Georgia Strait Alliance has won the Maritime Industry Award for its Clean Marine BC program at the Vancouver Island EcoStar Awards on November 26. The EcoStar Awards recognize environmental achievements and leadership by businesses, organizations and individuals. They are hosted by the Synergy Sustainability Institute, which is a non-profit with a mission to catalyze the green economy on Vancouver Island.…
Read more »Press Category: Georgia Strait Alliance news
Festival of Ocean Films travels to Victoria and Pender Harbour
Official film selection celebrates oceans, orcas and ecosystems
The Festival of Ocean Films, hosted by Georgia Strait Alliance, is on the road to mark its 9th year, travelling to Victoria on May 30 and to the Sunshine Coast’s Pender Harbour on June 9. This year’s screenings carry strong messages about the current state of the world’s oceans to honour World Oceans Day, while also serving to inspire audiences…
Read more »Community-business-Indigenous leaders launch ‘Declaration in Defence of Wild Salmon’
Asks BC-ers to support removal of open net-pen fish farms
Today in Vancouver, a diverse group of B.C. community, Indigenous, and business leaders announced the launch of the “Declaration in Defence of Wild Salmon”. The declaration seeks to draw together the growing number of voices calling on the B.C. government to take action on salmon farming by refusing to renew fish farm leases when they expire in June, 2018. The…
Read more »Georgia Strait Alliance releases first-ever State of the Waterfront Report for Vancouver
There is a significant gap in the city’s waterfront planning
Vancouver, BC — Vancouver’s waterfront, which spans from saltwater in Burrard Inlet to freshwater in the Fraser River, is showing the stresses of a shoreline that lacks a comprehensive approach to considering the sustainability and accessibility of waterfront areas throughout the city. Georgia Strait Alliance, a regional marine conservation non-profit, has measured and tracked five key trends that demonstrate the…
Read more »Local businesses boost their bottom line with a healthy marine environment
Do most local businesses depend on marine habitat? The answer might be surprising
At first glance, it might not be apparent that many local businesses rely heavily on the unique waterways of British Columbia’s South Coast, but in fact thriving waterfront economies play a big role in everything from retail to trades. BC’s South Coast cities and towns are established provincial, national and international destinations to live, visit and vacation, with people drawn…
Read more »Groups urge federal government to protect Southern Resident killer whales
Calling on the Ministers to recommend Cabinet issue an emergency order
A coalition of conservation groups from Canada and the U.S. is calling on the Canadian government to take immediate action to protect Southern Resident killer whales. Today, Ecojustice sent a petition to Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Dominic LeBlanc and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna on Tuesday, requesting the Ministers recommend Cabinet issue an emergency order under…
Read more »Province proposes restrictions on increased bitumen transport
Georgia Strait Alliance commends measures as needed protection for coastal communities and local waters
Today, the Province announced five possible new regulations aimed at protecting our region from the threats of transporting bitumen and heavy oil. Included is the intention, that while a Science Panel conducts research into the unique properties and behaviour of bitumen, that the Province will restrict increases in the transport of this substance. In response, Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of…
Read more »Study links virus in wild salmon to fish farm exposure and stock decline
On December 13, 2017 the journal of Public Library of Science One published research that indicates the percentage of wild salmon infected with piscine reovirus (PRV) is much higher in wild salmon exposed to fish farms in BC than wild salmon not exposed to them. Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, made the following statement in response: “This…
Read more »Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films announces official film selection
World Oceans Day & Orca Awareness Month celebrated through film on June 4
The Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films is back for its 8th year on June 4, presenting a selection of short- and feature-length documentaries that focus on the ocean and the important role that this resource has in supporting healthy and prosperous communities and economies. This year, marine experts and filmmakers will lead Q&As after each screening, and there will be…
Read more »Ladysmith Maritime Society newly accredited as one of BC’s Clean Marinas
Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina (LMSM) is BC’s latest marina to be certified under Georgia Strait Alliance’s (GSA) Clean Marine BC (CMBC) program for their environmental best practices. The designation recognizes industry leading marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards that meet GSA’s rigid environmental standards. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to recognize Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina with Clean Marine BC…
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