Presentation Abstract
Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) in British Columbia set limits within which various parameters should remain to enable sensitive uses of water bodies. The current WQOs for Burrard Inlet are more than 25 years old and do not reflect current science, all pollutants of concern or a complete understanding of uses and values, for example uses of particular importance to First Nations. As part of its work to implement the Burrard Inlet Action Plan, Tsleil-Waututh Nation is leading an initiative with the Province of BC to update the Burrard Inlet WQOs. One goal in doing so is to ensure that ecological and cultural uses are reflected to achieve stewardship responsibilities and obligations. Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s long-term vision includes restoring water quality in the inlet to enable uses such as shellfish harvesting, which has been closed since 1972 due to contamination. This is a major, multi-sector undertaking in a complex body of water. In this session we’ll share what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and what we’ve learned.
Session Title
Policy and Management Challenges for Restoring and Protecting Water Quality in the Salish Sea
Keywords
water quality, Indigenous, collaboration, standards
Conference Track
SSE8: Policy, Management, and Regulations
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2018 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE8-339
Start Date
5-4-2018 2:15 PM
End Date
5-4-2018 2:30 PM
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Water quality management--British Columbia--Burrard Inlet--Planning; Marine debris--Cleanup--British Columbia--Burrard Inlet; Marine pollution--British Columbia--Burrard Inlet; Shorelines--Government policy--British Columbia--Burrard Inlet
Geographic Coverage
Burrard Inlet (B.C.); Tsleil-Waututh Nation; British Columbia
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Fresh Water Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Raising the standards for water quality objectives in Burrard Inlet: interaction between public, ecological and cultural values through Indigenous-Provincial collaboration
Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) in British Columbia set limits within which various parameters should remain to enable sensitive uses of water bodies. The current WQOs for Burrard Inlet are more than 25 years old and do not reflect current science, all pollutants of concern or a complete understanding of uses and values, for example uses of particular importance to First Nations. As part of its work to implement the Burrard Inlet Action Plan, Tsleil-Waututh Nation is leading an initiative with the Province of BC to update the Burrard Inlet WQOs. One goal in doing so is to ensure that ecological and cultural uses are reflected to achieve stewardship responsibilities and obligations. Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s long-term vision includes restoring water quality in the inlet to enable uses such as shellfish harvesting, which has been closed since 1972 due to contamination. This is a major, multi-sector undertaking in a complex body of water. In this session we’ll share what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and what we’ve learned.
