Benthic Habitat Survey South Ingonish

During the permitting process for the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System Project, a Request for Review was submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), who subsequently requested a dedicated benthic habitat survey at the proposed outfall pipe location.

A benthic habitat survey is a study of the plants, animals, and physical characteristics of the bottom of a body of water.

Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) was retained to develop the study plan and to carry out the video analysis and reporting. For the field surveys, Dillon subcontracted Commercial Diving and Marine Service Canada (CMDS).

On June 16, 2025 a benthic habitat survey was completed in South Ingonish Harbour and a memo outlining the survey methodology and results was prepared by Dillon on July 7, 2025.

Results

The habitat within South Ingonish Harbour showed very little variation throughout the survey area. The substrate was dominated by fine material, a combination of mud, silt and organic material. There was no coarser substrate observed. Marine vegetation was largely absent, with only isolated areas of sparse filamentous algae coverage. There were no finfish observed or benthic macroinvertebrates observed, save for sparse occurrences of oyster shells. No specialized habitat was observed within the transects. Eelgrass was not present within the transects. The habitat present is suitable for general fish use however it is not anticipated that it would be used for life processes including spawning or rearing.

Read the complete Benthic Habitat Survey in South Ingonish Nova Scotia Memo