Protecting coastal aquatic ecosystems in BC

Gibsons – Canada’s oceans and waterways are home to diverse ecosystems that play an important role in the health of Canadians and the environment. Climate change, pollution, and shipping activities can threaten marine life. Through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is increasing protections and further preserving these important marine ecosystems.

The Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, Patrick Weiler, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Diane Lebouthillier, announced more than $12 million for 6 projects in British Columbia under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF). This fund supports projects to conserve and restore our aquatic ecosystems by addressing threats in these environments.

Projects receiving funding as part of today’s announcement include:

• $1,697,551 over the next four years to the Tla’amin Nation Government to work with partners to restore and support the reestablishment of Pacific salmon populations in the Unwin Lake watershed.
• $1,028,750 over the next four years for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) to work in partnership with shíshálh and Tla’amin Nations to help restore and enhance kelp forests along the Sunshine Coast with the intent to restore over 67,000 sq. metres of kelp at 25 sites.
• $1,502,135 over the next four years for the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society to work with partners to restore and enhance nearshore marine ecosystems along the east coast of Vancouver Island, including tidal marshes, eelgrass beds and kelp forests, critical rearing habitat and migratory corridors for Pacific salmonids.
• $5,000,000 over five years for Nature Trust British Columbia (NTBC) to work with partners to enhance climate change resilience by restoring estuarine and riparian habitats in the Salish Sea and North Vancouver Island.
• $312,602 over the next four years for Skeena Knowledge Trust to create a comprehensive salmon-specific project registry that will provide an overview of all completed aquatic-based salmon restoration projects across the Skeena River watershed and estuary.
• $2,599,000 over the next four years for Squamish River Watershed Society to restore Chinook salmon habitat within upper Howe Sound, including the Stawamus and Squamish River estuaries.

As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the AERF supports projects to identify coastal and inland restoration priorities, develop and implement aquatic restoration plans, and stimulate partnership with Indigenous Peoples, conservation groups, and academia to address threats to Canadian aquatic species and habitats. Activities funded under the AERF will also help to address the root causes of impacts on those environments. Projects will help to protect and restore aquatic habitat for Canada’s coastline, estuaries, and inland regions.

The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, experts, academia, and government work together to protect our environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan will keep our oceans and coasts healthy, advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren.