The Ocean Watch Report article on Clean Water aligns with this goal – link here. The report focused on the main sources of water pollution past and present. The Ocean Health rating in 2020 was caution.

Excerpt: * " Britannia Mine: Some improvements have been seen following wastewater treatment; however, exceedances of water quality guidelines are still occurring.

• Pulp mill: Marine effluent Dioxin and furan contamination in sediment and benthic life is decreasing following regulations but is still detected.

• Wrecked, abaondoned,and problem vessels: The passage of Bill C-64 has increased resources available for removal of vessels; however, this is a complex issue and further refining of legislation is necessary.

• Ocean Wise Pollution Tracker indicates Dioxin and furan concentrations are high, especially in mussels, when compared with other areas along the B.C. Coast. Metals continue to be detected in sediments, sometimes above sediment quality guidelines."

• Improvements have been made on the replacement of old docks containing styrofoam through the application of improved practices of dock management. Still more can be done. Removal of marine debris remains a costly challenge, but increased resources through the Clean Coast funds have enabled the removal of medium to large scaled debris including large blocks of styrofoam, old docks, boats and metal structures.

The Ocean Watch 2020 Report on Species and Habitats aligns with this goal. link here The Ocean Health rating in 2020 for a the various species and habitats was critical and caution.

Excerpt: "Important conservation actions have been taken to address some of the damage, restore key habitats and protect species. For example, efforts are ongoing to establish new eelgrass beds, continue restoration of the Squamish Estuary, and afford new protections to glass sponge reefs with the creation of marine refugia. However, the impetus cannot stop as new threats, such as climate change and an increasing human population, put pressure on the Sound’s ecosystems. To effectively protect key species and habitat, actions to address climate change, with consistent, comprehensive monitoring, are necessary." Restoration is ongoing along shorelines and in the Squamish Estuary with the removal of creosote pilings and barriers to fish passage. Eelgrass has been planted in many areas along the shorelines creating habitat for many species of fish along with increased education to prevent harm to eelgrass beds

The Ocean Watch 2020 Report has a chapter on Ocean Acidification– link here for the article.

Excerpt: "Current efforts at the Ocean Wise Research Institute suggests a relationship between climate regimes and ocean acidification in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound.2 Acidification appears to change in a step-wise fashion."

The Ocean Watch 2020 edition has a number of articles on the impacts of Climate Change and recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions . Link here.

Communities around the region declared a Climate Emergency and are actively working on reducing Community generated Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The Ocean Watch 2020 Report article on Seafood focuses on recreational/sport fishing and commercial shrimp and crab fishing. Both were rated as caution. Link here to read more about the status of these fisheries.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is continually assessing fishing stocks and is working towards the goal through the Oceans Protection plan as stated above.

Fishing regulations remain in place in Howe Sound to protect fragile habitats such as glass sponge reefs, and vulnerable species. Well monitored commercial prawn fishing takes place each year and is a testament to the ongoing recovery of a healthy ocean. Catch and release recreational fishing is also enjoyed and supports commercial sport fishery operations. While the regulations and limitations frustrate some, there are indications of good recovery of fish returns throughout the year.

The Ocean Watch 2020 Report articles on Stewardship and Governance align with this goal – link here. The articles on Marine Protected Areas and Governance are rated as Caution.

Excerpt: " Marine Protected Areas indicate positive actions have been taken, with the creation of new marine refugia to protect glass sponge reefs and the expansion of the important bird area (IBA). However, the IBA offers no legal protection.

• Comprehensive Planning indicates recent accomplishments suggest positive improvements, but a need for continued collaboration and communication is essential."

While there are not officially designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Howe Sound, there are marine refuges, Rockfish Conservation Areas that represent approximately .04% of our marine area. Fisheries and Oceans Canada impoved further restrictions around areas for proposed new Glass Sponge Reefs. In 2025 increased areas of protection against bottom fishing should be announced with will increase the protected areas by a further .04%. Overall, Howe Sound has significant management layers over the marine and foreshore areas through various levels of government.

The global target aligns with the development of mapping and consolidation of data for easy reference, transparency and data sharing here in Howe Sound. The David Suzuki Foundation's Conservation map and the Marine Reference Guide have been developed as important tools for planning.

The Province of British Columbia has released the BC Coastal Marine Strategy – in cooperation with the federal government, Indigenous peoples, and coastal communities – that provides a blueprint for stewardship, economic resilience and management of our coastal waters.

The Marine Stewardship Inititaive's Marine Reference Guide is a decision support tool that helps to identify where more research and capacity is needed to improve ocean health in Howe Sound.

Various research and monitoring projects have been undertaken in recent years, from plankton surveys, herring, megalope crab and more. A full list is available in the Action tracker under research and monitoring activities.