The 102 page report presents 22 key findings and voices concern over declines in certain bird populations, increases in wildfire, and significant shifts in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial food webs.

Some key findings identify ecosystems in which natural processes are compromised or increased stresses are reaching critical thresholds. Examples include: fish populations that have not recovered despite removal of fishing pressure; declines in the area and condition of grasslands, where grassland bird populations are dropping sharply; and, fragmented forests that place forest-dwelling caribou at risk.

"What we do know, from a biodiversity trend perspective, is that things have been getting worse - much worse," said Dalhousie University's Jeff Hutchings, who reviewed a draft of the report.