Knowing our fish creeks in Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound
Over 45 recorded fish-bearing creeks that drain into Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound are recorded in the Marine Reference Guide, the online map of the region’s aquatic areas. Data layers rely on open sources for reporting and recording.
Riparian area regulations help protect these essential fish habitats. As part of our work on other effective conservation area measures (OECMS), we have established a project to check on the currently available data to ensure our knowledge is up to date and we are not missing opportunities to enhance conservation efforts to help support fish habitat and buffer zones.
Many non-government and government-funded organizations work on these creeks in the region (see list below). Private property owners work with environmental consultants and DFO on creeks impacted by industry and property development. Together they steward the recovery of our marine life and healthy fish populations.
This project is an opportunity to collaborate and share information. We are ensuring no fish are being left behind and are seeking more opportunities to help buffer the impacts on fish from human activities.
Grace Mackie. Photo by Lora Tryon, Laketrail Consulting
With the support of funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, we have contracted Grace Mackie to connect with organizations and scan our currently available information. We will report on Grace Mackie’s findings in spring 2023. This information will connect us with those stewards, help inform what conservation efforts are at work and find opportunities to improve.
If you are involved, either professionally, or as a citizen scientist or general observer of a watercourse in and around Howe Sound, please let us know your observations by emailing gracemackie@howesoundbri.org.
If you have questions or seek more information about the online map, contact the Marine Stewardship Initiative.
Organizations listed below are at work stewarding and protecting fish-bearing creeks. if you are missing from this list, please get in touch with gracemackie@howesoundbri.org.
Squamish Nation
Sunshine Coast Conservation Association
Squamish River Watershed Society
Squamish Streamkeepers Society