An Oceanographical and Biological Reconnaissance of Kennebecasis Bay and the Saint John River Estuary

Abstract

A preliminary survey of the oceanographic features of Kennebecasis Bay and the Saint John estuarial system was carried out in 1957–58 as part of the International Passamaquoddy Fisheries Board Program.Kennebecasis Bay and Long Reach on the Saint John River are two-layer systems with a brackish surface layer overlying a deep saline layer. Two sills separate and restrict exchange of deep water in Kennebecasis Bay from that of the Bay of Fundy. The initial step in the formation of deep water of Kennebecasis Bay occurs in the gorge area between the two sills where saline water from the Bay of Fundy mixes vigorously with fresh water of the Saint John River. During periods of low river runoff combined with spring tides a portion of the mixed water penetrates inward over the sill at the entrance to Kennebecasis Bay.It is concluded that Kennebecasis Bay represents more extreme conditions than those predicted for Passamaquoddy Bay if power dams are constructed.