Every summer, we enjoy meeting boaters on the docks and at boating events. It’s an important part of our grassroots Clean Marine BC program, where we create space to consider and talk with boaters about everything from preventing over-fuelling to using non-toxic cleaning products and pump-outs. In the summer of 2024, we had more than … Continue reading
Read more »Category Archives: Clean Marine BC
Derelict vessel graveyards: A growing problem
This month, on September 5, we attended a community discussion on Derelict Vessels in Ladysmith. The surrounding waters have a visibly higher rate of derelict vessels ranging in size and deterioration, with many locals calling them “Vessel Graveyards”. Lisa Marie Barron—the Nanaimo Ladysmith MP—organized this Town Hall meeting with local First Nations, experts, and community … Continue reading
Read more »Reflections from the Dock
My Summer with Georgia Strait Alliance – by Megan Raitt As the summer sun sets over the Salish Sea, I am reflecting on the past few months spent as a Dock Walker with Georgia Strait Alliance. This job, part of the Canada Summer Jobs program, was more than just a summer gig: it was a … Continue reading
Read more »Give the brush off to aquatic invasive species
As boaters, we can unknowingly be responsible for spreading aquatic invasive species that can cause tremendous damage to local waterways and ecosystems. One of the most unwanted species in the world – the European green crab – is prevalent in Canadian and U.S. waters. Boaters can sometimes transport these crabs during the crabs’ multi-month larval … Continue reading
Read more »5 Opportunities Destined for Marine Action in 2024
Reflection isn’t uncommon during these winter months, particularly as one calendar year transforms into the next. At GSA, our thoughts are drawn to five memorable moments that are likely to see some threats to the Salish Sea addressed in 2024. In these moments, oceans are working harder than ever, trying to absorb more and more … Continue reading
Read more »Abandoned boats in B.C. waterways are taking a heavy toll
A national strategy for abandoned boats that empowers community leaders, led by local knowledge, is within reach *Originally published in the Vancouver Sun on December 5, 2023 Abandoned boats are a familiar sight in coastal communities. Also familiar is the feeling those communities have of not always knowing who the boat belongs to, or who … Continue reading
Read more »Introducing our summer 2023 team
We’re thrilled to have five youths join GSA for eight weeks over the summertime. Having this additional capacity means that GSA can be present in more communities, listening, learning and amplifying the concerns, and also the solutions, that emerge from within the diverse communities connected to the wondrous Salish Sea. Byron Lee, Megan Raitt, Shubhdeep … Continue reading
Read more »Bigger buffer zone for orcas, but not in Canada
Washington State signed new legislation that requires boats to keep 914 metres from orcas, more than doubling the current requirement, beginning in January 2025. Unfortunately, Canada isn’t following suit. Originally published in PostMedia’s The Province on May 18. Endangered southern resident orcas are on the verge of getting a lot more space, but not if … Continue reading
Read more »Boater Survey Results
How much do recreational boaters know about clean boating regulations? As part of our Clean Marine BC program, nearly 200 recreational boaters participated in a survey to test their knowledge about clean and safe boating – and the results surprised us in good, and not-so-good, ways. The good news is that most respondents know to … Continue reading
Read more »Boating in a changing climate
The impacts of climate change are becoming more prevalent and, as boaters, we need to be prepared for the consequences out on the water. As extreme weather events increase, boaters are more frequently encountering and having to navigate drought-depleted waterways, fires, changing weather patterns, severe wind storms, atmospheric rivers, and floods. We need to expect … Continue reading
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