Ocean Wise and Squamish Nation Collaborate on Kelp Restoration in Howe Sound
Ocean Wise has partnered with the Squamish Nation to restore sugar kelp in Howe Sound, addressing significant declines due to climate change and ecosystem imbalances. The initiative includes a kelp nursery in West Vancouver and planting efforts at Furry Creek, with support from Woodfibre LNG, to enhance biodiversity and monitor urchin populations. This project aims to strengthen marine ecosystems and cultural values while tackling ecological challenges.
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Ocean Wise, in partnership with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), is restoring sugar kelp in Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound, where kelp has significantly declined due to climate change and ecosystem imbalances. The kelp nursery at the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre in West Vancouver produces kelp on rocks, which is then planted at Furry Creek to promote reproduction and biodiversity.
The project has received support from Woodfibre LNG, which also acknowledges the impact of industrial activity on herring habitats. Monitoring efforts and potential management strategies for urchin populations are being explored to enhance kelp growth.
Kelp forests are vital for marine ecosystems, providing habitat for numerous species and contributing an estimated economic value of $50 to $150,000 per hectare annually. The project aims to strengthen biodiversity and cultural values while addressing ecological challenges.
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