Knowing our Fish Creeks on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island

Summary

In collaboration with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Gambier Island Conservancy, the Howe Sound Biosphere Society initiated a fish-bearing streams monitoring project on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island. In 2023, HSBRIS released a report titled “Knowing Our Streams; a review of knowledge and stewardship programs of fish-bearing streams within the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region”. This report identified gaps in stewardship efforts and the state of knowledge with respect to the overarching goal of conserving these species and their habitats. This project is the continuation of the work that began with the report. Season one will involve addressing the monitoring needs identified for Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island, as well as testing methods that may be extended to other areas of the Biosphere in future seasons.

Funding: This project is possible through funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada and matching private donations. Donations will help to sustain this project today and for years to come.

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The Need

Cha7élkwnech / Gambier is the largest island in Howe Sound, spanning roughly 69 square kilometres of a highly complex landscape. At least ten watersheds lead to the ocean in all directions. These freshwater ecosystems are home to a variety of fish species.

Most of these species are threatened by disturbances due to the extent of human settlements and forest harvesting in south coastal BC. Fish are threatened due to human activities in these freshwater systems, as streams are critical for spawning and rearing habitat.

Fish have been observed in streams on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier, but no data exists, or has not been updated for many years. In order to ensure healthy survival of fish, we need to observe and record and monitor as the first step. There is also a need to engage community to care for the creeks and participate in restoration, stewardship and education.

Project Objectives

Extend baseline monitoring of fish bearing streams on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island
Collaborate and build relationships with local stewardship groups and governments
Increase local involvement in streams monitoring and stewardship

Project Activities

Install temperature loggers in six creeks on Cha7élkwnech /Gambier Island to contribute to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Community Stream Monitoring Project dataset.
Use the Pacific Streamkeepers / Fisheries and Oceans Canada methods to;
Inventory species presence in creeks without formal records of fish presence, including Grennon Creek and Mannion Creek, and submit findings to Provincial and Federal databases
Conduct habitat assessments to evaluate fish habitat quality

Project Benefits

This information will contribute to the state of knowledge on fish bearing streams in the Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. Initiating a long term water temperature dataset, documenting species presence, and selecting habitat monitoring sites are first steps towards monitoring of change in habitat quality over time for anadromous and resident fish and other stream dwelling species. This information will help to inform and provide justification for local stream stewardship efforts.

Location

This project will take place on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island. The creeks included for the first season of this project, from west to east, are Mannion, Grennon, Whispering, McDonald, and Long Bay Creek.

Project Updates

As of June 10, 2024, the project team is busy with planning field season logistics and engaging with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island community. Field activities are slated to begin in August 2024.

Read the November 2024 report by Samantha Wing about the successful season,