Biodiversity, or the existence of a variety of species, is critical to maintaining habitats and ecosystems. Each habitat has a unique combination of living things, creating a precious balance. If any one species is eliminated, another one increases to take its place. The more species that are eliminated, the greater the imbalance, and the quicker the habitat begins to decay. The more complex an ecosystem, the more stable the habitat; therefore, biodiversity is essential for habitat survival.
Canada lists “sustaining viable populations of species” as one of its key objectives in its report to the international Convention on Biological Diversity. Currently, operations at the Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery feed directly into this objective. In future, though, the hatchery is looking to hatch other species – e.g., the striped bass — to contribute to diversification.
