Salmon Steward

28 2019 psf.ca Nikki: SeaChange Marine Conservation Society is engaging communities and volunteers in removing marine debris from four regions within the Strait of Georgia. I have been involved in community organizing since the 1970s as an environmental educator and conservationist. Recently, we were awarded a $1.3-million grant through DFO's Coastal Restoration Fund allowing us to continue recovery of nearshore marine habitats in Gulf Islands, Howe Sound, and Burrard and Sechelt Inlets. Eelgrass restoration has been successful in many areas of the Strait, but it has been hampered from damage by anchors, dock building and shoreline hardening (construction of seawalls). There's also the matter of marine debris fragmenting the eelgrass beds. SeaChange has removed tonnes of debris from Genoa Bay, Tod Inlet, Burgoyne Bay, Degnen Bay on Gabriola Island and Porpoise Bay in the Sechelt Inlet, thanks to funding and moral support from PSF's Salish Sea Marine Survival Project, DFO, the Sidney Anglers Association and the B.C. Boating Association. Community input and volunteers have been crucial to our success. Fortunately, an upwelling of focused passion for the ocean is on the rise, the power of which we have never before witnessed in our 20 years of working in B.C. With it comes a desire to actually "Do Something." SeaChange believes the restoration of our oceans is inextricably related to the restoration of our relationships with each other and the sea. When we work together to plan nearshore restoration e–orts, we are creating partnerships based on trust. Volunteers help with eelgrass restoration in Howe Sound, plant native plants on a blu– overlooking the shore on Thetis Island and clean up the shores of Gabriola Island. The work is getting done and our social networks are becoming stronger, including with First Nations. Dianne: With assistance from Sid Quinn and the shíshálh Nation, and funding from PSF and the Community Restoration Fund of the federal government, our project began here on the Sunshine Coast in the spring of 2018. It was determined that eelgrass-rich Porpoise Bay was the priority to commence marine debris removal. The spirit of collaboration behind this e–ort is something I'd never experienced before – I am really excited to be part of it. "We see everything from sewing machines and fishing nets to boat engines and refrigerators. If two older women can initiate this work with a dive crew and a good boat, anyone can." – Nikki Wright RESTORE THE NEARSHORE Nikki Wright EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SEACHANGE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY Dianne Sanford SUNSHINE COAST COORDINATOR Salmon? WHO CARES ABOUT Ensure young salmon have shelter and food while they prepare for their ocean journeys DID YOU KNOW? • Eelgrass beds are vital habitat for juvenile salmon, providing shelter, food in the form of small ocean creatures and a place to acclimatize to the ocean environment. • Native subtidal eelgrass grows about half a metre per year given good water quality and no disturbance. • Eelgrass is a true plant that requires light (photosynthesis). Grey and black discharges from boats can inhibit their ability to grow. • Dragging anchor chains pull up the roots and make big gaps in meadows, eventually disrupting a continuous "highway" for fish passage. HOW CAN YOU HELP? • Boat owners can support eelgrass by using holding tanks, employing septic discharge services at local marinas, using boat moorages that protect fish habitat and make swimming safer, and going slow and avoiding shallow areas. • The general public can support eelgrass by not littering, limiting fertilizer and pesticide use, not dumping hazardous materials down the drain and supporting local conservation efforts. ng us to continue recovery of nearshore from damage by anchors, dock building and shoreline hardening (construction of seawalls). There's also each other and the sea. When we work together to plan nearshore restoration e–orts, we are creating partnerships dive crew and a good boat, anyone can." – Nikki Wright SEWING MACHINE PHOTO: COASTAL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

• Cover