Salmon Steward

salmon Steward magazine 15 EIKO JONES; ANISHA PAREKH; DFO PACIFIC REGION sensing to determine both past and current kelp distributions, and will assess how these distributions varied over time in response to environmental and human- related factors. Locating resilient beds of kelp is the groundwork needed to identify areas of protection for future responses to climate change. PSF has also supported an innovative proposal from Dr. Bisgrove that studies thermal tolerance of kelp within the Salish Sea. Her intention is to culture varieties of kelp that may be important for restoration under climate change. By creating a biodiversity seed bank of thermo-tolerant strains of kelp at SFU, Bisgrove aims to restore and preserve existing ecology and genetics to mitigate the effects of climate change within the Salish Sea and beyond. Local volunteers work to enhance eelgrass beds, vital habitat for juvenile salmon. Note the distinguishing feature of five spines on each side of the eyes. NEARSHORE AND ESTUARY RESTORATION PSF has committed to conducting a much-needed review of U.S. and worldwide programs for estuary restoration amidst climate change. There has already been extensive estuary restoration, shoreline modification and contaminant research in the Salish Sea, and this project will aim to collect and access these data, as well as identify emerging issues, such as aquatic invasive species. For example, PSF will be assisting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in education and outreach regarding the European Green Crab, as this species disrupts eelgrass beds which are productive habitat for many juvenile fish species (see sidebar below for more). Led by Dr. Isobel Pearsall, the project will lead to the development of the "Climate Adaptation Strategy for Nearshore and Estuary Resilience," a web-based guide offering information and recommendations for local communities and practitioners, DFO, the provincial government and academia. Such research is necessary since these habitats are absolutely essential to future salmon production. INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT: GREEN CRAB Crucial nearshore and estuary habitats in B.C. could be at risk due to a new destructive invasive species that has been identified on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is considered to be one of the most aggressive invasive species responsible for altering shoreline ecosystems and causing serious negative impacts on B.C.'s native species. Although we have many native crab species in British Columbia (Native Kelp Crab, Native Hairy Shore Crab, etc.), the European Green Crab is unique in that it has five marginal spines outside of each eye. PSF is partnering with DFO to create signage, outreach and educational materials about Green Crab identification and distribution in B.C. The Salish Sea Marine Survival Project has made this issue a priority because of the devastating effect such a species can have on eelgrass and estuary habitats. If you think you have found a European Green Crab (other than on the west coast of Vancouver Island), please email photos and location to AISPACIFIC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

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