Thirty populations of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse from Nova Scotia were collected during the years 1993 to 2011. Taken from estuaries, wave exposed open coasts, high intertidal rock pools and shallow subtidal habitats, the populations were evaluated for relative abundance of tetrasporophytic and gametophytic life history phases. Over 2,800 thalli were characterized using the resorcinol-acetal test to distinguish the kappa-and lambda-carrageenan containing fronds of gametophytes and tetrasporophytes, respectively. These populations had 77 ± 5% gametophytes (mean ± 95% confidence interval), with most populations having gametophyte : sporophyte ratios ranging from 2 : 1 to 9 : 1. No population had a dominance of tetrasporophytes, although two populations had 1 : 1 ratios. A meta-analysis of our data along with previously published accounts showed no significant changes in gametophyte dominance with respect to hypothesized gradients of wave exposure, salinity, or water depth. Significant changes occurred in ratios at five sites where replicate sampling occurred in different years. We conclude that C. crispus in Maritime Canada has a natural ratio of 3 : 1 or greater in stable conditions, and that lower ratios represent recovery from disturbance in which bare substratum is created that is subsequently colonized by carpospores from remaining gametophytic thalli.

A new coronavirus strain known as SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world. This virus is the causative agent for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and spreads primarily through human-to-human transmission via infected droplets and aerosols generated by infected persons. While COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, the potential for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via food is considered theoretically possible and remains a concern for Canadian consumers. We have conducted a rapid exposure assessment of the likelihood of exposure of SARS-CoV-2 in Canadian food sources at the time of consumption. This article describes the exposure routes considered most relevant in the context of food contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in Canada, including contaminated food of animal origin, contaminated fresh foods, fomites and SARS-CoV-2 contaminated feces. The likelihood of foodborne infection of SARS-CoV-2 via the human digestive tract is also considered. Our analysis indicates that there is no indication of foodborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Canadian food sources and we consider the concern of contracting COVID-19 via food and food packaging in Canada as low to remote. Adherence to safe food practices and disinfection procedures, including the thorough cooking of food, would in any case prevent a potential foodborne infection with SARS-CoV-2.