currently at the divers registered to visitors. Formerly, valuable services but diving boats depart, most where from Harbour, Little Tub the Visitor was moved to Centre. registration since 2007 including a safety under development, are Other programs for paddlers. The Patterns of Visitorprogram Use study 50% of the day use visitors at that more (2007) identified that visited the gift shop and the tower, climbed the Visitor Centre The trails on the Fathom Five theatre. watched the film in the of day use visitors. used by 10% landbase were 22 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Meaning Indicator parks. a bettervalue-addedperception offeesinthesetwonational system isnecessarytoimprove visitorexperienceandcreate confusion forbothvisitorsandstaff. Simplifyingthefee purchase oftwoseparatepassesleadingtofrustrationand passes, haveslightlyincreased passsalesbutstillrequire the Recent promotions, suchasearlybird salesofannual Centrerate feetotourtheVisitor ortheobservationtower. in BrucePeninsula,getfrustratedbyhavingtopayasepa- Photo Credit:Parks Canada Hiking theMountainTrail onFlowerpotIsland Hiker atCave3onFlowerpotIsland Overall Measures Photo Credit:ParksCanada Trend Kids atFlowerpot This indicatorisnotratedandnotrend isavailable. and identifyfuture trends are required. measurement toolstobetterunderstandneedsofvisitors and visitorexpectationspreferences. Meaningful park; and3)therelationship betweenproducts and services, they canenjoycertainactivitiesonlyinthenationalmarine their identity;2)theproportion ofvisitorswhobelievethat who considerFathomFiveaspecialplace,and/orpartof Currently research islackingon:1)theproportion ofvisitors people. opportunities formakingmeaningfulconnectionswith proximity ofFathomFivetoagrowing marketcreates many marine area wasoneofthemainreasons fortaking trips. The Ontario claimedthatvisitinganaturalparkornational Approximately ahalfmillionresidents from south-western heritage places,andFathomFiveisnoexception. Many Canadianshaveastrong senseofconnectiontotheir Photo Credit:ParksCanada State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 232323

- is linked to schools, colleges and universi - Parks Canada makes every effort to to effort makes every Canada - Parks Level National national parks, their national about Canadians educate Public outreach national historic sites. and marine areas, and externaleducation allow the agency to communications by providing and understanding cultivate appreciation learning to reach opportunities and relevant effective and in their at school, at home, at leisure, Canadians communities. at Fathom Five education Park Level - Public outreach informal learningfocuses on formal and local and to engage and learning audiences in conservation activities. regional external those Special events and communications reach has been an overall increase 2006 there further afield. Since - of opportunities to foster apprecia in the number and quality among a wider range of audiences, tion and understanding and 20 000 people have been reached and between 2 000 ecology, included species-at-risk, aquatic Programs annually. sustainable living, and Aboriginal studies. outdoor safety, Formal Education curricula. Parks Canada ties, and associated with official all for elementary and secondary students of programs offers undergraduate grade levels, and college and university primarily target schools in the students. The programs Catholic district school boards, Bluewater and Bruce-Grey local schools. Special emphasis on three with a greater of to the needs have been developed according programs played a significant specific audiences. Parks Canada also Bruce County Tourism Promoting Fathom Five at Trade Show Fathom Five at Trade Promoting Bruce County Tourism Photo Credit: Parks Canada -

Trend Measures Overall rently in development; the following provides a brief narrative a brief narrative development; the following provides in rently education and external communications of public outreach activities. This is a new indicator and appropriate measures are cur are measures This is a new indicator and appropriate

Appreciation and Understanding Indicator There are currently no Agency wide criteria/thresholds in in no Agency wide criteria/thresholds currently are There the assessment of condition (good, place to be able to guide and indicators (Appreciation poor) for the external relation fair, have been No ratings or trends Understanding, Support). assigned. nal Relations Exter 4.4 range of activities a wide includes education outreach Public and a sense of to fostering awareness that contribute Stakeholder Marine Park. to Fathom Five National connection a also aim to promote engagement activities and partner of the natural and and appreciation common understanding have an park so that people values of the cultural heritage and contribute to Parks Canada opportunity to influence activities. Young Diver in Hard Hat at Scuba World Trade Show Trade Hat at Scuba World Diver in Hard Young Photo Credit: Parks Canada 24 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Park Display at International PloughingMatch Park Displayat International with thedevelopmentofahighschoolcurriculum-based alteration permittingprocess. ParksCanadahasassisted communicates withlandownersthrough theshoreline Parks Canadaactivitiesinthearea. FathomFivealso response orquestionsrelated tolandownerconcerns to related communicationstook placeintheHayBayarea, in Landowner StewardshipPrograms–Moststewardship- interests ofaparticulargroup. partner organisations.Presentation themesoftenreflect presentations amongabroad rangeofaudiences,including –ParksCanadadeliversOrganized GroupPresentations conferences andworkshops. role inplanningandhostingtheannualenvironmental youth Number ofParticipants/ContactsinPublicOutreach Education T Landowner Stewardship Off-site SpecialEvents Group Presentations SpecialInitiatives In-school Formal Education Total Outreach Activity able 8 ~2398 ~400 ~800 ~340 2006 ~32 51 # Participants/Contacts ~2553 ~400 ~800 ~340 2007 ~38 73 Photo Credit:Parks Canada ~16500 ~19578 ~420 ~800 2008 310 ~52 ~11468 ~8500 ~450 ~800 373 2009 ~64 purpose isnoteducational. (in-person orvirtual),reading, andeventswhoseprimary EducationoccursthroughInformal socialinteractions Five. participation intheButterflyCountonislandsofFathom while contributingtoknowledgeofnaturalhistory, suchas opportunity toengageCanadiansinexperientiallearning Special Initiatives:CitizenScienceProgramsprovide an aboutaquaticecologyandmonitoring. gists learning students tospendonedayamonthattheparkwithecolo- tated theEcologyStudyGroup thatallowskeenhighschool course -Environmental Resource Management,and facili- previous year Change from +20% +23% -41% -51% +7% 0% State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 25 9 8 7 3 3 2 1 % 42 14 11 100 # 4 4 3 1 58 20 16 12 11 10 139 Environmental Management Environmental Academic Travel/Tourism Community Groups Outreach Recreation Safety Other Parks/Sites Culture Cooperating Association Total Partners & Stakeholders Partner Type Figure 10 Partner Profile advises on matters pertaining to Parks Canada policies and and policies Canada to Parks pertaining on matters advises committee hiring. This on local particularly management, between relationships to strengthen an opportunity provides and the local municipality. Parks Canada several participates in Partnering - Parks Canada Strategic that provide working groups committees and multidisciplinary the Lake Huron including mutually beneficial resources, Other multi-disciplinary committees Bi-national Partnership. Parks Canada collaborates with whom and working groups Reserve, and Escarpment Biosphere include the Niagara Spaces System Council, which Niagara Parks and Open connection to the Niagara focus on Fathom Five’s Escarpment. of Knowledge - Parks Canada Relevance as a Source Committee to with the Park Advisory partnered recently Forum, of Knowledge the annual Sources coordinate ecological and social intended as a platform for sharing local and to celebrate local action. In 2009 the Forum research, 70 organizations, together 130 individuals from brought of knowledge as a source relevance Parks Canada’s profiling for Canadians. Providing High Quality Education - In 2008, Parks Canada of the a pilot project was invited to an advisory committee for local secondary schools were Ministry of Education. Two specializing in the environmental selected for a program with In 2009, the parks developed an agreement sector. to deliver an annual workshop on Earthbound Greenhouses land around native landscaping, and a section of disturbed was transformed into a demonstration the Visitor Centre native landscaping. for garden – Parks Canada has been Enhancing Regional Tourism committees to promote actively involved with two regional as key regional both Fathom Five and Bruce Peninsula established with a destinations. A new arrangement has been

Trend - The park participates in a community-based - The park participates in a community-based Measures Overall Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula Community Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula Community consists of representatives consists of representatives Park Advisory Committee (PAC) and provincial 19 organizations with local, regional, from was in the national marine park. PAC national interests areas in 1987 to advise Parks Canada on protected created management, communicate information with member organizations, and undertake initiatives that benefit both the is essential for the people. This group and area protected consulting the local community and seeking inputs in park management planning. - Parks Canada seeks to broaden Stakeholder Involvement - Parks Canada seeks to broaden stakeholder involvement in decision-making. Fathom Five has some new opportunities for stakeholder input in provided park planning, management, and operations. Committee information, and committee established in 2009, and shares – Parks Canada identified 139 stakeholders and and Park Level – Parks Canada identified 139 stakeholders at Bruce Peninsula/ partners engaged in strategic partnering in has been an increase 14). Overall there Fathom Five (Figure support for Fathom Five over the last five years. – It is expected that by March 2014 the 2014 the National Level – It is expected that by March of stakeholders and partners that support the “percentage administered of Parks Canada’s and presentation protection and that these stakeholders and places” will increase to influence partners will “feel that they have opportunities activities”. and contribute to Parks Canada’s

Support Indicator - Periodic articles in the External the Products - Periodic articles in Communications and events to Parks projects profiled local newspaper have site contributed to several The community. the surrounding audiences, out to broader reaching television documentaries, All Seasons filmed in the summer of including A Park for Geologic Journey a significant 2009. An episode of featured Life profiled and Water geology, Five’s portion on the Fathom of the impacts of raised awareness coastal wetlands, and changing lake levels. global warming and - Parks Canada participates in local, in local, participates Canada Events - Parks Special Off-Site and appreciation promote events to provincial and regional, in marine importance of Fathom Five’s understanding focus on environmental, These special events conservation. and interpretive provide tourism themes, and cultural, or information. visitor experience 26 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park are asmall,buteffective group supportingparkoperationsand Cooperating Association-TheFriendsofBruceDistrictParks medical facility. Coast Guard, andthedecompression chamberatthelocal emergency medicalservice,OntarioProvincial Police,Canada among others.Thisnetworkincludesthelocalvolunteerfire team, including search andrescue, fire, anddiverelated emergencies, has collaborativelyaddressed manypublicsafetyincidents, strong relationship withlocalemergencyresponse agenciesand Ensuring SafeExperiences–ParksCanadahasmaintaineda providing visitorinformation toitspassengers. cooperate withParksCanadabycollectinguserfeesand transports visitorstoFlowerpotIsland.Thecompanywillfurther local tourboatcompanythatoffers tourswithinFathomFive,and Canadian CoastGuard Vessel Patrolling GeorgianBayWaters Photo Credit:ParksCanada This indicatorisnotratedandnotrend isavailable. documentaries thatalignwithParksCanadagoals. activities are centred ontheOrchid Festival,andpresenting funds children’s programming throughout theyear. OtherFriends group Centre, runsagiftshopatthe Visitor and therevenue promoting awareness ofthenaturalandculturalresources. The 5 Performance Rating

In order to achieve its strategic outcome, Parks Canada expectations, which contribute to the Agency’s strategic identifies Agency-wide expected results and performance outcome. These results will help improve or maintain the expectations, for each program, that are outlined in the Parks state of the marine park in areas that the Agency has the Canada Corporate Plan. This chapter reports the extent to ability to influence. Below are the specific performance which Fathom Five has achieved its park-level performance targets that were set in the 2005 Corporate Plan.

Performance Rating

Table 9a Heritage Resource Conservation State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Performance Expectation Rating Results/ Rationale

Approved monitoring guidelines and indicators Not Met Program is in development. Established ecological indicators to measure the state of ecologically sustainable with limited suite of measures and approximately 5 years use, ecosystem function and structure by March data include colonial waterbirds, coastal wetland, and water 2013. quality. Social indicators are in concept stage.

Maintain the condition of cultural resources. Mostly Met Conservation efforts focused on shipwrecks. Limited effort on terrestrial cultural sites and damage observed.

100 % of species at risk found in the NMCA that Not Met Eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only species in Parks Canada has the lead responsibility for, Fathom Five with Parks Canada lead responsibility. Recovery have a recovery strategy in accordance with the strategy is facing delay. Fathom Five is not participating in legislated timelines. the recovery planning of any the other species at risk found within the park because they are a provincial responsibility.

27 28 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Visitor Experience T Public Appreciation andUnderstanding T places. actively supporttheintegrityofheritage Canadians, visitorsandstakeholders of theheritageplace. 75% ofvisitorsunderstandthesignificance Minimize publicsafetyincidents. very satisfiedwiththeirvisit. 85% ofvisitorsare satisfiedand50%are Performance Expectations programming. satisfied withon-siteheritagepresentation 85% ofvisitorsare satisfied,50%are very or culturalheritage. experiencerelatedlearning tonaturaland/ 50% ofnationalparkvisitorsparticipateina Performance Expectation able 9c able 9b Not Met Somewhat Met Mostly Met Met all Exceeded Legend –PerformanceRating(Treasury Board) Less than60%oftheexpected leveloftheperformancewasachieved 60-79% oftheexpectedlevelperformancewasachieved 80-99 %oftheexpectedlevelperformancewasachieved 100% oftheexpectedlevelperformancewasachieved More than100%oftheexpected leveloftheperformancewasachieved No dataavailablefor No dataavailablefor No dataavailablefor No dataavailablefor Fathom Five. Fathom Five. Fathom Five. Fathom Five. Mostly Met Mostly Met Rating Rating Results /Rationale performance expectation. No measure currently inplacetodefinesuccessfor this other activities. actively contributetoparkoperations,decision-making,or performance expectation.139stakeholdersandpartners No measure currently inplacetodefinesuccessforthis Results/ Rationale All indicatorswere abovethe85%targetexceptAvailability. programming Centre (includingVisitor exhibitsandprograms). with theiroverallexperienceheritagepresentation 83% ofvisitorswere satisfied,and53%were verysatisfied SurveyforBrucePeninsulaNationalParkidentified that Visitor Although there isnospecificFathomFivesurvey, the2007 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 29

been developed for a 144 km² area. Withbeen developed for a 144 km² area. this data, three- dimensional mapping has been used for public education ROV purposes. In addition, georeferenced and outreach camera imagery (e.g., ~ 404 km of lakebed video) and drop results (e.g., 80 sites) is integrated with the GIS. Preliminary the multibeam training and verification have confirmed from that backscatter does characterize the bed in general physical and structural terms. High resolution bathymetry and backscatter maps have bathymetry and backscatter maps have High resolution Figure 11 3D images of the bottom of Fathom Five obtained during the 2008 multibeam survey.

The original work was based on single beam sonar and The original work was based on single beam sonar and physical charting. Leading edge technologies including now multibeam sonar and underwater acoustic telemetry are to be employed. These tools have allowed larger areas focused on Early efforts surveyed to a finer resolution. evidence of post-glacial lake levels, climate change, geologi- artefacts. In addition, the and archaeological cal features, has allowed westernproject science and its interpretations and traditional ecological knowledge to compliment each and dramatic to submerged features other with respect focused on are efforts changes in water levels. Current benthic mapping (abiotic and biotic) and the development of species-specific habitat models (e.g., shortjaw cisco, C. zenithicus). Multibeam sonar investigation of the submerged submerged Multibeam sonar investigation of the the section of the Niagara Escarpment within mapping topogra- Mapping a lakebed is as basic a need as sediment phy and vegetation cover is on land. Bathymetry, key components and structural type, and benthos are but given their elements of any lake or sea ecosystem, is inventory and research nature, submerged and remote research fraught with challenge. In 1993 a collaborative Group” the “Fathom Five Underwater Research program, includes Parks group (FFURG), was formed. The core Canadian Canada, the Geological Survey of Canada, Service and the Ontario Marine Heritage Hydrographic a series of high main task is to produce Committee. FFURG’s digital basemaps for research, geo-referenced resolution, and monitoring purposes. decision-making, public outreach, Success Story Fathom Five

6 Results Plan Management 30 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park have beenaccomplished. many oftheobjectivesincurrent parkmanagementplan Approved bytheMinisterandtabledinParliament1998, Management PlanResults Management PlanResults T Information Base Natural Resource Monitoring ImpactsofUse Assessment Environmental Impact Rehabilitation Natural Areas Aesthetic resource and Management Terrestrial Ecosystem Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystem Fish Management OBJECTIVES able 10

information baseatthepark. To developandmaintainacomprehensive resource in determiningappropriate managementactions. impacts inorder toprovide informationthatisvaluable park operationsonresources, andtorecord the To determinetheeffects of visitoruse,activities,and requirements asidentifiedinNationalDirectives. Proposals, andotherenvironmental assessment Assessment Process forPolicy andProgram Assessment Act(CEAA),theEnvironmental requirements oftheCanadianEnvironment fashion, inpartbyadheringtothemandatory ecosystem andculturalresources inanexemplary To minimizetheincremental degradationofthenatural to theirnaturalstate. processes, andtorestore themascloselypossible To rehabilitate disturbedecosystemcomponentsand both theiraestheticandecologicalvalues. To preserve thenaturalshorelines ofFathomFivefor state. To preserve FathomFive’s islandsinanundisturbed Ecosystem. to demonstratesustainableuseoftheGreater Park To workwithpartnersinthepublicandprivatesector Georgian BayMarineRegion. portions ofFathomFiveasarepresentative area of To conserveandprotect theaquaticandterrestrial To ensure thelong-termviabilityofnaturalfishstocks. TARGETS in the1998managementplan. Table 10provides anoverviewofthestatusobjectives database. Established informatics’toolsandGISother developed. Currently noindicatorsormeasures havebeen clean up). Process followedasrequired (e.g.,FlowerpotIsland completed. with establishednon-nativespecieshasnotbeen trout, lakeherringanddeepwaterciscopopulations species. Efforts toreconcile orrehabilitate nativelake to historyofover-fishing andintroduction ofinvasive Offshore ecosystemisinastateoffluxprimarilydue to cumulativeimpacts. is beingfollowed,howeverprocess doesnotrespond Shoreline review anddevelopmentapproval process target. and potentialdisturbance.Overall,weare meetingthe East sideofFlowerpotIslandistheonlysitewithtrails quality andOMNRforfishcommunityisinprogress. Partnership withEnvironment Canadaforwater Social indicatorsindevelopment. indicators almostfullyestablished.Offshore and Program isabout50%complete.CoastalandIsland completed (onlyislandshavezone1protection). Zoning forprotection ofaquaticecosystemsisnot threatened speciesremain vulnerabletoharvest. Ojibway Nationscollapsedin2004.COSEWIC Ministry ofNaturalResources (OMNR)andSaugeen Fisheries managementplanningprocess withOntario RESULTS State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 31 Sonar mapping provided high resolution lake bed lake high resolution provided mapping Sonar community data. Fish composition and bathymetry Cisco of Shortjaw confirmed presence assessment of Lake Trout recovery and limited (threatened) confirmed Coastal wetland assessment populations. that lake Confirmed significance. Lake’s their Great collapsed. Studied community has bed invertebrate of the thermocline (fluctuates nature the dynamic 10 m/16 hour period). The site has facilitated collaborative research including collaborative research The site has facilitated lake bed mapping techniques testing and comparing for coastal wetlands. The site and as a study area of Knowledge Forum Sources also initiated an annual on the Lake Huron and participate research to share including the recent Binational Partnership, Strategy. Biodiversity Conservation Shipwreck monitoring program currently under review. under review. currently monitoring program Shipwreck not been management plan has A cultural resource with First Nations specific completed. Agreement management has not been not to cultural resource developed. Visitor Centre is an exceptional visitor Visitor Centre to focus work is required experience. More external specifically to Fathom Five relations National Marine Park. A Memorandum of Understanding is required with A Memorandum of Understanding is required and for all marine search, Canadian Coast Guard including dive accidents. rescue Parks Canada has limited participation with lake-wide Canada, Ontario partners such as Environment Environmental Ministry of Natural Resources, and National Oceanic and Agency, Protection Atmospheric Administration. Opportunity to collaborate is high. Partnerships with local boat operators and the maintained. are chamber of commerce There are no protection zones within the aquatic no protection are There ecosystems of Fathom Five. To incorporate up-to-date information on the information up-to-date incorporate To into the processes and components ecosystem Fathom Five ecosystem. for planning process To maintain Fathom Five as a protected ecosystem ecosystem as a protected maintain Fathom Five To is encouraged, to research non-destructive where assist in and to knowledge of the area, increase co-operation with park through managing the marine experts. outside agencies and To implement the comprehensive Cultural Resource Cultural Resource implement the comprehensive To Management Plan. significant whenever possible, repatriate, To artefacts that have been removed marine-related Fathom Five. from consult both with local First Nations on all issues To to First Nations history and cultural artefacts. relating To foster pride in Fathom Five’s heritage resources, and heritage resources, foster pride in Fathom Five’s To to a role to engender a sense that all Canadians have of these resources. play in the protection in a that they are aware that visitors are ensure To and to build a national marine conservation area, base of support for Fathom Five and the entire broader areas. Parks Canada system of protected actively seek partners in the private and public To and stewardship environmental sectors who share services to visitors, and national park values, to provide communications programs to enhance Parks Canada’s when appropriate. To respond quickly and effectively to threats posed by to threats quickly and effectively respond To to emergencies, and to minimize threats environmental and property. life, the natural environment, To co-operate with other federal, provincial, regional, regional, co-operate with other federal, provincial, To objectives and and local agencies to achieve shared matters of mutual concern.resolve augment establish partnership arrangements that To visitor programs. and enhance Fathom Five’s understanding residents’ local and regional improve To Fathom Five and its purpose, for, of, and appreciation objectives, and management strategies by providing opportunities to become involved in the planning and ongoing management and operation of the marine conservation area. National Marine Conservation Areas Act requires at Act requires National Marine Conservation Areas and ecological sustainable least two zones (protection use). Ecosystem Analysis Ecosystem Research on Benchmark Research Ecosystems Cultural Environment Enjoyment of Fathom Five Visitor Safety Regional Integration Park Zoning 32 State of the Park Rerpot 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 33 -

relevant federal, provincial, regional, and local and local regional, federal, provincial, relevant objectives and resolve agencies to achieve shared matters of mutual concern. monitoring and Support for the implementation of the Given this lack of information and the need ing and reporting. the key issues in the development of management to address to fill effort strategies, it is important to maintain a concerted data gaps during the next planning cycle. Management Cultural Resource Resource Despite earlier commitments, the Cultural has not been implemented to date. Management program well inventoried, but the of Fathom Five are The shipwrecks - archaeologi terrestrial is being reviewed; monitoring program poorly understood. are cal resources Social Science Research being currently Social indicators specific to Fathom Five are visitation to both the national marine developed. Until recently, and the Bruce Peninsula National Park was treated area and registration), (with the exception of diver’s concurrently pattern of visitor use Fathom Five’s little information regarding is available at this time. Visitor use of the islands and offshore is not well documented or understood. areas and Visitor Analysis of the Visitor Information Program points to a areas, Experience Assessment, for both protected few weaknesses. For example, visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the Parks Canada web site, trip planning information, and entry fees. reporting programs reporting and It is important to note that many of the indicators data to justify did not have sufficient associated measures It is worth noting that rating the conditions and/or trends. supported by monitor Agency performance expectations are

the long-term viability of natural fish stocks; the long-term viability of natural fish stocks; of disturbed ecosystem components rehabilitation as closely as possible to their and processes, applied more natural state. This issue requires species tolerance to climatic into native research and the impact of invasive species such as stresses gobies, zebra and quagga mussels which round have caused a dramatic alteration of Fathom Five aquatic ecosystems; zoning of aquatic ecosystems of Fathom Five is Act pending. National Marine Conservation Areas and ecologi- zones (protection at least two requires cal sustainable use); waters and lakebed, ownership of the marine park’s park governance with issues, and co-operation

1. 2. 3. 4. Ecological sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem of Fathom of Fathom Ecological sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem of by past overexploitation Five hangs in a balance, affected species, and climate change. Outstanding invasive resources, ecological sustainability issues include: Ecological Sustainability Relationship with the Saugeen Ojibway Nations Relationship with the Saugeen Ojibway and the Saugeen The partnership between Parks Canada initiatives Objibway Nations has experienced successful species at risk and the development of First Nations to related at the park. Along with the suc- exhibits and programming occasionally with cess, the partnership has been strained use and other legal matters. to resource issues related Key issues for Fathom Five National Marine Park are outlined outlined Park are Key issues for Fathom Five National Marine by the supported in varying degrees These issues are below. in this report. of the indicators presented condition and trends in by Parks Canada staff All significant issues will be reviewed to identify opportunities the management planning process - and concerns associated with each and to develop appropri for the national marine park. ate management direction

7 Key Issues 34 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 35

A. Woldt. 2007. Environmental Objectives for Lake Objectives for Lake 2007. Environmental A. Woldt. (Draft). (Draft). Objectives Report of the Environmental A Huron: Technical of the Lake Huron Group Working National Marine Park, Canada. Backhuys (Leiden). Core Team. 2010. The Sweet Sea: The Lake Huron Huron 2010. The Sweet Sea: The Lake Team. Core Report Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Technical Lakes Fishery Commission. Committee, Great Report. Marine Park of Canada. State of the Park Parks Canada. 68 pp. populations in changes in benthic macroinvertebrate Health & Management 12:2 - 10. Fathom Five area: conservation of a protected Patterns of Visitor Use. Unpublished document, 66 pp. Unpublished document, Administration Facility. 97 pp. Lake Huron and impact on the diet of lake whitefish and impact on the diet of lake whitefish Lake Huron clupeaformis). Aquatic Ecosystem (Coregonus

and Gorenflo, T. Liskauskas A., J. Johnson, M. McKay, Lake Huron International Strategy Lake Huron Biodiversity Conservation 2003. Fathom Five National McNeil, C., and A. Promaine. Pothoven S.A., Fanslow D.L. (2009) Recent Nalepa T.F., and culture Parker S., and M. Munawar M. 2001. Ecology, pp. Parks Canada. 1997. Bruce Peninsula National Park. and Parks Canada. 1997. Business Case for Visitor Centre

Ontario. 350 pp. Parks Canada, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Parks Canada, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory, Services Seasonal Report, unpublished, pp. 1-10. Services Seasonal Report, unpublished, pp. 1-10. A Consolidated Summary of Ecological Surveys., Parks Canada, Tobermory, Ontario. 51 pp. Parks Canada, Tobermory, Conservation Areas Act, S.C. 2002, c.18. Parks Service, Ontario Region, Ottawa. Index (WQI) to assess effects of basin-wide land-use land-use basin-wide of effects assess to (WQI) Index Management Plan: Fathom Five National Marine Section, Canadian Research Park. Archaeological assemblages from coastal wetland and beach coastal wetland and beach assemblages from Lake Michigan: a multivariate Bay, habitats in Green factors. analysis of abiotic and biotic forcing Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 54:1743-1761. Campaign, Summer Views. www.localsknow.ca Website: alteration on coastal marshes of the Laurentian of the Laurentian in: Coastal Wetlands Lakes, Great Health, Habitat and Indicators. Lakes: Great Bloomington, IN. pp. 137-185.

Jalava J. V. 2008. Alvars of the Bruce Peninsula: 2008. Alvars of the Bruce Peninsula: Jalava J. V.

Government of Canada. Canada National Marine 2009. Fathom Five National Marine Park Visitor T. Harpur,

Fathom Five National Marine Park Management Plan. 1998. Fathom Five National Marine Park Management Plan. 1998.

Brazner J. C., and E. W. Beals. 1997. Patterns Beals. 1997. in fish Brazner J. C., and E. W.

Canadian Tourism Commission. 2009. Locals Know Canadian Tourism Quality 2007. Development of the Water Chow-Fraser P. Dunlop, H., and B.D. Ross. 1992. Cultural Resource 8 References 36 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Trebitz A.S.,andD.L.Taylor. 2007.ExoticandInvasive SOLEC. 2009.StateoftheGreat Lakes2009,Stateofthe 33:154-171. Seilheimer T. S.,andP. Chow-Fraser. 2007.Applicationof Ringer, R.J.andP. Folkes.1991.AMarineArchaeological Ridgway, M.S.,J.B.Pollard, andD.V. Weseloh. 2006. Parks Canada.2009.BrucePeninsulaNationalPark& InformationProgramParks Canada.2007.Visitor Report Lakes Research 33:705-721. and PlantRichnessCover. ofGreat Journal Distribution andRelationtoWatershed LandUse Aquatic PlantsinGreat Lakes CoastalWetlands: Protection AgencyandEnvironment Canada. Lakes EcosystemConference, U.S.Environmental Wetlands. ofGreat Journal LakesResearch Marshes withEmphasisonGeorgianBayCoastal the WetlandGreat FishIndexto Northern Lakes Park Service,Ottawa. National Survey ofFathomFiveNationalMarinePark. ofZoology84:1409-1420. Journal cormorant coloniesonLakeHuron. Canadian Density-dependent growth ofdouble-crested Assessment. Unpublisheddocument,25pp. ExperienceAssessment (VEA):SummaryofVisitor ExperienceFathom FiveNationalMarineParkVisitor 26 pp. Ontario ServiceCenter, April2008,unpublished, (VIP), SocialScienceResearch &Application. Historic ParksandSitesBranch,Canadian

State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 37 - A condition that is determined to be Ecological integrity - A condition that is determined to be and likely to persist, characteristic of its natural region and including abiotic components and the composition communities, abundance of native species and biological rates of change and supporting processes. Ecosystem - A dynamic complex of biotic and abiotic Humans are elements interacting as a functional unit. and unpredictability, uncertainty, included and complexity, recognized. self-organization are which the through Ecosystem function - The process of ecosystems constituent biotic and abiotic components (e.g., nutrient, change and interact, including biochemical energy flow) and self-organizing processes. - The way in which biotic and abiotic Ecosystem structure organized (e.g., food webs, components of an ecosystem are habitats, species composition). Endemic - A species belonging or native to a particular or environment. geographic area, or time. Fauna - All of the animal life of any particular region Fluctuation - The rise and fall in water levels. by a body of High water mark - The highest level reached period of time water that has been maintained for a sufficient to leave evidence on the landscape. - The study of the movement, distribution, and Hydrology quality of water.

- A raised and windowed hatchway in the Companionway - A raised and windowed hatchway in the deck, with a ladder leading below and the hooded ship’s entrance-hatch to the main cabins. - These are birds nesting in large nesting in large birds - These are Colonial waterbirds and to each other, with nests in close proximity congregation, colonies often contain at a particular location. Waterbird several species. - The living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, Biotic - The living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals, microorganisms). - The total collection of organisms of a certain area or or Biota - The total collection of organisms of a certain area a time period. - Invertebrate organisms (insects, molluscs, Benthic animals - Invertebrate organisms (insects, molluscs, lakebed or crustaceans) which live on, in, or near the streambed. - is any object made or modified by a Artifact or artefact - is any object made or modified by a human. - Related to studies of historical human - Related to studies of historical human Archaeological documentation, analysis, and the recovery, through cultures data. and environmental of material culture interpretation - Alvar or pavement barren is a biological environment is a biological environment Alvar - Alvar or pavement barren no soil and, as a based on a limestone plain with thin or vegetation. sparse result, - The non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g., (e.g., Abiotic - The non-living components of an ecosystem bedrock). climate, water,

9 Glossary 38 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park tion orconservations. and educationprograms. Maybesynonymouswithpreserva- resource inanaturalstate through regulatory, management, Protection -Maintenanceofanecosystem orcultural arrangement. out shared goalsandobjectivesthetermsof ship basedonmutualbenefitandaclearagreement thatsets independent accountabilitiesengagedinaworkingrelation- Partners -Groups orindividualswithseparateidentitiesand metabolism whichmustbetakeninfrom itsenvironment to liveandgrow orasubstanceusedinanorganism’s Nutrients -Anutrientisachemicalthatanorganismneeds impacts toanexistingnaturalresource. Mitigation -Aprocess orprogram intendedtooffset known sensors orechosounders. Multibeam sonar-Ausingmultibeamacoustic Microgram -Aunitofmassequalto1/1,000,000agram. trends. surveys orothermeasurements thatpresent conditionsor Measure -ParksCanadadefines“measure” asanydata, ocean, sailorsorsailing. Maritime -refer tothingsrelated totheGreat Lakes,seaor calcium, potassium Major ions-Chloride,sodium,sulphate,magnesium, Lithic -Astonetoolmadepartiallyorentirely outofstone. includes 95%ofallanimalspecies. Invertebrate -Ananimalwithoutabackbone.Thegroup animals) thatadverselyaffect thehabitatstheyinvade. Invasive species-Non-indigenous(e.g.plantsor the changesincelastmeasurement. that provide aclearmessageaboutcurrent conditions and combination ofdata,measures, andcriticalsuccessfactors of eachcomponenttheAgencymandate.Itisbasedona reporting statementthatprovides acomprehensive synopsis Indicator -Anationallyorbio-regionally consistentsummary occupies onthefoodchain. Trophic -Thetrophic levelofanorganismisthepositionit direction. Trend -Atendencytoextend,incline,orveerinaspecified change ofecosystemhealth. trespassing ofecologicalthreshold oftenleadstorapid tem maynolongerbeabletoreturnitsstate.The When anecologicalthreshold hasbeenpassed,theecosys- conditionscausesarapid changeinanecosystem. external Threshold -Thepointatwhicharelatively smallchangein groups basedonsimilarities ofstructure ororigin. Taxonomic -Referstoaclassificationoforganismsinto structure andfunctionofecosystems. present andfuture generationswithoutcompromising the Sustainable use-Useinamannerthatmeetstheneedsof affected bythepark’s policiesanddecisions. interest inparkoperations becausetheycanaffect andare Stakeholders -Groups orindividualsthat haveavested Species atRiskAct.. threatened, endangered, extirpated,andextinctbythe Species atRisk-definedasspecialconcern, groups withwhichinterbreeding doesnothappen. producing fertileoffspring, andseparatedfrom othersuch Species -Agroup oforganismscapablereproducing and First Nation,andtheChippewasofSaugeenNation Bruce Peninsulaarea: theChippewasofNawashUnceded comprised oftwoFirstNationscommunitieslivinginthe Saugeen OjibwayNations-TheNationis to efficiently create animageoflargeareas oftheseafloor. Side-scan sonar-Acategoryofsystemthatisused having eitherbeensunkorbeached. Shipwreck -Theremains ofashipthathaswrecked, it ice, and/orbytheforce ofgravity. transported bytheactionoffluidssuchaswind,water, or by processes ofweatheringanderosion, andissubsequently Sediment -Naturally-occurringmaterialthatisbroken down State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 39 - An area of land whose soil is saturated with of land whose soil is saturated with - An area Wetland may Such areas either permanently or seasonally. moisture partially or completely by shallow pools of also be covered fens. include swamps, marshes, bogs and Wetlands water. - A program implemented implemented (VIP) - A program Visitor Program Information collect information about visitors to its by Parks Canada to historic sites, and national marine national parks, national to gather is designed The program conservation areas. service indicators information on various performance and and management planning. business for effective required - The VEA is a Visitor is a (VEA) - The VEA Experience Assessment in assessing the park staff tool that assists the diagnostic the perspec- from offer state of the visitor experience current workshop brings together a This 2-day tive of the visitor. state of visitor the current team to examine cross-functional experience opportunities. - is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by by fluid caused of a or haziness cloudiness - is the Turbidity to the naked invisible generally that are particles individual key test of water of turbidity is a eye. The measurement quality. 40 State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park Wall, Monique Chantal Vis, Truscott, Jeff Ross, Brian Ronca, Filippo Parker, Scott Meek, John McFadden, Nathalie McCanny, Stephen Liipere, Sean Jackson, Gail Haselmayer, John Harpur, Cavan Briggs, Mike Contributos State of the Park Report 2010 - Fathom Five National Marine Park 41 The state of the indicator/measure has declined since the last assessment. The state of the indicator/measure is available. No trend The state of the indicator/measure has improved since the last assessment. has improved The state of the indicator/measure has not changed since the last assessment. The state of the indicator/measure Not rated or not reported on because the information is not available. Not rated or not reported Good, effective, or not currently impaired or not currently Good, effective, improvement. Requires or minor to moderate impairment. Fair, to related missing (whether or a significant attribute impaired seriously ineffective, Poor, management practices). condition or selected Fair Poor Not Rated Improving Trend Good Condition Not Rated Stable Declining Legend for condition and trend rating and trend rating for condition Legend ENDI X 1 APP