| The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Global Program of Action Coalition for the Gulf of Maine Monitoring Protocol (GPACMP) through assessment of the indicators and data collection methods against various technical, practical and program considerations, including a field test. Recommendations are made for a Bay of Fundy restoration monitoring program.;The field test of the GPACMP exposed a number of challenges with respect to access to sampling equipment, expertise, and suitable physical conditions for data collection methods. The application of the GPACMP revealed several insights into the impacts of the Cheverie Creek tidal barrier and provided an adequate baseline against which to compare post-restoration conditions.;Recommendations for further development of the GPACMP include: (i) greater consideration given to salt marsh pannes, pools and drainage channels as geomorphological attributes; (ii) inclusion of winter conditions and invertebrates as indicator categories; (iii) individual indicator and program objectives; (iv) data handling, analysis, interpretation and reporting; and (v) integration of the monitoring program into a broader restoration and management strategy for Atlantic Canada.;The recommended monitoring program for the Bay of Fundy remains consistent with the GPACMP to facilitate comparisons with GPACMP sites, while being more responsive to Bay of Fundy site-specific conditions and existing monitoring activities.;The GPACMP fails to give adequate consideration to invertebrates and winter conditions as indicators. Individually the indicators all tested well technically. From a practical and program standpoint, some aspects of the individual indicators, particularly data collection, handling and analysis, might not be practical currently, given the experience and operational limitations in Atlantic Canada. |
