Four B.C. projects dedicated to coastal and marine environments are sharing $7.6 million in funding from the federal Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund.
The Pacheedaht First Nation, based in Port Renfrew, is receiving $2.3 million over three years to restore lost salt-marsh and eelgrass habitat.
The work will involve habitat restoration at three sites in the Gordon River and San Juan River estuaries to restore near-shore environments.
Eelgrass provides habitat for fish and other species, as well as food for marine organisms, while salt marshes are intertidal zones that also provide habitat for marine life and plants, and can help protect against flooding.
Vancouver Island-based Guardians of Our Salish Estuaries will receive $435,000, also over three years, to augment future salt-marsh restoration efforts with protective measures for sedge-marsh habitats, while the Pacific Salmon Foundation, with headquarters in Sidney, will get three-year funding of $2.2 million to work on eelgrass, tidal-marsh and kelp restoration projects in the Salish Sea.
Vancouver-based Raincoast Conservation Foundation will receive $2.6 million over three years to restore degraded habitat along the Lower Fraser River and its estuary, with a focus on improving habitat for juvenile salmon.
“Through close collaboration and concerted action, we are strengthening our ability to combat climate change through effective and sustainable aquatic restoration initiatives,” said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Diane Lebouthillier in announcing the funding.
The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund is supported by the Oceans Protection Plan, which combines environmental protection and economic goals.
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