The study area consists of dispersed settlements around the central geographic feature of the Bay. The Bay is protected from the Gulf of St. Lawrence by the Greenwich Dunes, part of a barrier beach complex ringing the crescent face of the island province. Observations Despite its many human and natural resources, St. Peter's has lagged behind development in other areas of Prince Edward Island. With high unemployment rates and many seasonal jobs, increasing numbers of young people leave the area to seek employment. Soil erosion by both wind and water is a major problem, with the response of the farming community appearing rather inconsistent.
Marine fisheries are largely limited to lobster.
The last decade has seen the swift development of extensive mussel culture operations, and these now fill the most suitable areas of the Bay. Recreational salmon fishing has grown considerably in the Morell River due to introductions of new stock and local management initiatives. Tourism is limited in St. Peter's due to lack of accommodations, activities to attract visitors, and management and marketing skills. Land is a finite resource, and the compounded effects of incremental decisions are causing irretrievable loss of Prince Edward Island's precious landscape heritage. Key Issues Development of a healthy, localized economy.