Protecting coastal aquatic ecosystems in British Columbia through important restoration work

Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan Supports Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

GIBSONS, BC, Dec. 1, 2023 /CNW/ – 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.

Funding for Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration in British Columbia

Today 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, the Honourable 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.

Oceans Protection Plan and the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund

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.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to taking action to restore and safeguard the health of our ocean and freshwater ecosystems. We are proud to help fund the work of these recipients in restoring and enhancing priority coastal and upstream aquatic areas. Working together, we can enhance our abilities to combat climate change through coastal restoration activities.”  

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Canada’s coasts support our communities, enable international trade, are home to precious ecosystems, and play a key role in strengthening our economy. Under the Oceans Protection Plan—the largest investment ever made to preserve Canada’s coasts and waterways—the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Fund will help us continue to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems across British Columbia.”

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport

“British Columbia is home to vibrant marine ecosystems that sustain wild pacific salmon and a diversity of aquatic life. Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound, and many other waterbodies in BC have been deeply impacted by human activity, jeopardizing the blue economy they enable for coastal communities. Through over $12 million in federal investments announced today, we are working in partnership with indigenous peoples and environmental organizations to bring back kelp forests, replant eelgrass, and restore riparian and marine ecosystems that provide immeasurable value to British Columbians.”

Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – This goal focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – This goal aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and take action for their restoration, to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions specific projects funded under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) that contribute to the restoration and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. These projects can serve as indicators of progress towards achieving Target 14.2. The article also mentions projects aimed at restoring kelp forests, enhancing climate change resilience, and restoring estuarine and riparian habitats, which can be indicators of progress towards achieving Target 15.1.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: finance.yahoo.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.