ÀROS NA MARA MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE

Prepared November, 2007 by Gatrill Management Associates Inc. for Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc.

Introduction

This prospectus presents the culmination of a number of years’ planning theÀros Na Mara* Marine Science Centre proposed for Iona on the shore of theBras d’Or Lakes in Central Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The prospectusprovides an introduction to all the important aspects of this bold and importantinitiative; why it should be built, where it should be built, the design concept,capital and operating cost considerations, and economic impact.

It is hoped that this prospectus will enable those, as yet unfamiliar with the proj-ect, to understand its enormous potential, have confidence in its promise, andshare our enthusiasm for the contribution it can make to the marine sciencesand tourism infrastructure of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and Eastern Canada.

In September 2005, following a number of years of pre-planning, Central CapeBreton Community Ventures Inc. (CCBCV) entered into a memorandum ofagreement with Cape Breton University (CBU) that they would work collabora-tively towards the establishment of the Àros Na Mara Marine Science to be situ-ated at Iona, on the Barra Strait, Cape Breton Island.

This prospectus has been prepared by Gatrill Management Associates Inc. incollaboration with the Project Technical Team under the direction of the Chair,Àros Na Mara Committee of the Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Incboard of directors.

Board of Directors Advisory Board

Foncie Farrell, President John Farrell, ChairmanBruce MacNeil, Treasurer Bob ScottAnn Marie MacNeil, Secretary Kevin FrancisBlair MacDonald Charles DennisDavid MacLellan Grosvenor BlairGerard MacNeil Robert SampsonJessica Farrell Sherry ScottVince MacLean, Bill HuntChair, Aros Na Mara Committee John MacDonald

Vince MacLean, Project ChairTim Lambert, Scientist Emeritus

* Gaelic-House of the Sea

Large urban aquaria have multi-milliondollar annual operating costs andrequire a market in excess of tens ofmillions of people to sustain them. That is not what is being proposed here.Appropriately, the combining of marinescience facilities, a marine tourismattraction and an education component– all centred on the internationally-known Bras d’Or Lakes - makes theÀros Na Mara Marine Science Centre asustainable enterprise within the rela-tively small resident population, touristvisitor market and economic environ-ment of Cape Breton with significantlong-term benefits of the Island.

Page 1

INTRODUCTION

Project Technical Team:

Vince MacLean, planningBruce MacNeil, planningJohn Farrell, plannningBruce Hatcher, scienceTim Lambert, scienceDan White, businessBarb Lock,art illustrations

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continuedINTRODUCTION

Introduction (continued)

The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre is an effective combination of marinetourism attraction, scientific research station, and education facility strategicallylocated at Iona on the Bras d’Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island. The facility isbeing proposed because of the immense potential of the Bras d’Or ecosystemfor scientific discovery and economic development and because, as a popularattraction devoted to the wonders of marine life in and around Cape BretonIsland, the Centre can be a highly successful and much needed additionaltourism destination. Cape Breton University is a co-sponsor of the Centre alongwith the Central Cape Breton Community and this guarantees the position of theCentre within Cape Breton’s educational framework at the tertiary, secondary,and primary educational levels.

As further evidence of the natural and cultural significance of the ecosystem,there is a strong initiative to have the Bras d’Or Lakes and their watershed des-ignated as a World Biosphere Reserve – as part of the Man and the BiosphereProgramme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO). Biosphere Reserves showcase the commitment toconservation and sustainable life styles by the people that live there. The desig-nation will attract more visitors (e.g., ecotourists) interested in the natural historyof the area and thus through the doors of Àros na Mara.

The concept exemplified by Àros na Mara is also consistent with the conserva-tion and sustainability objectives promoted by Biosphere Reserves. The displaysof local flora and fauna will complement the educational role of BiosphereReserves – for both local people and visitors.

Once built and established, the Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre will con-tribute to the economic well-being of Cape Breton in terms of new jobs created,increased spending by tourists, increased scientific research funding, the estab-lishment of local businesses in the environment sector, and the all-importantsustainable management of the ecologically-sensitive Bras d’Or Lakes and theirwatershed.

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bined in one facility they become financially sustainable through the sharing ofphysical plant and human resources, and give social relevance and an importantphysical context to one another.

Consequently, the three major objectives of the Àros Na Mara Marine ScienceCentre are:

To establish a marine science research facility at Iona that focuses on thewaters of the Bras d’Or Lakes;

-As a resource facility for regional universities,-Providing a unique opportunity for visiting research scientists, -Undertaking applied research projects for government and corporate clients.

To provide educational services in marine science and the environment touniversity, college, school students, and to the general public:

-University students through specialized programs and research-School children in Nova Scotia through annual visits-General public through exposure to the exhibit and programs

To create a must-see tourist destination presenting life in the oceans andthe undersea world of the Bras d’Or Lakes through aquaria, multi-mediatheatre and interactive exhibits;

-Aquaria exhibiting the diversity of ocean life -Interactive exhibits with remote access to undersea research -Demonstrations of scientific work;-Multi-media video theatre with 3d map of Cape Breton

We are confident that these objectives can be achieved and that the Àros NaMara Marine Science Centre will be a successful operating enterprise each yeardelivering significant economic benefits to Cape Breton Island and the Provinceof Nova Scotia.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The Bras d'Or Lakes estuary and its associated watershed has long been recog-nized by scientists for its unique ecosystem and vast potential as a living labora-tory. Here is a body of salt water more than 1200 Km2 in area that is largelyunpolluted, sheltered from major storms, convenient for scientific research, andalready understood in terms of it’s principal aquatic and terrestrial properties. Yetthe Bras d’Or Lakes are practically untapped for their great potential in marinescience research.

Concern for the environment and the increased acceptance of the realities ofglobal warming have heightened environmental awareness among scientists,politicians, and the general public alike. Recent experiences with weather condi-tions have given an immediacy to this issue for everyone, and for AtlanticCanada, the example of the dramatic decline of fish stocks has raised questionsof sustainable environmental management never considered by earlier genera-tions. Marine science is central to these issues and has an important and grow-ing role to play in understanding our relationship with the environment.

Although known by the scientific community for their research potential, the Brasd’Or Lakes are more widely known by Canadians for their natural beauty and asa delightful tourism destination within Cape Breton Island. More than 500,000visitors overnight in Cape Breton Island each year; their principal destinationsare towns and villages around the Cabot Trail and the Bras d’Or Lakes, withBaddeck and St. Peters ranking first and third respectively. Yacht-based visitorsfrom the entire Eastern Seaboard of North America make virtually exclusive useof the hundreds of safe and scenic anchorages within Canada’s only inland sea.Visitors come to Cape Breton to see its rugged beauty, taste its rural way of life,its culture and heritage, and to experience the ocean that surrounds andintrudes deep within this exceptional part of Canada.

Marine science and the underwater world is of considerable interest to the gen-eral public and facilities exhibiting aquatic animals and their habitats draw alarge attendance by local residents, school groups, and tourists. In any givenmarket area, aquariums exhibiting marine life are far more popular than compet-ing museums and science centers; the revelation of the otherwise mysteriousundersea and the weird and wonderful animals alive and in motion behind theaquarium glass may explain this attraction.

The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre is designed to satisfy the convergentinterests of marine science, environmental education, and tourism. When com-

This proposal, to build a marine science centre at Iona on the Bras d’Or Lakes,has come forward because it is recognized by scientific authorities that the Brasd’Or Lakes offer unique opportunities for marine science research practicallyunrivalled anywhere else in the world. Further to this, the Bras d’Or Lakes offeropportunities for marine research on subjects well beyond the immediate con-cerns of the Atlantic Provinces or North America; in fact the special nature of thisbody of water makes it of scientific interest to researchers on a world-widescale.

This is no overstatement. The Bras d’Or Lakes afford opportunities for pursuingmarine science that would be difficult or perhaps impossible in any other loca-tion for reasons associated with its multitude of diverse habitats, unique physicalattributes, ecological inventory, water quality and conditions, known animal pop-ulations, existing body of scientific knowledge, and limitations on fishing.

Diversity of habitatsWithin easy reach of Iona on the Barra Strait the marine scientist can find pseu-do deep-sea habitats with relict Arctic communities, sedimentary basins to 280mdepth, tidal channels, river mouths, estuaries, embayments and barrachoisponds, with water residence times ranging from 1 hour to 2 years, hard and soft-bottom benthos, kelp beds, mussel beds, sea-urchin-dominated barrens, sea-grass meadows, salt marshes, coastal wetlands, wave-swept barrier beaches,rocky shores, vertical cliffs, water column salinities ranging from fresh to almostfull strength sea water, seasonally sea ice-covered and semi-permanent ice-freewater bodies. Such is the wide range of habitats available for study within theLake ecosystem that it would normally only occur over about a 30o span of lati-tude or the distance of 1,800 nautical miles. Overall, a better site for marine andestuarine ecosystem studies would be difficult to find.

Valuable physical attributesThe enclosed Lake system offers many advantages to the study of marine sci-ence compared to the open coast marine environment. The Lakes, being almostsurrounded by land, are sheltered from the power of extreme storms, and theshort fetch distances limit the magnitude of disruptive and dangerous waveaction. Consequently, science research can be conducted using smaller marinevessels than would otherwise be required for exposed off-shore navigation, andthe Lake waters are rarely too rough to preclude the essential at-sea sampling.

Travel-time between the dock and any sampling site on the Lakes is short with

Within 1 hour of this location the marine

scientist can find pseudo deep sea habi-

tats with relict Arctic communities, sedi-

mentary basins to 280m depth, tidal

channels, river mouths, estuaries,

embayments and barrachois ponds,

with water residence times ranging from

1 hour to 2 years, hard and soft-bottom

benthos, kelp beds, mussel beds, sea-

urchin-dominated barrens, seagrass

meadows, salt marshes, coastal wet-

lands, wave-swept barrier beaches,

rocky shores, vertical cliffs, water col-

umn salinities ranging from fresh to full

strength sea water, seasonally sea ice-

covered and permanently ice-free water

bodies. And these are only the known

marine habitats!

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the maximum distance from Iona to the farthest arm being about 21 nauticalmiles. This is a great saving in travel costs and science-team time.

At present, enough is known of the physical oceanography to enable good esti-mates of water exchange, or flushing rates, for the various parts of the Lakesystem. These have been shown to be quite long - in excess of a year in theareas furthest from the Great Bras d’Or entrance - indicating a hydrologicallywell-constrained ecosystem. Thus study of marine populations within the Lakesystem is made much easier than in open-ocean sites, since the problem ofestimating emigration from and immigration into the system is minimized due tothe known low flushing rates. Generally speaking, the population that is moni-tored one month can be measured with reliability in more or less the same placethe next month.

Ecological InventoryThe federal government departments of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment,and Natural Resources, the Bras d'Or Institute of Cape Breton University, theUnama'ki Institute of Natural Resources and the Eskasoni Fish & WildlifeCommission, separately and co-operatively have been pursuing studies inbiological, physical,and chemical oceanography together with bathymetry, geolo-gy and marine habitat mapping. An inventory of species and comprehensivedata on the physical attributes of the Bras d’Or ecosystem are now available.These data sets, combined with reference collections of marine plants and ani-mals provide a wealth of background information to support future ecologicalstudies of the biodiversity in the Bras d'Or ecosystem.

Ecosystem ResearchDue to the physical attributes of the Lakes, a rare opportunity exists forthe study of an intact, well-defined estuarine ecosystem. In open marineecosystems the study of relationships between trophic levels is difficultbecause the association of benthic and pelagic communities is transient andbrief, as is the residence time of the water over any particular area ofseabed. In the Bras d'Or, where water exchange times can be extremely long,the coupling of benthic, demersal and pelagic communities can be expected tobe very close, thus facilitating the study of fluxes between trophic layers.Similarly, the hydrodynamic containment of the ecosystem facilitates thebudgeting of nutrients and modelling of land-ocean interactions in anaffordable domain.

SCIENTIFIC POTENTIAL OF THE BRAS D’OR LAKES

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continuedSCIENTIFIC POTENTIAL OF THE BRAS D’OR LAKES

Population Studies The study of marine fish populations is often difficult because they may bevery large, spread over a large area and subject to extensive mixing withadjacent populations. There is certainly one, and possibly two residentpopulations of cod, and probably winter flounder also within the Bras d'OrLakes. Again, due to the physical attributes of the estuary, all lifehistory stages of these species, from planktonic egg and larva, throughjuvenile to adult can be followed easily. Parameters such as growth,survival and mortality can be relatively easily monitored and quantified, adifficult, if not impossible task in large open marine ecosystems.Additionally, these self-contained populations have the advantage of beingunexploited as the Bras d'Or is closed to commercial bottom trawling. Thereare few places in the world that a population of commercially importantspecies such as cod can be studied under such circumstances. The possibilityof conducting well-controlled trawl impact studies on other components ofthe biota is also attractive to scientists.

Impacts of climate change

The Bras d'Or Lakes are subject to greater extremes of temperature andsalinity than is the surrounding ocean. With global warming, summer maximaare increasing and winter ice cover is declining. These changes, rapid byecological time scales, are producing changes in the structure and functionof the ecosystem that can have profound effects on the benefits derived bythe human population. Over the past decade several species have invaded thelake, including Green crab, which are thought to damage eelgrass meadows,and the MSX oyster pathogen, which has virtually destroyed the most valuableseafood industry in the Bras d'Or. The Àros na Mara Research and EducationFacility will serve as the centre for measuring the local impacts of climatechange in the Bras d'Or ecosystem, and provide a sound base for appliedresearch into adaptation to climate change for ecological and economicsustainability.

Genetic studiesThe Lakes are home to organisms that are isolated from nearby like populationsor have been separated from their parent stock for thousands of years. Here isa great opportunity for genetic studies such as the role of genetic drift in evolu-tion.

Submarine GeologyThe Lakes have a number of fascinating underwater features topique a geologist’s interest. A deep trench in St. Andrew’sChannel which is matched in depth only by going beyond thecontinental shelf: how was it formed? A profusion of underwa-ter sink holes, some very new: these are common on land inlimestone areas but are less commonly expressed underwater,and may provide important conduits for the input of nutrientenriched submarine groundwater to the deep waters of theestuary. Submerged rivers and beaches: most of these are inexcellent condition not having been eroded by wave action as isthe case on the open coast.

Beach morphologyThe Bras d’Or Lakes provide an abundance of material for thestudy of the dynamics of the formation and erosion of beachesby water transport of sediment. There is a profusion of smallbays that have been more of less cut off from the main lake bysand bars to form salt water ponds or “barachois”. These bay-mouth bars are in a constant state of flux and ideal for studyingbeach formation. The barachois themselves are also a goldmine for ecologists for they are very productive sites and usual-ly act as nurseries for much of the marine life inhabiting theLakes.

Watershed ecologyAs a large, complex estuary, the marine environment of theBras d'Or ecosystem is intimately linked to the aquatic and ter-restrial components of the watershed. The Mi'kmaq name forthe Lake is "Pi'tupaq", which may be translated as "to which allwaters flow". The human population of the Bras d'Or influencesthe Lakes primarily through their activities on the adjacent landand shorelines. The Mi'kmaq First Nations people are the origi-nal residents of Unama'ki (Cape Breton Island), occupy fivesubstantial reservation areas in the watershed, and have takena prominent role in promulgating an holistic understanding ofthe ecosystem. The ongoing effort to integrate the social andnatural sciences in research and education represents a richtheme of interdisciplinary research within a well-defined domain.

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The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre is strategically located at Iona on theBarra Strait in Central Cape Breton and is purposefully integrated with the exist-ing concrete wharf that was acquired by the CCBCV Inc in 1999. This locationis ideally suited to its scientific, tourism and education purpose.

Integration with the wharf provides ready road access from Route 223 (itself anintegral sector of the Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive) permits moorage for largervessels as may be required, ties the whole site together and affords protectionfor the boat cove and outbuildings on the south side of the wharf structure. Italso allows tourists to walk “out” into the Lakes and offers the potential additionof a sub-marine observation room in 50 feet of water at some future date.

For the marine scientist, nowhere is more central to the Bras d’Or Lakes thanthe Barra Strait, as it has easy access by boat to all the many areas of researchwithin the lake system. There is a good supply of excellent quality seawateressential to the aquaria and laboratory water system, and there are no industrialor aquaculture operations in the area that could compromise intake water quali-ty.

The shallow cove formed by the proposed breakwater provides a protected areafor the marine outbuildings and moorage floats where research boats take onscientists, diving gear, research equipment and off-load marine samples.

For the tourist, scientist and student visitor alike, the Iona site, at the geographiccentre of Cape Breton Island, is conveniently accessible by road from allregions. It is also adjacent to the highly regarded Highland Village Museum andis a short distance from the well-known tourism destination of Baddeck. Threesignificant tourism destinations in Central Cape Breton will magnify the attractionof area and result in additional overnight tourist stays.

The site is also adjacent to a protected beach as part of a provincial park. Thisprovides lots of opportunity for shoreline education programs and the beachscavenger hunts usually associated with aquarium exhibitions.

The beauty of the locale and its access to attractive amenities adds value to thescience facility by making it a desirable destination for extended sabbaticalresearch and vacations by scientists accompanied by their families. The optionis particularly attractive for central Canadian and U.S. scientists.

THE IONA SITE PLAN

Cove protected by newbreakwater

Protected beach as part

of provincial park

Àros Na Mara MarineScience Centre mainbuilding

Small boat fl

oating dock

and ramp

Maintenance workshops

with boat storage below Road access and parking

Exi

stin

g co

ncre

te w

harf

185

met

ers

long

Saltwater re

servoir tower

Beach access doors

Main public entrance

Specimen entry/service doors

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BUILDING CONCEPT DESIGN

An integrated approach: The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre integratesthe functional requirements of the three objectives of the facility: marine science,education, tourism. The proposed design has these three functions sharing com-mon building spaces, building systems, and administration functions: waterdelivery systems serve research tanks and display aquaria; the wet laboratoriesare part of the “behind the scenes” experience of tourist visitors; some aquariahouse research experiments which are viewed by the public; the multi-mediatheatre provides a dynamic video introduction to marine science and is used byscientists in teleconferencing and seminars; the theatre is also used as a class-room; the library and computer room is open to all, etc.

Marine science: Marine science research requires appropriate balances oftechnologies and facilities that maximize efficiency and safety. The most expen-sive part of ocean research is travel to and logistic support at the study locale.The best in situ marine field stations provide an affordable base of operations;rapid access to a wide range of marine and coastal environments for observa-tion, sampling and experimentation; and solid laboratory facilities in close prox-imity to these environments, in which organisms may be held in good health andsophisticated equipment may be used with security. This is a tall order, andmost marine science stations approach the standard over many years of devel-opment.

Sustainable building design: Being an institution focussed on sustainableenvironment practices, the Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre building willmake full use of sustainable technology including the use of appropriate buildingmaterials, energy conservation, water heat pump systems, re-cycling of wastewater, solar energy, possibly a demonstration project harnessing current powerat the Barra Strait Narrows, etc. The sustainable systems will be part of theexhibit experience for visitors and the Centre will promote and offer assistancein the implementation of similar systems around the Bras d’Or Lakes.

The exhibit experience: To be a successful tourism destination the Centre fea-tures a critical mass of exhibit attractions with a strong appeal to a broad rangeof the visiting public. Hence we have combined, within a serious science andsustainability context, a powerful exhibit experience around marine life in theBras d’Or Lakes and our oceans. The exhibit high points include the drama ofthe multi-media theatre audio-visual show, facinating live specimens in morethan 15 aquaria, shark and whale exhibits, an open touch pool, and interactiveexhibits featuring science experiments and remote cameras in the Lakes.

Boat storage with service & maintenance workshop aboveSCUBA tank filling

Specimen receivingHolding tanksMechanical roomTwo wet labsLab offices

science - blueexhibit - redadmin - yellow

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MARINE SCIENCE FACILITIES

Designed for science: The science facilities of the Àros Na Mara Centre aredesigned to meet the basic needs of marine research programs originating with-in Atlantic Canada and also to attract visiting scientists from Canada and theworld who will pay bench fees, service, and accomodation charges to conductresearch in the unique marine conditions of the Bras d’Or Lakes. The facility willbe designed initially to accommodate up to 6 visiting scientists or graduate stu-dents at any one time, in addition to in-house scientists, technologists, andmaintenance staff.

Seawater supply: Mechanical pump systems and filtration units located at theextreme end of the concrete wharf deliver sea water to the laboratories, removesediments and supply nutrient-filled water for feeding experiments. A gravity-feed reservoir and header tank is provided in the event of extreme conditions orpower failure and automated instruments constantly monitor seawater flow ratesand temperature, salinity, oxygen content, nitrate concentration and turbidity.

Tanks & aquaria: Holding tanks and research aquaria of various sizes areincluded for specimen maintenance and observation, and the conduct of experi-ments under controlled conditions of temperature, salinity, light and feedingregimes. These tanks and aquaria will be viewable by the public and they sharespace and maintenance facilities with the public observation aquaria.

Laboratories: Two wet laboratories are provided near the specimen receivingand aquarium areas and provision is made to separate and quarantine exoticspecimens or those with dangerous pathogens. Waste water is treated beforebeing returned to the Lakes. The laboratories are modestly equipped with basicscientific equipment on the principal that any specialized equipment is onlyaquired when necessitated by the demands of a specialized research programand that funding is provided for the equipment at that time. Two dry laborato-ries, a library and computer facilities are included within the administration areaas well as offices for in-house scientists and technicians.

Waterside facilities: Of critical importance to marine research is the provisionof sheltered docking area for small research vessels, maintenance workshops,SCUBA tank filling and various equipment maintenance. The location and phys-ical infrastructure of the Àros Na Mara on a massive wharf provides the core forsuch a facility, and a breakwater, launching ramp, small boat docks and divinglocker will allow safe and ready access to the waters of the Bras d'Or and trans-fers to the laboratory under all weather conditions.

Starting with a prime locationin a world-class ecosystemwith excellent sea water qualityyear-round means that a mod-est but well-designed initialfacility will be well-positionedfor growth to achieve first-ratestatus in the mid future.

Upper Floor Labs & Administration

SCUBA equipt, workshops

Research vessel moorage

Research & exhibit aquaria

Wet laboratories

Lab office & storage

Specimen receiving

Library

Dry laboratories

Computer room

Administration office

Classroom

Tourism infrastructure: The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre fills animportant gap within the tourism infrastructure of Cape Breton Island: it is theonly attraction featuring the exotic world of the undersea and the richness ofmarine life in the Bras d’Or Lakes and surrounding Atlantic ocean. It is recog-nised that visitors come to Cape Breton becuase of its island character, its prox-imity to the ocean, and the splendor of the Bras d’Or Lakes. The Centre, withits orientation theatre and dramatic multi-media show, large specimen aquariumwhich includes sharks, whale exhibits, numerous aquaria of life in the Lakes,touch tank and interactive exhibits all play directly to the prevailing interest oftourists in Cape Breton Island. The exhibition and aquarium design will showvisitors the sights and science of the oceans they could never otherwise see,giving them an unforgettable experience. This will enrich and add meaning tothe time spent at the Bras d’Or Lakes and the waters around Cape BretonIsland.

Exhibit philosphy: The philosophy behind the exhibit design is to create a crit-cal mass of topical interest strong enough to make the Àros Na Mara MarineScience Centre a destination in itself; the way the Bell Museum, the HighlandVillage Museum, and the Fortress of Louisbourg are destinations that draw visi-tors to Cape Breton Island. Exhibits will inspire awe, wonder and respect for lifein the oceans. Young people will also see science in action, learn about the nat-ural history of the Bras d’Or ecosystem in a context that will augment schoolcurricula, and may inspire some to take up careers in the marine sciences.

Exhibit experience: Visitors will first see the pre-show exhibits introducing themto the centre. They are then pulsed into the orientation theatre where theyreceive a dramatic multi-media presentation of the wonders of the Bras d’OrLakes. Exiting the theatre they come to the interactive exhibits area and touchtank of small species. This then leads to the multiple aquaria room with morethan 13 aquaria teeming with local species from the Bras d’Or Lakes. Fromhere the visitor enters the largest aquarium of large specimens including sharks,cod and other large fish to be found in local waters. The whale exhibit leavesthem in awe as they contemplate the enormity of the earth’s large mammalsalong with models of sharks, dolphins, and other large species. The conclusionroom is an opportunity for visitors to discuss and explore options for the man-agement of the ocean environment. The final exhibit takes visitors into the sci-ence laboratories where they see recently aquired specimens in holding tanksand view scientists at work and, via the gift shop, can visit the SCUBA tank refillstation, maintenance workshops and small vessel floats.

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EDUCATION & EXHIBITION FACILITIES

Multi-media orientation theatre

Touch pool & interactive exhibits

Patio & beach access

Conclusion room

Large specimen aquarium

Display & research aquaria

Research lab viewing corridor

Gift shop

Ticketing & assembly area

Cape Breton Experience show: The investment in the multi-media audio-visual theatre provides a wonderful opportunity to present atourism promotion spectacle which will enthrall visitors with the delights of the entire Cape Breton Island tourism experience. Tourismplanners have long recognised the importance of such a block-buster type of show on Cape Breton as an introduction to the tourismexperience. The show will increase the number of visitors to the Marine Science Centre because it will likely draw from a differentsegment of the visitor market or assist in the appeal of the Centre to family members not particularly attracted to marine science.

The show can be expected to induce visitors to visit more tourism destinations on Cape Breton Island and to encourage visitors to staylonger or to return another time to see the things they may have missed. The show will be regarded by the tourist industry as animportant asset to the marketing of the island. There is also the potential to install witin the Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre atourism desk during the summer months to facilitate destination planning, travel, and accommodation arrangements. This tourism pro-motion activity will bring the entire tourism industry in support of the Àros Na Mara facility with many opportunities for cross promotionwhich will greatly increase publicity and tourist awareness of the Marine Science Centre itself and the Bras d’Or Lakes in general.

MULTI-MEDIA ORIENTATION THEATRE

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Theatre design: this is a multi-media theatre equipped with a full range ofpresentation technology able to give visitors a “cinematic” experience unlikeanything they have seen before. The basic system consists of high definitionvideo projection onto a large curved screen above a three dimensional map ofCape Breton Island coloured white to function as a special video screen. Avideo projector focuses down on the map to project images of the land andwater onto the contours of the 3d map, simulating, for example, the pre-historicrise of the mountains the formation of the Bras d'Or Lakes, changes to the lakesduring the various glaciations, and views of the current patterns of circulationand human activity within the estuary, while laser beams trace areas referencedin the video show. The sound system has six channels to permit sound imagingaround the theatre and sub-whoofer low frequency sound is emitted from underthe seats to simulate “big sounds”, for example, the shift of tectonic plates andwaves crashing on the shore. The theatre seats 60 people in a tiered arrange-ment so the audience looks down on the 3d map where the contours of theisland and its mountains can be seen. The video projectors are connected tothe internet to access relevant website, enable teleconferencing, and to down-load video, television, and live connections with remote science experimentsunderway at the bottom of the lakes or elsewhere in the world.

Audio-visual show: The principal show would explore the main theme ofmarine science and the Bras d’Or Lakes and provide a context to the aquariaand exhibits to be seen at the Centre. The show would be a dramatic and mov-ing experience and would be one of the main features to be talked about by visi-tors long after they have left the Centre. The show will give the visitor a dramat-ic 20 minute multi-media presentation with the title “Our Sacred Lakes” linked tothe three dimensional map of Cape Breton Island. This would be a dramaticstory spanning geological time, including the formation of the Bras d’Or Lakes,marine life in and around the Lakes from earliest marine dinosaurs to species tobe seen today, the impact of human use and habitation around the Lakes fromearliest Mi’kmaq to present day settlement and possible scenarios for the Lakesin the future depending on mankind’s ability to manage the environment. Themain message will be that the Bras d’Or Lakes are a special and wondrousbody of water, a microcosm of the world’s oceans which are changing rapidlyand perhaps permanently under the impact of human activity. What should wedo to manage this ecosystem so that it is ecologically and economically sustain-able? Links will be made in this presentation to the long history of sustainableuse by Cape Breton's First Nations peoples, and to the recent initiative to havethe UNESCO list the Bras d'Or Lakes as a Man and Biosphere Reserve.

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TOUCH POOL & INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS

Interactive exhibits: Following the dramatic multi-media presentation, thisroom is dedicated to exhibits which can be touched, operated, or which chal-lenge visitors to overcome a particular marine science problem through theirown research and ingenuity. Interactive exhibits promote self learning and arefun to experience for children of all ages.

Touch pool: The indoor touch pool would introduce younger visitors to tide-pool creatures and plant life. The pool would be created in artifical rock and beenhanced with a small hinged header tank which would periodically spill waterinto the pool to produce a wave action simulating conditions on a beach orshoreline. Visitors would touch and learn about green, red and brown algae,sessile invertebrates including barnacles and mussels, mobile invertebratesincluding snails, sea urchins and decapod crustaceans (e.g. native rock crabsas well as the invasive green crab), and small fish including sculpins and rockgunnels. This tank will serve as a focal point for school education activities andimpromptu lectures from resident or visiting researchers.

Scientific interactive exhibits: These would use remote sensing, remotevideo capture and mechanical/electrical control equipment to manipulate remoteexperiments and put visitors in touch with real-time events and real or simulatedscientific experiments on-going in the Bras d’Or Lakes. Equipment wouldinclude computers, electro-mechanical devices, science “experiments”, filmfootage, and internet connections to bring up remote webcams and specialisedwebsite - all of which are intended to stimulate interest and curiosity about theBras d’Or Lakes in relation to the oceans of the world.

Remote sub-sea cameras: Exhibits could include controllable video cameraslocated in the waters off the Iona wharf so visitors could see creatures in andaround an artificial reef established for the purpose. Cameras could also beplaced near the wreck of the sunken hulk which rests in 100 feet of waterbeneath the Barra Strait Railway Bridge over the Narrows and visitors couldobserve SCUBA divers when they explore the wreck.

Annular tanks: There would also be two annular tanks: one dedicated to thepelagic biota of the lake such as mackerel, which have to constantly swim andthe other dedicated to biota from the adjacent ocean in Chedabucto Bay. Thesetanks will allow the viewer to stand inside, simulating immersion in the water col-umn, and will be specially lit and equipped with magnifiers to allow viewing ofphytoplankton, zooplankton and nekton species.

Computer/aquaria interactives: These exhibits are stand-alonedisplays which pose a challenge to be solved by the visitor.Subjects would inlude provocative titles such as: The Rocks beneath our Feet, Pet Projects, SCUBA Dives, What’s Out There The Warming Oceans, Alien Invaders Missing Fish, Seeing is BelievingDiving for Science Robotic Science, etc.Computer games such as “Design a fish which can survive in theocean; simulate running a fishery; keep an ecosystem in equilibri-um.

Visitors enjoy interactiveexhibits that enable them toexplore, discover, and learn attheir own pace.

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DISPLAY AQUARIA

Display aquaria: This room is the main aquarium visitor experience and con-tains up to 18 display aquaria of varying sizes and shapes. To enhance the visi-tors’ learning pleasure, computer touch-screens located in front of each aquari-um will play video footage taken by divers in similar environments in the Brasd’Or Lakes and provide detailed information and fascinating facts on the crea-tures in motion behind the glass. Lighting will come from the aquaria watersthemselves, giving a subsea illusion to the room which is further augmented bythe sparkling ripple of water light projected onto the ceiling overhead.

Mid-sized aquaria: Ten mid-sized aquaria with viewing windows ranging in sizefrom 4 feet to 6 feet wide are included. Each display portrays as accurately aspossible the assemblage of fauna, flora and sediment conditions typical of themain ecosystems in the Bras d’Or Lakes: river bed, salt marsh, seagrass mead-ow, kelp bed, oyster bed and the deep lake benthos of St. Andrew's Channel.

Small aquaria: A total of 8 smaller tanks, varying in size from 2 feet wide to 4feet wide. Many fascinating marine creatures are better viewed in smaller tankswhere close and concentrated observation is possible. For example, a tankmeasuring 2 feet wide by 6 feet high can display an old wharf piling festoonedwith a diverse and colourful marine community.

Aquaria maintenance: These aquaria are serviced and maintained from a catwalk in the corridor behind them. This catwalk and the servicing equipment isopen to the visitor when they continue their tour into the science laboratoryobservation area. Visitors will be invited onto the catwalk when fish are beingfed, tanks modified and cleaned, so they can see the process for themselves.

Page 13

LARGE SPECIMEN AQUARIUM & CONCLUSION ROOM

Large aquarium: The largest aquarium will be 10 feet high 20 feet wide is adramatic finale to the aquarium experience. This large tank would exhibit thelargest of the sea animals to be shown in the centre, including small sharks,Atlantic salmon, Bras d'Or cod fish, schools of mackerel and herring, Americaneel, American lobster and possibly other species prevalent in the outside waters.From time to time a SCUBA diving demonstration can be staged, the diver feed-ing the specimens in the tank.

Whale and shark exhibit: Here visitors come face to face with some of earth’slargest mammals living in the off-shore waters of Nova Scotia. Mounted skele-tons of minke whales are the background to exhibits of their habits, populations,migrations, feeding habits. Models and skeletons of sharks to be found of NovaScotia would also be shown including mako, porbeagle, blue sharks and spinydogfish. These exhibits would be linked to the sharks to be seen in the adjacentlarge aquarium. Models of some of the other rare visitors to the Bras d'Or Lakessuch as the Ocean Sunfish and the Leatherback turtle will receive special promi-nence in the context of ocean climate change and endangered species.

Conclusion Room: This room and the Post Aquaria Exhibits are combinedwith the large aquarium to create a dramatic and versatile open space suitablefor presentations, catered community and private banquets, and other revenue-generating and community activities. For the visitor it could be configured into aclassroom-style setting equipped with audio-visual presentation gear and a par-ticipant voting system where, under the guidence of a program director, visitorsand students might face questions that challenge the world’s marine scientists.What are the effects of warming oceans on coastal ecosystems and their peo-ple? Why have so many of the fish gone? Is fish farming a viable alternative tothe capture fisheries? The results of visitor opinion will be continuously talliedand displayed on computer monitors. The conclusion room is also a locationfor the display of travelling exhibits from other aquariums and museums.

Science tour: The visitor experience continues through the doors and “behindthe scenes” to the science corridor where visitors see through glass into thespecimen receiving area and the two wet laboratories. Also, in the corridor visi-tors can see the working of the aquaria water supply, animal maintenance andfeeding facilities. Finally, visitors arrive in the Gift Shop on the conclusion oftheir tour. Here they can purchase science toys, gifts, and marine literature asmementos of their visit to Àros Na Mara. Outside, visitors can walk along thewharf and visit the small boat floats and the SCUBA tank refilling facility.

Page 14

CAPITAL COST & SOURCE OF CAPITAL FUNDS

Conceptual cost estimate: The conceptual cost estimate indicates the projectcost is $8,502,800 calculated in 2006 dollars and is based on the space require-ment program reflected in the building floorplan lower and upper floors. Thiscost includes all design and management costs, construction, fit-up equipmentfor basic operation, and commissioning costs. This estimate has been devel-oped on a square foot basis using unit cost values that are on the low end of theCanadian scale of costs taking into account current construction costs in CapeBreton which are lower than other areas of the country.

Contingency fund: However, using the low end of construction costs meansthe risk associated with the total cost estimate are increased. To offset this riskwe have added to the budget a contingency for unforeseen costs in the amountof $1,250,000 or 15% of the project construction budget. This contingency canbe applied to minor possible increases in scope which typically accompany aproject of this complexity and to cover the costs of unforeseen items and a mar-gin of error associated with the estimate. This contingency, however, cannot beexpected to resolve the effects of any inflation in construction prices between2006 and the year in which the project is built, as the latter is unknown at thistime.

Project benefits: The Àros Na Mara Marine Science Centre is not an inexpen-sive project owing to the highly technical design requirements associated withscience laboratories, aquaria, and exhibits. Readers are encouraged however togive full and complete consideration to the project’s upside benefits. Not only willit broaden and strengthen the stature of Cape Breton University, but as well itwill engender real and significant economic benefits that over a short period oftime will produce for the people of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Canada anattractive return on investment.

Proponents of Àros Na Mara are visionary in their thinking and have advancedthe project at an opportune time. Nova Scotia has come to appreciate that if it isto remain competitive within a sprawling and constantly changing internationaltourism market, new investment in tourism product is critical. Moreover, NovaScotia has for some time recognized the importance of its post secondary edu-cational product offering. Education underpins modern society and effectivelydifferentiates wealth generating societies from their less fortunate counterparts.Àros Na Mara represents a piece of valued education/learning infrastructure. Itwill enrich the province’s learning context and engender consequential socialenhancement.

Table 1-Àros Na Mara Marine Science CentreApplication & Source of Capital Funds

Aros Na Mara Marine Science CentreForecast Yearly Revenue & ExpensesYears 1-5

Year I Year II Year III Year IV Year V

Revenue: Bench Fees 23,625$ 32,750$ 43,750$ 47,688$ 51,026$ Corporate Partners 143,000 178,750 187,688 234,609 293,262 Rentals 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500 Admissions 375,125 440,841 552,179 620,580 691,560 Gift Shop Net 92,900 121,719 156,958 189,286 227,692 Internal Revenue (Fund Raising) 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 Total Revenue 648,150$ 787,560$ 954,074$ 1,105,663$ 1,277,039$

Expenses: Insurance 50,000$ 53,000$ 55,650$ 55,761$ 55,873$ Marketing 75,000 79,500$ 83,475$ 83,642 83,809

Office & Postage 12,000 12,720$ 13,356$ 13,383 13,409 Telephone 12,000 12,720$ 13,356$ 13,383 13,409

Utilities & heat 300,000 318,000$ 333,900$ 334,568 335,237 Wages & Benefits 372,600 383,778 395,291 407,150 419,365 Professional fees 20,000 21,200$ 22,260$ 24,041 25,964 Security & snow removal 15,000 15,900$ 16,695$ 18,198 19,835 Property tax 8,500 8,500$ 8,500$ 8,500 8,500 Repair & maintenance 30,000 31,800$ 33,390$ 36,729 40,402 Exhibit & ground maintenace 20,000 21,200$ 22,260$ 24,486 26,935 Travel 6,000 6,360$ 6,678$ 6,691 6,705 Misc. 5,000 5,300$ 5,565$ 5,576 5,587

Total Expenses 926,100$ 969,978$ 1,010,376$ 1,032,107$ 1,055,030$

Net Income (Loss) (277,950)$ (182,418)$ (56,302)$ 73,556$ 222,009$

Attendance at Àros Na Mara

Marine Science Centrre is pro-

jected to be 42,000 in the first

year rising to 68,000 by year

five. This is in keeping with

the annual attendence typical

of other important Cape Breton

attractions.

Page 15

OPERATING REVENUE & EXPENSE PRO FORMA

Self sufficiency: Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. understandsthe fundamental importance of demonstrating that Àros Na Mara can be finan-cially self-sufficient. Revenue is expected to be derived from four sources: visitoradmissions, corporate partnership program, bench fees, gift shop and internalfund raising (ticket sales, voluntary contributions and other similar activities).Admissions and corporate partnership purchases will comprise approximately75% of annual revenue (Table 2).

Attendance revenue: Upwards of 42,000 are forecast to visit Àros Na Mara inyear one. By year five this number is anticipated to rise to approximately 68,000persons. A single adult admission will initially be $12.50. Seniors/Youth andchildren will enjoy lower special admission rates and initially families will begranted entry for $23.00.

Corporate partners: Incorporating best practices employed by world-classaquaria, a corporate partners program will be fashioned for Àros Na Mara. It willcomprise several levels beginning with associate and finishing with explorer.Each will entail a package of benefits and the yearly price range will stretch froman entry level $1,500 to a top-of-the-line $20,000. By year three, Àros Na Maraforecasts sales of 50 partnerships packages, the majority of which will repeat forseveral years running.

Visiting scientist bench fees: Bench fees will be derived from scientists,researchers, students and research assistants visiting and working at Àros NaMara. Each will have the option of paying one of two daily rates: (i) all inclusive($200 down to $50 [student discounted rate] depending on individual status);and (ii) dry land only ($100 down to $25 [student discounted rate] depending onindividual status). The former will offer virtually unrestricted use of the completerange of indoor and waterside assets at the facility while the latter will encom-pass restricted use of dry laboratories and the like. Àros Na Mara anticipatesselling about 75 days of facility usage annually to visiting scientists andresearchers.

Annual expenses: The preponderance of yearly operating expenses will com-prise utilities and heat and wages. Together the two will represent about 72% oftotal annual expenses. Àros Na Mara will employ nine in total on a full and part-time basis. Positions will range from operations director, through to biologist,marine technologist, maintenance and marketing and promotion.

Net income: Losses are anticipated in the initial three years of operation. By year four, Àros Na Mara is forecast to generate modestnet income. The project proponent anticipates an initial capital campaign with a view to assembling approximately $3.5 million in con-tributions. It is intended that about $2 million of this sum be used to finance capital construction of the facility while the balance will beemployed to ensure overall financial sustainability going forward. Over time the sustainability fund will be increased by on-going capitalcampaign initiatives.

Table 2-Àros Na Mara Marine Science CentreForecast Yearly Revenue & ExpensesYears 1-5

Page 16

ECONOMIC IMPACT

General impact: Àros Na Mara will be a significant addition to Cape Breton’stourism product, in particular the popular natural attractions component. It isanticipated that when fully operational the facility will attract between 65,000-70,000 visitors yearly on average of which 60% will be non-resident. The aver-age entry charge is calculated at $10.17 before taxes with adult entry at $12.50and family entry at $23.00. These visitation numbers and entry costs are rea-sonable based on the following current attendance statistics of similar localattractions, as follows showing adult entry cost and annual visitors:Bell Museum: adult $6.27, family $15.61; attenadance 90,000Fortress Louisbourge: adult $14.33, family $35.82; attendance 100,000Highland Village: adult $7.81, family $19.29; attendance 20,000

Methodology: The economic impact of the facility is generally considered fromtwo vantage points: (a) capital construction and (b) operations. Economicimpact numbers are extrapolated from a Cape Breton input-output model thatprovides an estimate of expected average economic effect of increasing con-struction activity and increased length of stay by out-of-area visitors as a conse-quence of Cape Breton enhanced tourism product.

Capital Construction: The capital budget for construction of Àros Na Mara isjust under $10 million. Table 3 below considers the economic impact ofincreased construction activity in the amount of $10 million. Key assumptionsare that the construction project is awarded largely to local contractors and sup-ply purchases follow the typical pattern of local and non-local purchases.Based on the Cape Breton Input-Output Model, Table 3 shows that the construc-tion phase of the project will directly increase Cape Breton output (GrossDomestic Product) by $5,700,000 while creating 127.4 person years of employ-ment and $3,600,000 in household income. As well, construction of Àros NaMara will induce incremental economic activity so that the combined or totalimpact will be a $10,200,000 and 164.5 person years of employment.

Tourism: Visitation to Àros Na Mara will lead to increased expenditures bytourists across Cape Breton and throughout Nova Scotia. Optimum yearly visi-tations to the facility are anticipated to be between 65,000 and 70,000 withapproximately 60% or about 40,000 persons expected to be non-resident. Forall non-residents visiting the centre it is anticipated that each will extend theirstay in Cape Breton by one day. Using exit data provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage itis calculated that non-resident visitors to Àros Na Mara would expend an addi-tional $2,500,000 yearly in Cape Breton.Table 4 indicates that the overall impact of Àros Na Mara on tourism will beincreased regional GDP of about $1,750,000, household income of approxi-mately $1,200,000, and employment of 79.7 person years.

Operations: On-going operation of Àros Na Mara will itself impact the regionaleconomy. Average yearly operating costs will be about $1 million. Again the keyassumption is that purchases by Àros Na Mara will follow the typical pattern oflocal and non-local. This being said it is reasonable to suggest that as present-ed Àros Na Mara operations would annually increase Cape Breton GDP byabout $647,500 and employment by almost 30 (Table 5). Considered over aperiod of ten years the impact of the project is considerable and the return oninvestment to the federal and provincial governments is consequential.

Table 4-Aros Na Mara Marine Science CentreEstimated Economic Impact - Tourism

Direct TotalGDP 1,375,000$ 1,750,000$ Household income 975,000$ 1,200,000$ Employment 63.5 79.7

Table 5-Aros Na Mara Marine Science CentreEstimated Economic Impact - Yearly Operations

Direct TotalGDP 487,700$ 647,500$

Household income 360,750$ 453,250$ Employment 23.5 29.7

Table 3- Aros Na Mara Marine Science CentreEstimated Economic Impact - Construction Phase

Direct TotalGDP 4,300,000$ 5,700,000$ Household income 3,600,000$ 4,500,000$ Employment 127.4 164.5