Ocean Wise Canada - Burrard Inlet

Restoration Project

Ocean Wise Canada - Burrard Inlet

Restoration Objective:

Ocean Wise has been working with the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (TWN) to restore kelp habitat in səĺilẃət (Burrard Inlet) in front of the TWN reserve where kelp beds were historically well-established and thriving. Our goal is to restore bull kelp beds in an area that is culturally significant to the TWN to provide the nation access to a culturally important marine species that was once abundant in their traditional territory.

Site Selection Criteria:

The site was chosen based on proximity to the TWN reserve in Burrard Inlet.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Climate Change

Imbalance

Ocean warming

Organisation:

Site Observations:

Observation Date

1st Apr 2023 – 31st Jul 2023

Action Summary:

Ocean Wise, in collaboration with the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, outplanted bull kelp juveniles into səl̓ilw̓ət (Burrard Inlet). The bull kelp was grown on a local farm to 35 cm, detatched from the farm, and reattached to rocks which were lowered into the inlet.

Lessons Learned:

Proper site selection is key for success. The site was likely too deep and too turbid for the bull kelp to survive.

Project Outcomes:

This project contributed to our understanding of the best methods for transplanting kelp and will help guide our future restoration projects.

Indicator Data:

Transplant Info:
Life Stage:Juveniles
Source:Culture