Coastal Marine Strategy responds to some of Islands Trust’s concerns

Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

The newly released B.C. coastal marine strategy is meant to guide decision-making that supports biodiversity, productivity, resiliency and the prosperity, health and well-being of coastal communities for the next 20 years.

The strategy was co-developed by the province and multiple coastal First Nations, including Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose traditional territory includes Gabriola Island.

The strategy outlines actions that the province will take to steward marine resources “by striking a balance between taking and giving,” according to the province. The strategy focuses on the near shore areas and activities that fall under the B.C. government’s responsibility and notes that actions and activities will be implemented in collaboration and co-operation with other governments.

The four themes of the strategy – healthy coastal marine ecosystems, resilience to climate change, thriving coastal economies and communities and informed governance – are broken down into nine goals.

“Details concerning strategy implementation will be worked out in partnership with coastal First Nations and in collaboration with other governments and stakeholders,” the strategy says. Islands Trust Council has yet to review the Coastal Marine Strategy, according to Trust Council chair Peter Luckham, but Luckham did write a letter on behalf of Trust Council in 2023 in response to the Coastal Marine Strategy Intentions Paper. Luckham told the Sounder that he is “very pleased to see that many of the issues Islands Trust raised in 2023 have been addressed.

“This includes topics such as aquaculture and anchorage management, prohibiting the use of polystyrene in future marine infrastructure construction and increased provincial resources for education and enforcement. There is more to do, but this strategy is a step in the right direction and we look forward to being involved in its implementation.”

Luckham’s 2023 letter advocated for several measures including providing mapping resources, data visualization and other supports to Islands Trust and local governments; provincial-federal cooperation to address issues such as commercial freighter anchorage sites throughout the Southern Gulf Islands; marine conservation areas; updating the BC Marine Oil Spill Response Plan; and provincial resources to prevent aquaculture industry debris and unlawful docks and marine infrastructure in the Salish Sea.