Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve opens for 2005 season

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Interpretation Centre will officially open to the public for the 2005 season on Saturday, May 14 and will remain open until October 10, 2005.

Minister Osborne encouraged the public to visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, which is an internationally significant seabird colony. The reserve is the largest gannet colony in Newfoundland and Labrador and the second largest one in North America, as well as the most accessible seabird colony in North America.

�The seabirds have returned to nest at this magnificent reserve,� said Minister Osborne. �I encourage everyone to visit Cape St. Mary�s this season and enjoy the various services and activities offered at this world famous ecological reserve.

The interpretation centre is open to the public daily, seven days a week, with interpreters available on site to provide information to visitors and offer interpretation programs and guided tours. Tour bookings and other on-site information can be obtained by calling (709) 277-1666. A daily recorded weather update for Cape St. Mary�s is available by calling (709) 337-2473.

Minister Osborne also noted that Witless Bay Islands Ecological Reserve, which has the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America (260,000 pairs), is another popular seabird watching destination in our province and one of the best places to watch whales. Boat tours are available to view our provincial bird, the Atlantic Puffin, nesting on the islands of this reserve.

�Cape St. Mary�s and Witless Bay Ecological Reserves are truly two of our province�s world famous seabird wonders,� said Minister Osborne. �They are excellent examples of our unique, diverse and breathtaking natural wonders, and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to explore them.�

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2005 05 10                              9:20 a.m.