Prince Edward Island Research Articles

Trophic niche differentiation and foraging plasticity of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Tasmanian waters: insights from isotopic analysis

Understanding the foraging preference of cetaceans is crucial for assessing their role as apex predators and indicators of marine ecosystem health. Using stable isotope analysis, we investigated trophic niche differentiation and foraging plasticity in 141 long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) that stranded along the Tasmanian coast at three locations (Marion Bay, King Island, and Maria Island). Stranding location accounted for most of the variability in skin isotopic values (δ13C: - 17.9 ± 0.2 ‰ to –16.9 ± 0.2 ‰, Principal Coordinate 1 = 89%), likely reflecting differences in foraging habitats. In addition, isotopic niche overlap ranged from minimal (0-10% between Marion Bay and Maria Island) to moderate (between Marion Bay and King Island, and King Island and Maria Island). While sex related differences in isotopic niche space were minimal overall, there was some variability in the core niche space between males and females at Maria Island. Dietary proportions from our mixing model support a predominantly cephalopod diet for pilot whales in Tasmanian waters (91%, CI: 63-90%), with greater contributions from offshore dietary sources (68%, CI: 25-95%). The dietary variability across the three strandings highlights the foraging plasticity of pilot whales, which despite their preferences for a wide range of oceanic cephalopods, can adopt a more generalist feeding strategy when necessary. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological role and adaptability of pilot whales in Tasmanian waters, highlighting the importance of monitoring apex predators to inform conservation and ecosystem management strategies in dynamic marine ecosystems.

Understanding the Influence of Early-Life Stressors on Social Interaction, Telomere Length, and Hair Cortisol Concentration in Homeless Kittens

The early postnatal period is a critical neurodevelopmental stage characterized by rapid neural maturation and is adversely affected by early-life stressors. This study explored the behavioural, physiological, and epigenetic consequences of early-life stress in a population of homeless rescue kittens. This longitudinal study included 50 kittens rescued and placed into foster care by the Prince Edward Island Humane Society. They underwent behavioural testing at 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Hair cortisol concentration was measured at 8 weeks and served as a physiological marker of the previous 3 months’ cumulative stress response, which, for these kittens, included the late gestation period. A blood sample for relative telomere length measurement was taken at 10–12 weeks to estimate epigenetic changes as young kittens. Data were analyzed with respect to age and performance in all repeated measures tests, status as a stray or a surrender, and the presence of the dam in their foster homes. As expected, the performance of kittens in all tests changed over the 5 weeks of testing. Kittens separated from their mothers exhibited significantly higher hair cortisol concentrations (p = 0.02) and elongated relative telomere lengths (p = 0.04). No correlation was found between hair cortisol concentration and relative telomere lengths (p = 0.99). These results support the need for further study on the effects of epigenetics and early-life stress, both in kittens and across species.

Modelled Water Temperature Patterns and Energy Balance of a Threatened Coastal Lagoon Ecosystem

ABSTRACTCoastal water temperatures control physical, chemical, and biological processes and are expected to rise due to future changes in freshwater temperature and flow rates, heat exchange with the warming atmosphere, and thermal interactions with a changing ocean. However, the thermal sensitivity of transitional, coastal water bodies to climate change remains poorly understood, due partly to a lack of knowledge on present‐day thermal controls in these settings. Accordingly, we applied a coastal hydrodynamic model (MIKE 3 FM), with a coupled thermal module to simulate hydrodynamics and water temperature variability in the Basin Head lagoon, a federally protected coastal ecosystem in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. Field data from the lagoon were used to calibrate and assess the numerical model, while atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic data were used to form the thermal and hydrodynamic boundary conditions. The model successfully reproduced tidal water level oscillations as well as diurnal and semi‐diurnal (tidal) temperature fluctuations. Model results show longitudinal, cross‐shore, and vertical thermal variability within the lagoon, including pronounced thermal variability near the bed and near the inlet due to tidal pumping. Model results and field data highlight the thermal sensitivity of the lagoon during heat waves; however, distinct cold‐water plumes at freshwater inputs (springs and groundwater‐dominated streams) persisted, with temporally averaged temperatures in these zones up to 18 °C colder than the ambient lagoon. Although, these freshwater inflows can dominate local energy budgets, the surface heat fluxes, especially shortwave radiation, exert the dominant control on the lagoon‐wide energy budget. Collectively, the model findings emphasise the interacting effects of atmospheric, hydrologic, and oceanic forcing on the spatiotemporal patterns of water temperatures in this threatened coastal ecosystem.

How and why small volcanic ocean islands collapse and move vertically up and down

Mass controls two major processes in volcanic islands: large-scale collapse and vertical movements. Therefore, large islands like Hawaii are gradually subsiding and have undergone massive landsliding. What if the mass is much smaller, and there is good evidence that the vertical movement is more complex than simple loading-related subsidence? Here, we show that small volcanic islands, seemingly stable because of the small mass, can undergo sector collapses that can affect the vertical movement of the island. Santa Maria Island (Azores) is ca. 170 times smaller than Hawaii; however, it has collapsed more than once, as inferred from new onshore and marine geophysical data. From the vertical distribution of submarine and subaerial lavas, we can infer a complex subsidence and uplift history (seamount-island-seamount-island, meaning that Santa Maria has been an island twice), which is most likely the consequence of alternating volcanic construction (loading = subsidence) and large-scale destruction by sector collapse (unloading = uplift). Given the age difference between Santa Maria and the underlying oceanic crust, the island likely sits on several hundred meters of marine sediments that could behave as a weak layer (detachment) under shear. We evaluate the likely collapse mechanism by numerical modelling and conclude that small volcanic islands can collapse when both the edifice and its substrate are weak. The proximity of Santa Maria to the East Azores Fault, active during the volcanic lifetime of Santa Maria, may point to the trigger mechanism of the flank collapses. The inferred instability factor, a weak substrate, could be responsible for similar evolutions in other volcanic ocean islands sitting on sediments overlying the igneous oceanic crust.

Spatial and temporal analyses of Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) in central and eastern Canada.

Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) is a vector for pathogens that can impact human and animal health. The geographic range of this species is expanding, but there are some areas with limited up-to-date information on the distribution of D. variabilis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of adult D. variabilis activity in central and eastern Canada. Ticks were collected from companion animals by veterinary clinic staff. Suspected locations of tick acquisition were spatially projected, and a spatial scan statistic was used to identify statistically significant clusters of frequent submissions from veterinary clinics. Submissions were categorised by calendar week to evaluate temporal trends. In total, 1198 adult D. variabilis, one nymphal D. variabilis and one Dermacentor albipictus (Packard) were collected from the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island from April 2019 through March 2020. Peaks in adult D. variabilis submissions occurred in May and June. Most of the submissions were received from south-eastern Manitoba, eastern Ontario and central and western Nova Scotia. A statistically significant cluster of frequent submissions that included seven veterinary clinics was identified in Nova Scotia. These findings can be used to determine the locations and times at which humans and their companion animals should be considered at an increased risk of exposure to D. variabilis and the pathogens they carry.

Everyday Magic or Winter Haunting? Kevin Sullivan’s Supernatural Re-Visioning of L. M. Montgomery’s Jane of Lantern Hill

L. M. Montgomery’s Jane of Lantern Hill employs the natural magic of “Jane Victoria” Stuart’s environment to convey psychological changes and healing for the main character in what appears to be an immersive fantasy comprised of a Prince Edward Island that provides a magical setting for Jane’s emotional and social development. In contrast Kevin Sullivan’s film adaptation, Lantern Hill, employs the magic of the supernatural to achieve those same psychological impacts on Victoria Jane in something akin to an intrusion fantasy, in which ghosts and haunting dreams propel both Jane and the viewer into an almost-Gothic Prince Edward Island. This article explores the impact of those changes and suggests that the magic of Montgomery’s story, which can be revealed over time through beautiful imagery and language in the novel, must be conveyed quickly through highly visual and auditory means in the film, raising questions about the gaps created between natural and supernatural magic and how those gaps change the meaning or outcome of the story.

The prevalence of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) use and HIV-PrEP-to-need ratio in nine Canadian provinces, 2018-2021.

Measuring trends in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) uptake is important to inform planning for prevention programs and policies. The HIV-PrEP-to-need ratio (PnR) is a construct used by public health organizations to explore disparities in the provision of HIV-PrEP across geographic areas and demographic categories (e.g., age, sex). This is a retrospective database review study using administrative pharmacy data, containing limited demographic information, from nine Canadian provinces. Annual estimates of persons taking HIV-PrEP and PnR were generated using data from the company IQVIA and the BC Centre for Excellence on HIV/AIDS. Data on new HIV diagnoses were obtained from the National HIV Surveillance System. The PnR was defined as the number of HIV-PrEP users divided by the number of new HIV diagnoses annually and is interpreted as the number of HIV-negative people using HIV-PrEP each year for every person newly diagnosed with HIV. In 2021, an estimated 23,644 individuals were prescribed HIV-PrEP, corresponding to an HIV-PrEP prevalence of 66.9 per 100,000 persons. This represents a 1.8-fold increase since 2018. The overall PnR was 16.8, meaning that for every person newly diagnosed with HIV, 17 HIV-negative individuals were taking HIV-PrEP. There were disparities between provinces (PnR range: 1.5/100,000-37.7/100,000) and between males and females (PnR 22.6 and 1.2, respectively). Females, individuals aged 0-19 years, and those in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island, had lower levels of HIV-PrEP use relative to epidemic need. In Canada, the use of HIV-PrEP increased from 2018 to 2021 and uptake varied by age, sex and province. HIV-PrEP-to-need ratio is a useful measure to assess uptake of HIV-PrEP as a prevention strategy and could be used to explore disparities in provision across provinces and available demographic categories. However, PnR could be improved with more information on key populations and other attributes, such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and residence of city/rural area.

Four or five years: An examination of the motivations for selecting undergraduate engineering program length and impacts on student wellness.

The University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) is unique in offering the undergraduate curriculum in both Four- and Five-Year degree plan lengths. The purpose of this study is to examine 1) the motivations for selecting and 2) impacts of degree plan length on UPEI FSDE student wellness. An anonymous, voluntary survey (REB approved) was developed and administered to approximately 200 undergraduate students during the Fall 2023 semester. Preliminary analysis found approximately 75% of undergraduate FSDE students follow the Five-Year degree plan option. Further, approximately 50% of respondents selected academic workload as the primary driver for their degree plan choice. The Five-Year degree plan length was the option of choice for UPEI FSDE students, with workload being the primary motivation for the selection. These findings help provide insight into how to better serve students and provide meaningful evidence to support curriculum design for fostering student wellness.

Avian flu suspected on South Africa’s remote Marion Island

Avian flu suspected on South Africa’s remote Marion Island

Distribution and palaeoenvironmental significance of mountain blockstreams in the southern hemisphere

ABSTRACTOpenwork mountain block deposits (blockfields, blockstreams) have received much research interest globally given their visual appeal as prominent cold‐region landforms. However, studies have shown that these landforms in both glaciated and non‐glaciated environments are probably of considerable age (pre‐Quaternary), yet the environmental conditions of their formation (such as the presence of permafrost) and associated processes remain poorly understood. This paper focuses on consolidating and critically analysing current knowledge on mountain blockstreams found in the southern hemisphere. This is achieved by reviewing past published work on such landforms, from the Falkland Islands, Marion Island, southern Africa and southeastern Australia. By presenting a variety of previously proposed landscape evolutionary models, we demonstrate that southern hemisphere blockstreams are products of a range of weathering and material mobilization processes over long multiple warmer/wetter and colder/drier pre‐Quaternary and Quaternary climatic cycles. Although most southern hemisphere mountain blockstreams have some association with periglacial processes, they are not exclusively periglacial in their developmental history. This can be tested through field geomorphic, sedimentary and ecological methods; the use of remote sensing; radiometric and relative‐age dating; seismic and other subsurface methods; and modelling. However, many research questions remain unanswered, such as the potential role of permafrost in blockstream formation and dynamics, or their sensitivity to ongoing climate change.

Comparing species richness and abundance of bumble bees between urban and natural areas using a photographic survey approach

Bumble bees are essential pollinators that provide critical ecosystem services yet, studies are documenting global species declines while recognizing those declines may be understated due to insufficient baseline data. This study investigates bumble bee species richness and abundance across urban and natural sites in Prince Edward Island, Canada, focusing on Charlottetown (urban) and Prince Edward Island National Park (natural). We conducted fieldwork in August and September 2019 using a non-invasive photographic survey technique. We used published keys and sought feedback from citizen science platforms like iNaturalist and Bumble Bee Watch to verify species identification. Our results revealed nine bumble bee species, with Bombus impatiens being the most abundant and Bombus perplexus the rarest. Species richness was higher in natural sites, while urban sites demonstrated moderate levels of bumble bee diversity. Additionally, our findings suggest that sites containing a mix of natural and human-cultivated plant types, predominantly found in our urban study sites, may support higher diversity and evenness levels than those of homogenized plant types (natural or human-cultivated). This research illustrates the practicality of photographic surveys to document the species richness and diversity of bumble bees while avoiding disturbance to populations in urban and natural habitats of Prince Edward Island.

Identification of an Outbreak of Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia in Soft-Shell Clams (Mya arenaria) in the Puget Sound Using Hemolymph and eDNA Surveys.

Bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN) is one of three known types of naturally transmissible cancer-cancers in which the whole cancer cells move from individual to individual, spreading through natural populations. BTN is a lethal leukemia-like cancer that has been observed throughout soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) populations on the east coast of North America, with two distinct sublineages circulating at low enzootic levels in New England, USA, and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Major cancer outbreaks likely due to Mya arenaria BTN (MarBTN) were reported in 1980s and the 2000s and the disease has been observed since the 1970s, but it has not been observed in populations of this clam species on the US west coast. In 2022, we collected soft-shell clams from several sites in Puget Sound, Washington, USA, and unexpectedly found high prevalence of BTN in two sites (Triangle Cove on Camano Island and near Stanwood in South Skagit Bay). Prevalence of BTN increased in subsequent years, reaching >75% in both sites in 2024, while it was not observed in other sites, suggesting the early stages of a severe disease outbreak following recent introduction. We observed that these cancer cells contain several somatic transposing insertion sites found only in the USA-sublineage of MarBTN, showing that it likely was recently transplanted from New England to this location. We then developed a sensitive environmental DNA (eDNA) assay, using qPCR to target somatic mutations in the MarBTN mitogenome, and showed that MarBTN can be detected in seawater at Triangle Cove, as well as several kilometers outside of the cove. We then used this assay to survey 50 sites throughout Puget Sound, confirming that the disease can be detected at high levels at Triangle Cove and South Skagit Bay, and showing that it extends beyond these known sites. However, while normal soft-shell clam mtDNA was widely detected, MarBTN was undetectable throughout most of Puget Sound and currently remains limited to the South Skagit Bay area and north Port Susan. These results identify a previously unknown severe outbreak of a transmissible cancer due to long-distance transplantation of disease from another ocean, and they demonstrate the utility of eDNA methods to track the spread of BTN through the environment.

The Role of Nurse Implementation Scientists in Leading Health System Transformation in Atlantic Canada and Beyond: A Discussion Paper.

To discuss and provide examples of how nurse implementation scientists can support health system transformation. Discussion paper. Using Prince Edward Island's health system strategic plan as a case exemplar, selected key priorities in the strategic plan were mapped with examples and discussion of how nurse implementation scientists can support health system transformation on Prince Edward Island and beyond. Accelerating the development and delivery of evidence-informed services that support health system transformation is needed. Nurse implementation scientists are ideally positioned to lead these efforts. Appropriate resourcing and compensation are essential to fully embrace nurse implementation scientist roles, collaboration, and buy-in from health system leaders. Practical examples of how nurse implementation scientists can lead health system transformation in a rigorous, evidence-informed way are identified. Literature providing examples of how nurse implementation scientists can make meaningful impacts within health systems, particularly in rural contexts, is limited. Nurse implementation scientists are ideally positioned to collaborate with and lead health system transformation by virtue of their knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience. Implications of this work extend beyond nursing to other health disciplines, health organisations, government leaders, researchers and populations. The discussion and examples provided may be applicable to similar contexts. No patient or public contribution.

Management zone delineation: Utilizing multiple data sources to minimize soil spatial variability in commercial potato fields under Prince Edward Island pedoclimatic conditions

Management zone delineation: Utilizing multiple data sources to minimize soil spatial variability in commercial potato fields under Prince Edward Island pedoclimatic conditions

Population growth of the grey-headed albatross population on Marion Island inferred using three analysis methods

Abstract Globally, the grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma is listed as Endangered due to decreasing populations at its major breeding colonies. We analysed the population trend at Marion Island using annual counts of incubating pairs and fledglings from 1984 to 2021 and three methods: TRends and Indices for Monitoring data (TRIM), a generalized additive model and a state-space model. In contrast to rapid decreases at most other colonies, all three methods indicated a local population increase at an average annual rate of 1.3%. The latter two models indicated a decreasing trend from 1997 to 2002, presumably related to mortality on longlines set for Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides around the island, which peaked from 1996 to 1998. Grey-headed albatrosses exhibit greater variation in annual counts than other seabird species at Marion Island, possibly linked to interannual variation in breeding success because they are biennial breeders. However, breeding success alone was not significant in any of the models, presumably because it cannot capture the complexities of both population processes and environmental variation. Although all three models predicted the overall trends well, integrated population models, which can account for demographic processes, might be more appropriate to model long-term population trends.

A comparative analysis of PlanetScope 4-band and 8-band imageries for land use land cover classification

Earth-observing satellites have become essential in comprehending human impacts on the landscape. Satellite-based imagery is indispensable for mapping Earth's features, managing resources, and studying environmental changes. Readily available remote sensing data with improved radiometric, spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution presents opportunities for advanced data analysis. Precise and accurate land use land cover (LULC) information is essential for the surveillance of environmental conditions and the effective management of natural resources. This research assesses the performance of PlanetScope product SuperDove sensor (PSB.SD), having two different band combinations, including 4-band (Red, Blue, Green and Near-Infrared (NIR)) and 8-band (Blue, Green II, Red, NIR, Coastal Blue, Green, Yellow, Red-Edge) imagery in ArcGIS Pro for the month of July 2021. Four different supervised classifiers, including support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbours (KNN), random forest (RF), and maximum likelihood (ML) classifiers. This study was carried out for the three major areas, i.e., City of Summerside, City of Charlottetown, and Town of Three Rivers in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada and LULC classification scheme consist of six major classes which includes Agriculture, Forest, Vegetation, Bare Land, Urban and Water bodies. For accuracy assessment, overall accuracy as well as kappa coefficient were estimated to identify the most accurate combination of LULC classifier and different band combination imagery from PlanetScope. Results show that the highest overall accuracy of 0.94 for Town of Three Rivers and 0.93 for City of Summerside and City of Charlottetown were observed using 8-band imagery with SVM classifier. The lowest overall accuracy of 0.78 for Town of Three Rivers, 0.83 for City of Charlottetown, and 0.82 for City of Summerside was observed using 4-band imagery using ML classifier. Further, the SVM classifier performs well in accuracy with 8-band imagery of PlanetScope, showcasing its potential in LULC classification compared to previous PlanetScope 4-band imagery.

Trends in Cutaneous Melanoma in Nova Scotia With a Focus on 2007 to 2019.

Melanoma represents a significant public health challenge in Canada, contributing to the deaths of over 1000 individuals each year. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia were previously noted to have the highest incidence rates of melanoma in Canada. Data from patients diagnosed with or dying from melanoma was extracted from the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. TNM stage was available for cases diagnosed 2007 to 2017. Incidence (1992-2019) and mortality (1992-2021) rates were examined using Join Point Trend Analysis Software. Between 2007 and 2019, 2450 cases of in situ and 4063 cases of invasive melanoma were documented, of which 52.8% were male. The largest number of cases was from the 60- to 79-year age group. The most common site in females was upper limbs (in situ) and lower limbs (invasive), and for males, face, and neck (in situ), and trunk (invasive). The majority of invasive cases (71.5%) were diagnosed at stage I. Invasive melanoma incidence has been increasing by 2.7% per year since 1992, while in situ disease has increased at a greater rate (4.9% per year). The current estimate of 92% for 5 years of net survival has not changed appreciably over the same period. Survival for late-stage melanoma has shown a modest improvement for patients diagnosed over the period. With increasing rates of melanoma in Nova Scotia, there is a need for informed education, directed at the public and physicians, around pigmented skin lesions. This would allow the patient to detect atypical melanocytic lesions at an early stage. Sun safety practices in Nova Scotia should continue to be encouraged.

Cropping history allows tracking of C4 cover crop residues by δ13C natural abundance

Given potato farm cropping history, the recent introduction of C4 cover crops may provide an in situ opportunity to track their residues by δ13C techniques. From 2019 to 2022 soil (0–15 cm) samples were collected on Prince Edward Island potato farms from 15 paired strips of sorghum sudangrass (SS) and C3 crops. Under C3 crops, soil δ13C was remarkably uniform at −27.7‰ ± 0.26‰, while SS cover cropping (aboveground biomass −12.8‰) significantly enriched soil δ13C values to −27.4‰ ± 0.38‰. This study demonstrates proof of concept that δ13C techniques can quantify the dynamics of C4 cover crop residues in potato farm soils.

Soil nematode communities differ across long-term land-use intensities in relation to soil physical, chemical, and biological parameters

Soil disturbance, reduced crop diversity, and decreased residue in intensively managed systems can negatively impact soil biological communities and soil health. This study examined the impact of long-term (>20 years) low- (forest, grassland), medium- (diversified annual cropping), and high-intensity (annual cropping, frequently to potatoes) land-use on soil nematode communities and soil health in 59 sites across Prince Edward Island, Canada. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected at five locations per site and analysed for soil biological (nematode communities, respiration, soil organic matter, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXc), soil protein), chemical (pH, N, soil N supply, extractable nutrients), and physical (bulk density, texture) properties. Soil pH and extractable nutrients were lowest in the low-intensity sites, while total C and C:N ratios were highest and decreased with increasing land-use intensity (low > medium > high). Soil respiration, POXc, and protein were lowest for high-intensity sites. Low-intensity sites had greater nematode Shannon diversity and richness, and higher maturity and structure indices than the medium- and high-intensity sites ( p < 0.05), signifying a more structured nematode community. Nematode communities from the high-intensity sites were more degraded and had significantly higher basal indices compared to the low- and medium-intensity sites. At the trophic level, the low-intensity system had higher numbers of omnivores and lower abundance of bacterivores. These differences in nematode trophic composition may result in differences in ecosystem function, including nutrient cycling and biological control.

Evaluation of CO2 storage potential of Carboniferous sandstones in the Maritime Provinces of Canada

The suitability of Carboniferous sandstones in three regions of the Maritime Provinces of Canada for geological carbon storage was evaluated: the Horton Bluff Formation in the Windsor Sub-basin, the lower Cumberland Group sandstones in the Cumberland–Sackville Sub-basin, and the Pennsylvanian sandstones of Prince Edward Island. the properties of potential reservoirs and characteristics of vertical seals and barriers to lateral migration were evaluated using previously collected well logs, sample descriptions, core analyzes and seismic interpretations. Reservoir quality was found to be the limiting factor in all three regions. Sandstones in the upper Hurd Creek Member of the Horton Bluff Formation locally have porosities up to 15% and permeabilities up to 25 milliDarcies at depths up to 1200 m. their aggregate thickness may be suitable for GCS, but individual sandstones are thin and likely of limited lateral extent. the lower Cumberland Group contains sand-dominated successions up to 1 km thick with low porosity (5–7%) where known in the subsurface. Sandstone bodies in the Bradelle, Green Gables, and Cable Head formations beneath Prince Edward Island exceed tens of meters in thickness with porosities averaging up to 10–12% and permeabilities up to 10 milliDarcies. Evaporites in the overlying Windsor Group would provide a suitable seal for the Horton Bluff Formation; in other areas the top seal would be provided by mud-prone heterolithic intervals. the evaluated areas may provide opportunities for small onshore storage projects. Further work is warranted to delineate reservoir trends and verify the integrity of potential top seals and traps.