An icy layer of isolation Prince Edward Island's sea-bound particularity

Abstract

The types and degrees of insularity experienced in islands provide considerable material for academics. In the case of Prince Edward Island (PEI), being an Island combined with the isolation caused by sea ice covering the waters around PEI, has impacted Islanders' sense of relative insularity. Even after the construction of a fixed link to the mainland, Islanders continue to relish in a sense of distinctiveness linked to their Island condition. Since European settlement, PEI's sea ice barrier has periodically cut offchannels of communication and transportation resulting in many societal effects. As ocean temperatures rise due to Climate Change, ice conditions are changing, bringing with them increased coastal erosion and other effects. This article investigates PEI's relationship with its frozen sea:bound particularity. Drawing upon the Island's history, culture, and climate data, as well as from the field of Island Studies, the article asks the question: how has this 'icy layer of isolation' affected Islanders' sense of place over time? And what are the potential implications of the effects of Climate Change for PEI?.