The Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative

The Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative (CERI) is a community-led, climate-smart, and knowledge-based conservation project. This project is headed by Dr. Derek Tittensor and Dr. Kristina Boerder from the Future of Marine Ecosystems Lab (FOME Lab) at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Working alongside them is a team of dedicated students, volunteers, and staff who are passionate about the environment and all things eelgrass!

Our research is being conducted in close collaboration with The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and local Mi’kmaq communities to ensure our project incorporates all ways of knowing and honours the invaluable information passed on through generations. 

Main Project Goals

Although this project is rooted in science, we heavily value the social aspects of conservation and eelgrass restoration. Through this project we hope to connect with and train communities to take ownership of their own local eelgrass restoration.

Our goal is to restore community connections to eelgrass and increase local awareness. We will be focusing on community programs with an emphasis on youth programming as the future of conservation relies on the engagement, education, and inclusion of our youth.

  1. Map
    Map the extent of eelgrass meadows around Nova Scotia
  2. Measure
    Measure factors important for eelgrass meadows including biodiversity, blue carbon and changing climatic conditions
  3. Restore
    Develop and conduct eelgrass restoration approaches for Nova Scotia
  4. Educate
    Bring awareness to the importance of restoring and protecting local eelgrass ecosystems
  5. Connect
    Connect local communities to eelgrass restoration projects

Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing)

Etuaptmumk, known in English as Two-Eyed Seeing, is a term used to describe the practice of approaching solutions through both an Indigenous and Western lens. The Mi’kmaq have occupied Mi’kma’ki since time immemorial and we respect and value their insight into Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotian conservation. We will be utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to conservation and welcome any and all critiques and comments to help further our connection to both the land and those who care for it.

Initial research funding was provided by the Ocean Frontiers Institute (OFI) through an award from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. Thank you to OFI for your support!