Ponds and Wetlands

Wetlands are shallow, wet areas that support aquatic plants such as sedges, bulrushes and cattails, as well as shrubs and trees. These areas provide habitat for waterfowl, fish, amphibians and hundreds of invertebrate species.

Why are wetlands important to PEI?

Wetlands cover five per cent of the surface area of Prince Edward Island.

About 20 per cent of these wetlands are salt or tidal marshes and are considered to be among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Tidal marshes are common along the edges of bays and estuaries.

The remaining 80 per cent are freshwater wetlands. These include open water ponds, marshes, small wet meadows, wooded swamps and bogs. The construction of livestock watering ponds and borrow pits in areas with a high water table has resulted in the recent formation of more wetlands.

Wetlands perform a variety of important functions such as:

  • providing habitat for fish and wildlife species and contribute to the productivity of rivers and estuaries;
  • forming a vital link in the water cycle by acting as groundwater recharge, discharge and storage areas;
  • acting as water purification systems by trapping and breaking down contaminants such as manmade chemicals, organic waste, and sediments;
  • acting as carbon sinks, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gases;
  • stabilizing river and coastal shorelines;
  • providing recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, and canoeing; and
  • sustaining food and habitat for commercial fish species.

Are there ponds and wetlands that I can visit?

Selected Ponds and Wetlands with Public Access
Pond/Wetland name Community Special Notes
Larkins Pond St Charles Rte # 357 Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching
Whitlocks Pond Forest Hill Rte #328 Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Mt Stewart Marsh Mt Stewart Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching
Desroches Pond Blooming Point Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and beach access
Sherrans Pond Crapaud Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Scales Pond Freetown Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Arsenaults Pond Egmont Bay Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Leards Pond Coleman Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Robinsons Pond Tyne Valley Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails
Arsenaults Pond Tignish Angling, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, bird watching and trails

Ponds and wetlands sign

The Ponds and Wetlands sign includes freshwater cattails and trout jumping to catch low flying aquatic insects.The Ponds and Wetlands sign includes a trout jumping to catch flying insects

 

Published date: 
February 1, 2021
Environment, Energy and Climate Action

General Inquiries

Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division
J. Frank Gaudet Tree Nursery
183 Upton Road
Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-6450

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902-368-4683

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