Coastal erosion's effect on fishermen, ferry a concern in eastern P.E.I.

People in eastern P.E.I. are concerned about coastal erosion in and around Wood Islands and the impact it may have on the ferry service and fishermen in the area.

The coastline in Wood Islands, where the ferry runs between P.E.I. and Caribou, N.S.,  is eroding at a rate of about 18 centimetres each year.

Norman Stewart, who lives on the coast, said silt from local sand dunes is being pushed into the Northumberland Strait, causing problems for local fishermen and the ferry service.

In January 2016, wind and waves from a westerly storm breached the area's beach, he explained.

"And since that time, the beach never recovered," Stewart said.

He would like to see artificial rock reefs built nearby, similar to ones that protect a provincial park and lighthouse in West Point.

Wood Islands resident Norman Stewart says the channel has never been the same since a 2016 storm. (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)

Blair Aiken, president of the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce, said public confidence in the ferry service has already been shaken by mechanical issues that caused disruptions over the past several years.

The last thing people want is silt to impact the ability of the ferries to dock, he said.

"The service itself doesn't get the attention it deserves until there's a problem," Aiken said. "And it seems to operate in the eyes of the political sphere on a four-year mandate.

"So what we're looking for is a solution — a long-term solution."

Darlene Compton, MLA for Belfast-Murray River, says she has contacted Transport Canada about dredging the channel. (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)

Darlene Compton, the MLA for the area, said she's been lobbying Transport Canada, which oversees the ferry service, to do some dredging. She said she has not yet received a response.

"It's a real concern for the fishermen, and for the ferry, if we don't get some dredging here and have a little bit more attention to the area," she said. "It's really going to impact the ferry service, and the fishermen's livelihood."

The province said it will need to contract a coastal engineer to assess the site. But it doesn't want to do anything until Transport Canada outlines what it plans to do.

CBC reached out to Transport Canada and Northumberland Ferries Ltd., but didn't hear back in time for publication.