Please direct all media inquiries to Allison Murray, Communications Associate, at allison [at] murraycommunications.org | 604-442-1846.
Press
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…
Read more »Eleven BC marinas prepare for marine oil spill
Georgia Strait Alliance organizes mock spill training in Vancouver Harbour
Eleven marinas—all members of Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program—participated in a theoretical and practical marine oil spill response training session yesterday at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf in Vancouver. Participating marinas refreshed their knowledge and honed their planning and preparation skills to be able to effectively deal with and respond to a small-scale marine oil spill, which involved a…
Read more »Ocean protection plan meaningless if Kinder Morgan is approved
Georgia Strait Alliance responds to federal Oceans Protection Plan
Today, the federal government announced a series of measures related to spill response and marine safety under the banner of the Oceans Protection Plan. Alexandra Woodsworth, Energy Campaigner at Georgia Strait Alliance, made the following statement in response: “These welcome and long overdue protection measures are needed to address the threats BC’s west coast faces now from existing shipping traffic…
Read more »The removal of Viki Lyne II from Ladysmith Harbour gets underway
Georgia Strait Alliance underscores need for comprehensive, timely approach to abandoned and derelict vessels
The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is finally being towed away for safe dismantling after sitting in Ladysmith Harbour since 2012. Vancouver, BC—The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is currently being removed from Ladysmith Harbour as part of the execution of a contract tendered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and it will be dismantled…
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