Fraser Estuary Research Collaborative

The project is focused on understanding how collaborative efforts can be improved to enhance and restore the interconnected systems of the Boundary Bay Basin that lies within the unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation and straddles the Canadian and US border. It provides recommendations on best practices and suitable approaches to advance collaboration on efforts that include enhancing water quality and restoring traditional harvesting practices.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems  

This report highlights lessons learned from Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Canada. These identified best practices inform future conservation actions and initiatives to support Species At Risk (SAR) in S'ólh Téméxw (roughly translated to "our land," referring to Stó:lō territory). Lessons include: foregrounding ceremony, choosing strategies according to cultural teachings and ethics, and writing culturally-situated management plans.

Partner: Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, social sustainability

This project focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) marine infrastructures. It analyzes EPS applications, regulations, and current efforts, and aims to recommend sustainable alternatives and strategies for an EPS ban. Promising alternatives are identified through market research, while regulatory review stresses clear definitions. The purpose of this project is to support a targeted campaign to ban EPS in British Columbia through provincial and federal laws.

Partner: Surfrider Foundation Canada Chapters
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: ecological systems, waste management & recycling, water  

The Bert Brink Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one of few remaining undiked floodplain habitats on the Lower Fraser River. Using visualizations this project aims to communicate the importance of floodplain habitat; support Rivershed Society's goal of connecting a movement to protect 30% and to restore 2.4% of the Fraser watershed; communicate the restoration plans for the Bert Brink WMA; and foster a community of support for the restoration of the Bert Brink WMA.  

Partner: Rivershed Society of BC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, invasive species

The project aimed to enhance biodiversity conservation messaging in the Fraser Estuary, effectively communicating conservation efforts amidst ongoing biodiversity threats. Its objective is to raise awareness, shape attitudes, and prompt action toward biodiversity conservation in the region. The project outlined a six-step approach to crafting and delivering tailored conservation messages, emphasizing credibility, framing, storytelling, visuals, connections, and co-benefits for diverse audiences.

Partner: Garden City Conservation Society
Funder: UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, leadership & behaviour change 

Southern Resident killer whales are an endangered population of orcas living in the coastal waters of southern British Columbia and Washington state. With only 74 individuals remaining, timely and meaningful action to protect this population is of critical importance. This report identifies the limitations of the Species at Risk Act and argues for expanding Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat into the Fraser River watershed to include Chinook salmon tributaries.

Partner: Raincoast Conservation
Foundation Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, endangered species

Partner: West Coast Environmental Law
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: food security, food sovereignty, Indigenous food systems, ALR (Agriculture Land Reserve)

This project unpacks failings of currently-dominant (colonial) approaches to cumulative effects assessment and management and explores Indigenous-centric alternatives to support the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA) in developing an Indigenous-centric cumulative effects framework. One that supports sustainable decision-making for the long-term holistic health of the Fraser River Estuary, in ways that center and empower the laws, ways of knowing, being, doing and valuing of member Nations. Findings are based on integrative literature review and iterative workshops with experts. 
To respect Indigenous knowledge governance the final report is confidential, but the Executive Summary is shared here and includes summaries of key shifts required, recommendations for various actors involved, and areas recommended for future research.

Partner: Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA)
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, restoration, conservation

This project gathered insights from a literature review and 31 practitioner interviews about the key challenges and opportunities that exist to accelerate eelgrass and tidal marsh conservation and restoration in the Fraser River estuary. Includes summaries of challenges and opportunities that were salient to interviewees, 10 priority actions, and ideas for how an NGO like WWF-Canada could contribute to eelgrass and tidal marsh recovery in the Fraser River estuary.

Partner: WWF-Canada
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords:  biodiversity, ecological systems, ecological governance