Sable Island Institute
@sable-institute.bsky.social
The SII's goal is to bring the natural and cultural values and legacy of Sable Island to the public through programs of research, conservation, and education.
We are a registered charity. For more information visit our website at: sableislandinstitute.org
We are a registered charity. For more information visit our website at: sableislandinstitute.org
1/3🧵: A Door & Two Windows, 1971. #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #lifesavingstation #shipwrecked #graveyardoftheatlantic
In the 1970s, as the abandoned buildings at the Old Main site were overcome by advancing dunes, vegetation (fertilized by the droppings of birds nesting and …
In the 1970s, as the abandoned buildings at the Old Main site were overcome by advancing dunes, vegetation (fertilized by the droppings of birds nesting and …
December 15, 2025 at 1:26 AM
1/3🧵: A Door & Two Windows, 1971. #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #lifesavingstation #shipwrecked #graveyardoftheatlantic
In the 1970s, as the abandoned buildings at the Old Main site were overcome by advancing dunes, vegetation (fertilized by the droppings of birds nesting and …
In the 1970s, as the abandoned buildings at the Old Main site were overcome by advancing dunes, vegetation (fertilized by the droppings of birds nesting and …
1/5🧵: Old Main Station, 1971. #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada
#lifesavingstation #buriedbuilding #abandonedbuilding
The Sable Island lifesaving station (Sable Island Humane Establishment) was closed in 1958, leaving some buildings (e.g., accommodations, barns, workshops, sheds) …
#lifesavingstation #buriedbuilding #abandonedbuilding
The Sable Island lifesaving station (Sable Island Humane Establishment) was closed in 1958, leaving some buildings (e.g., accommodations, barns, workshops, sheds) …
December 15, 2025 at 1:12 AM
1/5🧵: Old Main Station, 1971. #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada
#lifesavingstation #buriedbuilding #abandonedbuilding
The Sable Island lifesaving station (Sable Island Humane Establishment) was closed in 1958, leaving some buildings (e.g., accommodations, barns, workshops, sheds) …
#lifesavingstation #buriedbuilding #abandonedbuilding
The Sable Island lifesaving station (Sable Island Humane Establishment) was closed in 1958, leaving some buildings (e.g., accommodations, barns, workshops, sheds) …
½: ...A Boat Emerging, Sable Island, Spring 2016. 🚢 🇨🇦#NorthAtlantic
As a high dune retreated, a small boat emerged from a steep, eroding slope. It might have been an entire boat or the remains of a broken boat, but what was exposed had likely been held together by the damp sand that buried it. ...
As a high dune retreated, a small boat emerged from a steep, eroding slope. It might have been an entire boat or the remains of a broken boat, but what was exposed had likely been held together by the damp sand that buried it. ...
December 14, 2025 at 2:15 AM
½: ...A Boat Emerging, Sable Island, Spring 2016. 🚢 🇨🇦#NorthAtlantic
As a high dune retreated, a small boat emerged from a steep, eroding slope. It might have been an entire boat or the remains of a broken boat, but what was exposed had likely been held together by the damp sand that buried it. ...
As a high dune retreated, a small boat emerged from a steep, eroding slope. It might have been an entire boat or the remains of a broken boat, but what was exposed had likely been held together by the damp sand that buried it. ...
1/3🧵: More Shipwreck. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #GraveyardoftheAtlantic ##buriedinsand #ParksCanada
On Sable Island, large and small fragments of shipwreck appear, unpredictably, as dunes migrate or erode, exposing what’s hidden beneath, and as beach profiles shift and retreat revealing …
On Sable Island, large and small fragments of shipwreck appear, unpredictably, as dunes migrate or erode, exposing what’s hidden beneath, and as beach profiles shift and retreat revealing …
December 13, 2025 at 1:49 AM
1/3🧵: More Shipwreck. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #GraveyardoftheAtlantic ##buriedinsand #ParksCanada
On Sable Island, large and small fragments of shipwreck appear, unpredictably, as dunes migrate or erode, exposing what’s hidden beneath, and as beach profiles shift and retreat revealing …
On Sable Island, large and small fragments of shipwreck appear, unpredictably, as dunes migrate or erode, exposing what’s hidden beneath, and as beach profiles shift and retreat revealing …
1/4🧵: Sable Island Shipwreck. 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #GraveyardoftheAtlantic
During mid-May 2025, #ParksCanada archaeologists excavated a section of a #shipwreck #buriedinsand at the base of a high dune. As they worked, sand sliding down the dune face fell into the site & sandbags were…
During mid-May 2025, #ParksCanada archaeologists excavated a section of a #shipwreck #buriedinsand at the base of a high dune. As they worked, sand sliding down the dune face fell into the site & sandbags were…
December 12, 2025 at 12:45 AM
1/4🧵: Sable Island Shipwreck. 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #GraveyardoftheAtlantic
During mid-May 2025, #ParksCanada archaeologists excavated a section of a #shipwreck #buriedinsand at the base of a high dune. As they worked, sand sliding down the dune face fell into the site & sandbags were…
During mid-May 2025, #ParksCanada archaeologists excavated a section of a #shipwreck #buriedinsand at the base of a high dune. As they worked, sand sliding down the dune face fell into the site & sandbags were…
1/3🧵: Merrimac at Sunset. 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #GraveyardoftheAtlantic #sailboat #parkscanada
In late July 1999, the Merrimac, a 12-metre fibreglass yacht, sailed out of Newport R.I., bound for the Azores. On July 27, a few hours past midnight, the yacht ran aground on the south side of Sable Island….
In late July 1999, the Merrimac, a 12-metre fibreglass yacht, sailed out of Newport R.I., bound for the Azores. On July 27, a few hours past midnight, the yacht ran aground on the south side of Sable Island….
December 11, 2025 at 12:11 AM
1/3🧵: Merrimac at Sunset. 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #GraveyardoftheAtlantic #sailboat #parkscanada
In late July 1999, the Merrimac, a 12-metre fibreglass yacht, sailed out of Newport R.I., bound for the Azores. On July 27, a few hours past midnight, the yacht ran aground on the south side of Sable Island….
In late July 1999, the Merrimac, a 12-metre fibreglass yacht, sailed out of Newport R.I., bound for the Azores. On July 27, a few hours past midnight, the yacht ran aground on the south side of Sable Island….
1/4🧵: 🌎 🐡 The Moon and a Hand, a Month Ago. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #artistinresidenceprogram #Residency #Interdisciplinary
Sable’s #ArtistinResidence, Rose Morrison, repeatedly visited Pinetree Pond West, a freshwater pond south of the Sable Island Station. It was there that she discovered …
Sable’s #ArtistinResidence, Rose Morrison, repeatedly visited Pinetree Pond West, a freshwater pond south of the Sable Island Station. It was there that she discovered …
December 8, 2025 at 2:11 AM
1/4🧵: 🌎 🐡 The Moon and a Hand, a Month Ago. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #artistinresidenceprogram #Residency #Interdisciplinary
Sable’s #ArtistinResidence, Rose Morrison, repeatedly visited Pinetree Pond West, a freshwater pond south of the Sable Island Station. It was there that she discovered …
Sable’s #ArtistinResidence, Rose Morrison, repeatedly visited Pinetree Pond West, a freshwater pond south of the Sable Island Station. It was there that she discovered …
1/3🧵: 🌎🌿 🦑 Grey Seal Mother & Pup on Sable Island.
The last beached bird & plastics survey for 2025 was completed on December 2. The annual Grey Seal pupping & breeding season has begun, & during the survey some of the first pups were sighted (several may have been a few days old). After …
The last beached bird & plastics survey for 2025 was completed on December 2. The annual Grey Seal pupping & breeding season has begun, & during the survey some of the first pups were sighted (several may have been a few days old). After …
December 6, 2025 at 3:45 PM
1/3🧵: 🌎🌿 🦑 Grey Seal Mother & Pup on Sable Island.
The last beached bird & plastics survey for 2025 was completed on December 2. The annual Grey Seal pupping & breeding season has begun, & during the survey some of the first pups were sighted (several may have been a few days old). After …
The last beached bird & plastics survey for 2025 was completed on December 2. The annual Grey Seal pupping & breeding season has begun, & during the survey some of the first pups were sighted (several may have been a few days old). After …
3/4: … of the breeding season they stay close to the water’s edge. But during the breeding season they come ashore & spread out on the beach & inland, on dunes, fields, & sand flats, in hollows & dune slacks. They are everywhere. This 2nd photo shows the seals spreading out over the east spit. …
December 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
3/4: … of the breeding season they stay close to the water’s edge. But during the breeding season they come ashore & spread out on the beach & inland, on dunes, fields, & sand flats, in hollows & dune slacks. They are everywhere. This 2nd photo shows the seals spreading out over the east spit. …
2/4:… Scientists with #FisheriesandOceansCanada began recording numbers & tagging pups in the 1960s, & for 40 years have been conducting extensive #research on Grey Seal biology & behaviour with university & international partners & collaborators.
Although Grey Seals haul out year-round, outside….
Although Grey Seals haul out year-round, outside….
December 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
2/4:… Scientists with #FisheriesandOceansCanada began recording numbers & tagging pups in the 1960s, & for 40 years have been conducting extensive #research on Grey Seal biology & behaviour with university & international partners & collaborators.
Although Grey Seals haul out year-round, outside….
Although Grey Seals haul out year-round, outside….
1/4🧵: Grey Seal Pupping Season 🌎🌿 🧪🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada
The seals are now congregating for their annual pupping & breeding season. During December & January several hundred thousand arrive on #SableIsland to give birth & mate. This is the largest Grey Seal colony in the world. …
The seals are now congregating for their annual pupping & breeding season. During December & January several hundred thousand arrive on #SableIsland to give birth & mate. This is the largest Grey Seal colony in the world. …
December 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
1/4🧵: Grey Seal Pupping Season 🌎🌿 🧪🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada
The seals are now congregating for their annual pupping & breeding season. During December & January several hundred thousand arrive on #SableIsland to give birth & mate. This is the largest Grey Seal colony in the world. …
The seals are now congregating for their annual pupping & breeding season. During December & January several hundred thousand arrive on #SableIsland to give birth & mate. This is the largest Grey Seal colony in the world. …
1/2🧵: Fall Colour in the Grass. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #SableIslandwx #NSwx #fallcolours
It’s windy today – WNW gusting to >50 kts – & there’s a lot of sand blowing about. But in patches sheltered by the tall beach grass, strawberry leaves contribute to the island’s seasonal palette….
It’s windy today – WNW gusting to >50 kts – & there’s a lot of sand blowing about. But in patches sheltered by the tall beach grass, strawberry leaves contribute to the island’s seasonal palette….
December 6, 2025 at 12:19 AM
1/2🧵: Fall Colour in the Grass. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #SableIslandwx #NSwx #fallcolours
It’s windy today – WNW gusting to >50 kts – & there’s a lot of sand blowing about. But in patches sheltered by the tall beach grass, strawberry leaves contribute to the island’s seasonal palette….
It’s windy today – WNW gusting to >50 kts – & there’s a lot of sand blowing about. But in patches sheltered by the tall beach grass, strawberry leaves contribute to the island’s seasonal palette….
1/2🧵: Light Air, Calm Water. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #SableIslandwx #NSwx
During the past week very windy conditions (ranging from 35 - >50 kts) have alternated with days of mostly calm, 0 - 5 kts. Shown here in gloomy but still weather, there’s hardly enough breeze to ripple the surface …
During the past week very windy conditions (ranging from 35 - >50 kts) have alternated with days of mostly calm, 0 - 5 kts. Shown here in gloomy but still weather, there’s hardly enough breeze to ripple the surface …
December 6, 2025 at 12:08 AM
1/2🧵: Light Air, Calm Water. #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #SableIslandwx #NSwx
During the past week very windy conditions (ranging from 35 - >50 kts) have alternated with days of mostly calm, 0 - 5 kts. Shown here in gloomy but still weather, there’s hardly enough breeze to ripple the surface …
During the past week very windy conditions (ranging from 35 - >50 kts) have alternated with days of mostly calm, 0 - 5 kts. Shown here in gloomy but still weather, there’s hardly enough breeze to ripple the surface …
1/4🧵: Half a Blue Lobster Found This Fall 🌎🌿 🦑 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #bluelobster
Since 2008, the remains of five blue lobsters (Homarus americanus) have been found on Sable Island. None were complete specimens – most (like this one) were missing parts. Some might have been scavenged …
Since 2008, the remains of five blue lobsters (Homarus americanus) have been found on Sable Island. None were complete specimens – most (like this one) were missing parts. Some might have been scavenged …
November 29, 2025 at 12:06 AM
1/4🧵: Half a Blue Lobster Found This Fall 🌎🌿 🦑 #NorthAtlantic #Atlanticcanada #bluelobster
Since 2008, the remains of five blue lobsters (Homarus americanus) have been found on Sable Island. None were complete specimens – most (like this one) were missing parts. Some might have been scavenged …
Since 2008, the remains of five blue lobsters (Homarus americanus) have been found on Sable Island. None were complete specimens – most (like this one) were missing parts. Some might have been scavenged …
1/2🧵: Strawberry Washing Ashore 🌎 #NorthAtlantic #beachsurvey #washedashore
A deflated but huge Mylar/foil balloon shaped & coloured like a strawberry washing ashore on the north beach. It was collected & disposed of, but if it had been on the beach for a while, the sand would have scraped away …
A deflated but huge Mylar/foil balloon shaped & coloured like a strawberry washing ashore on the north beach. It was collected & disposed of, but if it had been on the beach for a while, the sand would have scraped away …
November 28, 2025 at 12:39 AM
1/2🧵: Strawberry Washing Ashore 🌎 #NorthAtlantic #beachsurvey #washedashore
A deflated but huge Mylar/foil balloon shaped & coloured like a strawberry washing ashore on the north beach. It was collected & disposed of, but if it had been on the beach for a while, the sand would have scraped away …
A deflated but huge Mylar/foil balloon shaped & coloured like a strawberry washing ashore on the north beach. It was collected & disposed of, but if it had been on the beach for a while, the sand would have scraped away …
2/5: … & tangled with knots of ribbon. Balloons – deliberately or accidentally released - are carried to #SableIsland by wind & water. Sometimes, if they are still partly inflated, they'll tumble over the dunes & end up in vegetated inland areas or in freshwater ponds. Like balloons found …
November 28, 2025 at 12:23 AM
2/5: … & tangled with knots of ribbon. Balloons – deliberately or accidentally released - are carried to #SableIsland by wind & water. Sometimes, if they are still partly inflated, they'll tumble over the dunes & end up in vegetated inland areas or in freshwater ponds. Like balloons found …
1/5🧵: Beached Balloon Debris 🌎 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #beacheddebris #beachedplastics
During the last #beachsurvey, a glimpse of white ribbon & edges of a plastic balloon in the sand indicated more beneath the surface - a dozen foil &/or Mylar balloons & about 30 latex balloons, all deflated..
During the last #beachsurvey, a glimpse of white ribbon & edges of a plastic balloon in the sand indicated more beneath the surface - a dozen foil &/or Mylar balloons & about 30 latex balloons, all deflated..
November 28, 2025 at 12:23 AM
1/5🧵: Beached Balloon Debris 🌎 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #beacheddebris #beachedplastics
During the last #beachsurvey, a glimpse of white ribbon & edges of a plastic balloon in the sand indicated more beneath the surface - a dozen foil &/or Mylar balloons & about 30 latex balloons, all deflated..
During the last #beachsurvey, a glimpse of white ribbon & edges of a plastic balloon in the sand indicated more beneath the surface - a dozen foil &/or Mylar balloons & about 30 latex balloons, all deflated..
4/5: … on the Sandy Plain. During her first few days, Rose Morrison, Sable's first #ArtistinResidence, visited the site as she got her bearings on the island. There were no injuries or loss of life or fuel spills associated with the wreck, but some Merrimac mystery remains. @rosemorrisonmusic …
November 26, 2025 at 11:53 PM
4/5: … on the Sandy Plain. During her first few days, Rose Morrison, Sable's first #ArtistinResidence, visited the site as she got her bearings on the island. There were no injuries or loss of life or fuel spills associated with the wreck, but some Merrimac mystery remains. @rosemorrisonmusic …
1/5🧵: Visiting a Shipwreck 🌎 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #GraveyardoftheAtlantic #sailboat #buriedinsand #lifesavingstation #MeteorologicalService
On July 27, 1999, a few hours past midnight, a 12-metre fibreglass #yacht, Merrimac, ran aground on the south side of #SableIsland ….
On July 27, 1999, a few hours past midnight, a 12-metre fibreglass #yacht, Merrimac, ran aground on the south side of #SableIsland ….
November 26, 2025 at 11:53 PM
1/5🧵: Visiting a Shipwreck 🌎 🚢 🇨🇦 #NorthAtlantic #GraveyardoftheAtlantic #sailboat #buriedinsand #lifesavingstation #MeteorologicalService
On July 27, 1999, a few hours past midnight, a 12-metre fibreglass #yacht, Merrimac, ran aground on the south side of #SableIsland ….
On July 27, 1999, a few hours past midnight, a 12-metre fibreglass #yacht, Merrimac, ran aground on the south side of #SableIsland ….
3/4: … The shrub with bright red berries is Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), a species of holly that is native to eastern North America, in Canada from Newfoundland west to Ontario. It is common on the island. #Flora #floraofnovascotia
Photos Zoe Lucas….
Photos Zoe Lucas….
November 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
3/4: … The shrub with bright red berries is Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), a species of holly that is native to eastern North America, in Canada from Newfoundland west to Ontario. It is common on the island. #Flora #floraofnovascotia
Photos Zoe Lucas….
Photos Zoe Lucas….
2/4: … and golden leaves are Starry False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum, formerly called Smilacina stellata), native in North America and found across Canada. This species was once classified in the lily family, but modern taxonomic classification has moved it to the asparagus family….
November 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
2/4: … and golden leaves are Starry False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum, formerly called Smilacina stellata), native in North America and found across Canada. This species was once classified in the lily family, but modern taxonomic classification has moved it to the asparagus family….
1/4🧵: Fall Colours on Sable Island. 🌎🌿 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #November #fallcolours #autumncolours #botany
As the leaves of marram grass turn yellow, many other plants contribute to the fall colours here, flickering & gleaming in the sunshine.
The dark wine-red berries ….
As the leaves of marram grass turn yellow, many other plants contribute to the fall colours here, flickering & gleaming in the sunshine.
The dark wine-red berries ….
November 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
1/4🧵: Fall Colours on Sable Island. 🌎🌿 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic #November #fallcolours #autumncolours #botany
As the leaves of marram grass turn yellow, many other plants contribute to the fall colours here, flickering & gleaming in the sunshine.
The dark wine-red berries ….
As the leaves of marram grass turn yellow, many other plants contribute to the fall colours here, flickering & gleaming in the sunshine.
The dark wine-red berries ….
1/2🧵: A Belly Scratch. 🌎🌿 #SableIsland #SableIslandwx #NSwx #wildhorses #wildhorsesofSable
Today was pleasant with a light SW breeze of 5-10 kts, & a max temp of 8.4°C. A band stallion, strolling eastward, stopped at driftwood tree trunk on the north beach for a general scratching session – legs, …
Today was pleasant with a light SW breeze of 5-10 kts, & a max temp of 8.4°C. A band stallion, strolling eastward, stopped at driftwood tree trunk on the north beach for a general scratching session – legs, …
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 AM
1/2🧵: A Belly Scratch. 🌎🌿 #SableIsland #SableIslandwx #NSwx #wildhorses #wildhorsesofSable
Today was pleasant with a light SW breeze of 5-10 kts, & a max temp of 8.4°C. A band stallion, strolling eastward, stopped at driftwood tree trunk on the north beach for a general scratching session – legs, …
Today was pleasant with a light SW breeze of 5-10 kts, & a max temp of 8.4°C. A band stallion, strolling eastward, stopped at driftwood tree trunk on the north beach for a general scratching session – legs, …
1/5🧵: House at West Light, Sable Island.🌎 🧪 🇨🇦 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic
A photo taken during the calm of November 20 when there was barely enough breeze to ripple the surface of the freshwater pond.
Although now known as the BIO House, this was originally the lightkeeper’s residence….
A photo taken during the calm of November 20 when there was barely enough breeze to ripple the surface of the freshwater pond.
Although now known as the BIO House, this was originally the lightkeeper’s residence….
November 24, 2025 at 11:46 PM
1/5🧵: House at West Light, Sable Island.🌎 🧪 🇨🇦 #SableIsland #NorthAtlantic
A photo taken during the calm of November 20 when there was barely enough breeze to ripple the surface of the freshwater pond.
Although now known as the BIO House, this was originally the lightkeeper’s residence….
A photo taken during the calm of November 20 when there was barely enough breeze to ripple the surface of the freshwater pond.
Although now known as the BIO House, this was originally the lightkeeper’s residence….
2/3: … With less water on the beach & lighter winds, the flow looks less like turbulent rapids & more like a gently rippling stream. For now, until the next storm. #storm #beachflooding
Photos Zoe Lucas. …
Photos Zoe Lucas. …
November 24, 2025 at 1:51 AM
2/3: … With less water on the beach & lighter winds, the flow looks less like turbulent rapids & more like a gently rippling stream. For now, until the next storm. #storm #beachflooding
Photos Zoe Lucas. …
Photos Zoe Lucas. …