Presentation Abstract
Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem is a fjord located near Vancouver, BC with both nearshore and estuarine habitats and communities. The coastal and estuarine habitats in the fjord are highly vulnerable to impacts from climate change (e.g., sea level rise, increased storm frequency). In order to better inform local citizens and decision-makers about possible actions for climate change adaptation in these estuarine and nearshore zones, a new report on the area’s coastal health (Ocean Watch: Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem report update) will be released in 2020. This report updates the current state of coastal ocean health in Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem since an initial report was released in 2017. The report compiled area specific data about habitats, species or human trends. Knowledge holders were asked to provide updates on specific subjects, written into short articles using accessible language. Each article included a section with a description of climate change impacts. To conclude each article, actions were recommended for individuals, communities and government to improve the current state of the specific issue. We indicate if any progress has been made on actions suggested in the original report. The updated report highlights the potential impacts of climate change in the Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem nearshore and estuary area. Additionally, the report advises and tracks progress on actions to adapt. Previously recommended actions that are being taken were noted (e.g., habitat restoration and replanting). Specifically, significant work has been undertaken in the Squamish estuary in the last few years to reconnect and restore habitat to support the outmigration of Pacific and juvenile Chinook salmon. Moreover, considerable eelgrass restoration and habitat reconstruction has been undertaken. Overall, the Ocean Watch: Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem report update supports dissemination of knowledge about the necessity of climate change adaptation by highlighting potential impacts and recommending actions in these special and unique habitats.
Session Title
Climate Change Adaptation in Nearshore and Estuaries of the Salish Sea
Conference Track
Climate & Ocean Condition Changes
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2020 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
2020_abstractID_3651
Start Date
21-4-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
22-4-2020 4:45 PM
Genre/Form
presentations (communicative events)
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Coastal ecosystem health--British Columbia--Howe Sound; Environmental impact analysis--British Columbia--Howe Sound; Climatic changes--British Columbia--Howe Sound; Estuarine ecology--British Columbia--Howe Sound; Estuarine restoration--British Columbia--Howe Sound
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Howe Sound (B.C.)
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
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
Potential climate change impacts and actions to adapt in nearshore and estuarine areas of Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem
Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem is a fjord located near Vancouver, BC with both nearshore and estuarine habitats and communities. The coastal and estuarine habitats in the fjord are highly vulnerable to impacts from climate change (e.g., sea level rise, increased storm frequency). In order to better inform local citizens and decision-makers about possible actions for climate change adaptation in these estuarine and nearshore zones, a new report on the area’s coastal health (Ocean Watch: Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem report update) will be released in 2020. This report updates the current state of coastal ocean health in Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem since an initial report was released in 2017. The report compiled area specific data about habitats, species or human trends. Knowledge holders were asked to provide updates on specific subjects, written into short articles using accessible language. Each article included a section with a description of climate change impacts. To conclude each article, actions were recommended for individuals, communities and government to improve the current state of the specific issue. We indicate if any progress has been made on actions suggested in the original report. The updated report highlights the potential impacts of climate change in the Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem nearshore and estuary area. Additionally, the report advises and tracks progress on actions to adapt. Previously recommended actions that are being taken were noted (e.g., habitat restoration and replanting). Specifically, significant work has been undertaken in the Squamish estuary in the last few years to reconnect and restore habitat to support the outmigration of Pacific and juvenile Chinook salmon. Moreover, considerable eelgrass restoration and habitat reconstruction has been undertaken. Overall, the Ocean Watch: Howe Sound/Atl’ḵa7tsem report update supports dissemination of knowledge about the necessity of climate change adaptation by highlighting potential impacts and recommending actions in these special and unique habitats.
