A coastal island off Nova Scotia’s south shore has been protected by the Nature Trust, marking the first time an agreement has been signed to protect university lands in Canada.

Acadia University and the Nova Scotia Nature Trust signed the legal agreement today protecting Bon Portage Island near Yarmouth.

A news release says Acadia will still own the 120-hectare island, but its natural habitat will be permanently protected by the Nature Trust.

The Trust says Bon Portage Island is considered one of the most ecologically important islands in the province.

The release says the island serves as a stopover for migrating songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors.

It is also home to more than fifty species of birds, including the largest breeding colony of Leach’s storm-petrels south of Newfoundland.