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Deadline passes for protection of endangered orcas
Federal ministers fail to issue emergency order by conservation groups’ March 1 deadline
VANCOUVER – Conservation groups are calling for “urgent, enforceable action” to protect endangered orcas after federal ministers failed to recommend emergency protections by a March 1 deadline. “We’ve been informed that Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Dominic LeBlanc and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna are not prepared to make a decision about a recommendation at this time,…
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 »Feds to increase approach distance to 200m from orcas
On October 26, 2017, the federal government announced it will enact an enforceable requirement for all water-based vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from southern resident killer whales beginning by next spring. In response, the Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, Christianne Wilhelmson, made the following statement: “With this policy, the federal government is strengthening the current…
Read more »Time is running out to fend off orca extinction
Federal government’s orca symposium failed to establish concrete action on recovery measures, say seven conservation groups
The federal government’s southern resident killer whale Symposium, held as part of the Oceans Protection Plan this week in Vancouver, failed to identify concrete actions to ensure the recovery of the endangered killer whales, according to seven environmental organizations. “Threats to southern residents are well-documented and to support recovery we need to be implementing tangible measures immediately,” says Christianne Wilhelmson,…
Read more »Province of BC announces strong first steps to fight Kinder Morgan
Georgia Strait Alliance lauds efforts to stop 700% increase in tanker traffic
On Thursday, August 10th, the Province of British Columbia made an announcement of their first steps to defend BC’s interests against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion proposal. Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, made the following statement in response: “The Province’s announcement on Kinder Morgan is a strong commitment to First Nations consultation and reconciliation, to BC’s coastal…
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 »Georgia Strait Alliance conducts first marine spill training in Victoria Harbour
Through its eco-certification program: Clean Marine BC
Georgia Strait Alliance, a BC-based marine conservation organization, facilitated a spill response training session this week in Victoria Harbour to assist participating marinas with their planning, preparation and responses to small-scale marine oil spills should one occur at their docks. This represents the first time the organization has brought its spill training program to Victoria. “When marinas and wharfs are…
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